The allure of quick riches offered by online sports betting is proving particularly dangerous for young adults, even as economic pressures mount. A recent report indicates a surprising trend: despite increased wages and military pay, debt among young people is increasing, and online gambling is a primary driver. The findings, reported in a Korean news outlet on , echo growing concerns within the US about the accessibility and potential harms of increasingly sophisticated betting platforms.
The situation is particularly acute for those drawn in by the constant engagement offered by modern sports betting. Jeffrey Derevensky, director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University, describes a shift from traditional betting to a “continuous form of gambling.” Where once a bet might be placed at the start of a game, now individuals can wager on nearly every moment of play, on individual athletes, and on a multitude of proposition bets. This constant stimulation, Derevensky explains, accelerates problematic behavior.
This isn’t merely a theoretical concern. The rise in abusive behavior directed towards athletes – both collegiate and professional – is directly linked to the increased prevalence of sports betting. The NCAA launched a “Don’t Be a Loser” campaign during March Madness in an attempt to curb harassment of student-athletes, a problem demonstrably fueled by gambling. While the NCAA reported a 23% decrease in abuse related to sports betting compared to 2024, the underlying issue of gambling’s growing presence remains.
The problem extends beyond college sports. Professional athletes are also facing harassment, with instances reported in the WNBA and even at track meets, where an Olympic gold medalist, Gabby Thomas, was followed and verbally abused by a bettor who claimed the harassment aided a parlay win. These incidents highlight the real-world consequences of a betting culture that prioritizes financial gain over respectful engagement with the sport and its participants.
The financial implications are significant. Americans legally wager approximately $150 billion annually on sports, and states are heavily taxing these bets. However, this revenue comes at a cost, with increasing numbers of bankruptcies and debt burdens linked to gambling addiction. A recent report from TransUnion highlights the growing debt obligations for young bettors, emphasizing the importance of responsible gambling, particularly in the face of economic uncertainty.
The accessibility of online gambling is a key factor. The shift to online platforms has fundamentally changed who gambles and when. This ease of access, coupled with the sophisticated betting options now available, creates a particularly vulnerable environment for young people. A factsheet from the National Council on Problem Gambling acknowledges a “significant lack of research on youth gambling activity and the harms associated with it,” underscoring the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of these platforms.
The issue isn’t limited to civilian populations. A study focusing on the United Kingdom Armed Forces reveals that military personnel, both active duty and veterans, are particularly susceptible to gambling harm, yet often reluctant to seek help. The study identified sociocultural pathways to gambling harm, as well as factors unique to military life that contribute to the problem. Barriers to accessing support include a lack of education about gambling harm, stigmatizing attitudes, and concerns about anonymity.
The research points to a complex interplay of factors driving the rise in gambling-related harm. The normalization of potentially harmful behavior, the constant availability of betting opportunities, and the lack of adequate support systems all contribute to the problem. Addressing this issue will require a multi-faceted approach, including increased education, responsible gambling initiatives, and improved access to mental health resources. The current trajectory suggests that without intervention, the financial and personal costs of this growing trend will continue to escalate, particularly for younger generations.
The Korean report specifically notes that despite increases in both monthly military salaries (doubled) and minimum wage for part-time work, young people are still accumulating debt at an increasing rate. This suggests that the allure of quick wins through online gambling is overpowering even improved financial circumstances, highlighting the addictive nature of these platforms and the urgent need for preventative measures.
