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Gambling Behavior of Student-Athletes and a Student Cohort: What are the Odds?

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Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of gambling, gambling related NCAA violations, and disordered gambling in student-athletes (n = 736) with a comparison cohort of students (n = 1,071) at four universities. Student-athletes reported similar rates of gambling frequency, use of a bookmaker, and disordered gambling as students. After accounting for demographic differences, student-athletes were less likely to engage in sports wagering than students. Several risk factors for disordered gambling were identified, including being male and reporting at least one parent with a history of gambling problems. These findings suggest that problems associated with gambling are a university-wide issue with student-athletes meriting additional attention because of implications for the integrity of intercollegiate sports. Improved prevention and intervention efforts for collegiate gambling are recommended.

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Correspondence to Jeremiah Weinstock.

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Weinstock, J., Whelan, J.P., Meyers, A.W. et al. Gambling Behavior of Student-Athletes and a Student Cohort: What are the Odds?. J Gambl Stud 23, 13–24 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9043-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9043-3

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