FDU survey links online betting with gambling problems among young men

A new survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University reveals that young men in the United States are facing an increased risk of gambling addiction due to the rise of online betting.

The legalization of online gambling and sports betting in much of the United States over the past few years has led to troubling signs of gambling problems among certain groups, especially young men.

According to the survey, 10% of men between the ages of 18 and 30 exhibit signs of problem gambling, significantly higher than the 3% seen in the overall population. The study links the rise in problem gambling primarily to online sports betting and online slot machines.

Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson and the poll’s executive director, emphasized that while most gambling is viewed as entertainment, there is a growing trend of problem behaviors among younger men.

“Gambling is generally marketed as entertainment, and for most gamblers it’s just that,” said Dan Cassino, a professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson, and the Executive Director of the poll. “But there’s always some chance of gambling turning into problem behaviors, and online gambling is proving to be much more dangerous than other kinds.”

“Sports betting has been marketed heavily to the young men who are the biggest consumers of sports,” said Cassino. “When every league is partnered with a betting site, people who like sports are going to start gambling on it.”

“Online gambling, particularly betting on sports, is proving much more dangerous than other forms,” Cassino stated.

The total wagers placed by Americans every year exceed $1 trillion, which amounts to tax on the poor. In 2022, Americans bet the equivalent of nearly four percent of gross domestic product and lost more than 10 percent of that money on those bets.

Young people are increasingly exposed to gambling through advertising, sports betting, and online platforms. Early exposure increases the risk of developing gambling problems later in life, with long-term social costs related to mental health, education, and criminal behavior.

“The fact that online gambling has been normalized and gotten so common doesn’t mean that It’s safe,” said Cassino. “Online sports betting and slots are creating a generation of problem gamblers.”

Philip Newall, a lecturer at the University of Bristol and a member of the board that advises the UK Gambling Commission said, “These results show the severe harms that are caused when a population is exposed to modern gambling products that put a casino inside people’s mobile phones.”

The survey found that 57% of American voters have engaged in some form of gambling over the past year, with lottery tickets being the most common form, followed by scratch-off tickets.

However, the prevalence of online sports betting is notably concentrated among younger men, with 26% of men under 45 having participated in online betting over the past year.

The survey also utilized the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), which identifies gambling behaviors that indicate harm, such as financial or emotional problems caused by gambling. Twenty-four percent of men reported at least one problem behavior, and this number jumped to 45% among men aged 30 and younger.

Notably, the study highlights the link between online gambling and problem behaviors, with 68% of voters who bet on sports online reporting at least one problem gambling behavior. This is significantly higher than those who participate in more traditional forms of gambling like lottery tickets or in-person casino games.

Philip Newall, a lecturer at the University of Bristol and an expert on gambling regulation, said the findings reflect the dangers of modern gambling platforms. “These results show the severe harms caused when gambling is made easily accessible through mobile devices,” he remarked.

“The lottery is a tax on poor people and on people who can’t do math. Rich people and smart people would be in the line if the lottery were a real wealth-building tool, but the truth is that the lottery is a rip-off instituted by our government, said Dave Ramsey, author of The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness. “This is not a moral position; it is a mathematical, statistical fact. Studies show that the zip codes that spend four times what anyone else does on lottery tickets are those in lower-income parts of town. The lottery, or gambling of any kind, offers false hope, not a ticket out.”

While the gambling industry made a record $66.5 billion in revenue last year, U.S. consumers experience over $100 billion per year in total gambling losses annually.

The survey’s findings come at a time when the gambling industry is under increased scrutiny for its role in promoting responsible gambling. While some states have adopted player protections, the National Council on Problem Gambling has pointed out significant gaps in regulations across the country.

The nationwide survey, conducted between August 17 and August 20, included 801 registered voters and has a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points.