The Rise of Sports Betting on Campus— and the Risks Behind It
By Xander Noel | December 2nd, 2025
Presented in this article:
• National data on gambling among college-aged students
• Video interviews of college students giving their opinions on sports gambling
• Podcast interview with an associate athletic director, providing an administrative perspective on the growing trend
Sports Betting’s National Success
Sports betting is continuing to grow across the United States, becoming a multi-billion-dollar industry. In 2024, sports books generated over $72 billion in commercial gambling revenue, a 7.5% increase from the previous year, and the fourth consecutive year of growth, according to the American Gaming Association’s State of the States 2025. This number is expected to keep rising as more states legalize sports gambling.
More than half of all states now have legal sports betting— 38 total, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. New Hampshire legalized sports betting in 2019, ahead of the national movement, while states like North Carolina and Vermont only began allowing bets in 2024. Granite Staters have placed more than 107 million wagers, totaling nearly $4 billion, according to the New Hampshire Lottery. These trends are especially relevant in New Hampshire, where college students make up the majority of active bettors.
College Students: The most Active Bettors
National surveys show that college-aged adults are the most active sports bettors and one of the fastest-growing demographics nationwide. To better understand the prevalence of sports betting among college-aged individuals, the NCAA conducted a national survey in 2023 examining the popularity of sports betting among college students. The results showed that 58% of young adults have engaged in sports gambling at least once, while 67% of students living on campus reported having gambled.
The survey also found regional differences in sports betting participation, showing that this trend is especially profound in the Northeast. The Northeast accounted for the highest percentage of sport bettors nationwide, with 61% of young adults in New England reporting they had placed a bet, compared to 54% of young adults in the West, the region with the lowest participation rate.
While high participation rates indicate widespread popularity, experts are concerned about problem gambling among young adults.
The Hidden Risks of Gambling
To assess the extent of gambling-related harm among this age group, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) conducted a national survey and found that 10% of men aged 18-22 reported gambling problems, more than three times higher than the general population’s 3%. The survey examined the risk associated with gambling using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a nine-question assessment that measures gambling behavior problems, such as borrowing money or experiencing financial or emotional stress due to betting. While most respondents reported no significant issues, 21% of all respondents displayed at least one behavior linked to gambling harm. Among those who gamble, 15% reported one problem of behavior, and 20% reported two or more, suggesting that even casual gamblers may show early signs of risk without recognizing it.
Problem gambling can have serious consequences. A 2020 study published in Addictive Behaviors found that college-aged students with problem gambling often face academic, financial, social, and mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and relationship difficulties.
Where to Find Help
Students struggling with gambling-related issues can access support through campus counseling centers, local mental health resources, and national hotlines such as the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700). Programs typically offer counseling, financial advice, and peer support to help anyone regain control of their lives.
As sports betting continues to grow in New Hampshire and across the country, it is increasingly important for college students, the largest group of active bettors, to understand the risk and know where to seek help.
Hear Keene State College students give their opinions on sports betting and listen to a podcast with an Associate Athletic Director and supervisor of compliance for athletics at Keene State College in the video and audio content below. Also, make sure to check out some of these helpful links:
Helpful Links Breakout Box
VIDEO: Keene State College Students’ Perspective on Sports Gambling
Keene State College students open up about how sports gambling shapes their campus experience and conversations.
PODCAST: An Administrator Perspective— Navigating the NCAA’s Gambling Rules on Campus
Associate Athletic Director Abe Osheyack offers insight into how universities and athletics are navigating the growing trend of sports gambling.