A recent study highlights a significant connection between sports betting and increased binge drinking compared to individuals who do not gamble or gamble differently.
The research, conducted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the University of New Mexico, surveyed over 4,000 individuals. The findings reveal that sports bettors consume significantly more alcohol, averaging around five drinks per session, than those who do not engage in sports betting, according to Shane Kraus, a psychology professor at UNLV and the director of the Behavioral Addictions Lab.
“They just have more heavy alcohol use,” Kraus stated. “And we know heavy alcohol use is a risk factor. It’s not a very good health behavior. So that’s the big takeaway — and it didn’t matter if they’re male or female. Men and women who do sports betting engage in a lot more drinking or more binge drinking.”
The study, titled “Binge Drinking Among Sports Gamblers,” is particularly relevant given the rising legalization and popularity of sports wagering. The industry set a record with a handle of $119.8 billion in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association.
Joshua Grubbs, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico and co-author of the study, pointed out that problem gambling is just one aspect of the negative impacts of sports betting. The research sought to explore the relationship between sports betting and substance use, particularly alcohol-use disorder.
“And sure enough, that’s kind of what our research is finding,” Grubbs said, noting the dangers of risky drinking behaviors, which can lead to severe consequences like driving under the influence.
The study’s findings are not entirely surprising, according to Grubbs. It aligns with the observation that both sports fans and gamblers tend to drink more than their counterparts.
To mitigate the risks associated with both problem gambling and problem drinking, Grubbs advised sports bettors to set clear limits on their bets and alcohol consumption in advance. He emphasized the importance of avoiding impulsive decisions, especially when influenced by alcohol.
Kraus echoed this advice, urging people to place their bets before they start drinking to avoid reckless betting.
“Don’t be four beers in and then suddenly start betting on all the parlays in the game,” Kraus cautioned. “If you’re drinking, don’t be betting.”
Many sportsbook mobile apps now offer features that allow users to set betting and deposit limits, and provide resources for addressing problem gambling. However, Grubbs expressed concerns about advertisements for alcohol within these apps, suggesting that this relationship needs reevaluation.
Ted Hartwell, executive director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, acknowledged the study’s contribution to existing research, noting the common overlap between gambling problems and substance use disorders. He highlighted the significant impact of sports betting on younger demographics, who may develop unrealistic expectations of gambling success.
Since the rise of legalized sports betting, the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling has seen an increase in calls from sports bettors, rising from 3-4% to 7-8% of all calls. Hartwell pointed out the rapid expansion of legalized gambling in the U.S. and the potential risks it poses, especially regarding advertisements and their impact on children.
“There are many, many studies that show that one of the risk factors for developing a gambling problem later on in life is gambling in childhood or adolescence,” Hartwell said. “So that education aspect and getting that in very early is important.”
Looking ahead, Kraus indicated that future research would explore whether heavy drinking among sports bettors correlates with problematic betting behaviors, aiming to understand and mitigate the associated risks.
