A new report from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) reveals that the rapid expansion of online gambling, particularly sports betting, has intensified problematic behavior in certain groups, especially young men.
According to the New Jersey university’s study, men aged 18 to 30 reported gambling issues at a rate more than three times the national average—10% compared to 3%. The biggest culprits behind these problems are sports betting and online slot games, as per FDU’s findings.
Men More Likely to Experience Betting Problems Than Women
Although the rates of lottery play, scratch-offs, and casino visits are similar between men and women, the gap widens significantly when it comes to online gambling.
Despite increasing participation from women in sports betting, only 6% of women surveyed by FDU had placed sports bets in the past year, compared to 15% of men. The study also highlights the vulnerability of young men to risky betting behavior: while only 10% of the overall population reported betting on sports, this figure jumps to 26% among men under 30.
The FDU survey also found that while 24% of men reported having some form of gambling problem, this rate soared to 45% among men under 30, and 38% for those aged 31 to 44.
Online Gambling Linked to Riskier Behavior
This isn’t the first study to highlight concerning trends among young men. A 2023 NCAA-commissioned report found that 17% of college students, predominantly men, lost at least $100 in a day betting on sports, with 6% reporting losses between $500 and $1,000 in a single day.
FDU’s research draws a clear connection between problem gambling and the increased accessibility of online platforms. Gamblers who wager online are much more prone to developing harmful habits compared to those who stick to traditional forms like the lottery.
“For example, only 34% of lottery players report problem gambling behaviors, but this number rises to 40% for scratch-off players,” the university concluded. “However, online betting is far more concerning: 68% of online sports bettors report at least one problematic behavior, and 53% report two or more. Among online slot players, 81% exhibit problem gambling behaviors, with two-thirds showing two or more signs—far higher than similar games played in person.”
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