Increased alcohol use is associated with elevated sports betting engagement

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Author(s): Graupensperger, Scott ; Lambuth, Joseph ; Shaygan, Arvin ; Grubbs, Joshua B. ; Lostutter, Ty W.

Journal: Addictive Behaviors

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: July 14, 2025

Alcohol use and gambling frequently occur together. In addition, alcohol use disorders occur at greater rates among people experiencing problem gambling. Sports betting is especially popular among young adults and so is alcohol use. However, the influence of alcohol use on sports betting over time is not well understood. In this study, the researchers examined alcohol use and sports betting among young adults aged 18–29 years. A total of 210 young adults completed a survey every 2 weeks over one year. The results indicated that more frequent alcohol use in the past 2 weeks was associated with increased sports betting. Moreover, increased alcohol use in the past 2 weeks was associated with greater amounts wagered, loss chasing, and a greater likelihood of experiencing harmful consequences from sports betting. But young adults who drank more heavily than others did not necessarily display greater engagement in sports betting.

Citation: Graupensperger, S., Lambuth, J., Shaygan, A., Grubbs, J., & Lostutter, T. W. (2025). Alcohol use frequency relates to elevated sports betting engagement, risk-taking, and negative consequences in a year-long biweekly study of young adults. Addictive Behaviors, 167, 108359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108359

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108359

Keywords: alcohol ; emerging adults ; gambling ; Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) ; wagering

Topics: Comorbidities ; Gambling Assessment ; Substance Use

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors

Response Rate: 40% of those deemed eligible (15% of those who completed the screener)

Study Design: Observational: Longitudinal

Geographic Coverage: United States of America

Study Population: The sample comprised 210 young adults aged 18–29 who bet on sports at least twice in the past month and were not currently in recovery or in treatment for gambling disorder. A total of 77.1% of participants were male, and the average age was 24.5 years old.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers recruited young adults in the United States with a history of sports betting. All participants were recruited using advertisements placed on social media platforms. Following a successful Internet screening, each person was contacted by telephone and provided instructions for the study. They were then given a link to the first baseline survey. From there, participants were invited to complete 25 surveys over a year, with one survey every two weeks. A $30 USD gift card was provided after the baseline survey, and an additional $10 USD gift card was given for each subsequent survey.

Study Funding:

This study received a grant from the International Center for Responsible Gambling (ICRG), funded by Bally’s Corporation.