While the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the bracket consume the nation during March Madness, a quieter, more insidious crisis is brewing on college campuses.
Health experts are raising alarms about a rapid rise in gambling addiction that threatens to derail the lives of young adults. This year’s NCAA tournament is projected to generate $3.1 billion in legal wagers, up from $2.7 billion last year, according to the American Gaming Association.
The tournament’s timing coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which in 2025 carries the theme “Seeking Understanding,” emphasizing that gambling addiction is a serious yet often overlooked mental health condition.
Experts warn that young adults are particularly vulnerable. A spokesperson from the National Council on Problem Gambling noted that the fastest-growing group of gamblers is people in their early 20s. A 2023 NCAA study found that two-thirds of college students between the ages of 18 and 22 reported betting on sports, even though most states require bettors to be at least 21.
The 2018 Supreme Court decision that relaxed sports betting restrictions sparked a cultural transformation across America. Now legal in 38 states plus Washington, D.C., the industry has flourished, with mobile platforms particularly appealing to younger adults. Tennessee joined this trend on Nov. 1, 2020, when it officially launched mobile and online sports betting operations.
The growing accessibility of sports betting has had a profound impact on college campuses. Studies show that more than 20% of students have used financial aid for gambling, while 6% struggle with serious gambling problems. Nearly half of all online sports bettors are now under the age of 35, and experts warn that many teenagers are falling into severe gambling addiction, often transitioning from video games to sports betting.
Gambling disorder is classified as a behavioral addiction by the American Psychiatric Association, similar to substance use disorder, as both alter brain chemistry and can lead to withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance. A Yale University researcher emphasized the strong link between problem gambling and mental health issues, citing a 2019 study that found 96% of individuals with gambling problems also struggle with at least one other mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.
This is particularly alarming in light of the latest Healthy Minds Survey, which found that 38% of undergraduates are dealing with moderate to severe depression and 34% suffer from significant anxiety.
As gambling addiction becomes a growing concern, health experts are calling on colleges and universities to take proactive steps to address the issue. They urge schools to educate students on the financial and mental health risks of sports gambling and to help students recognize signs of gambling addiction in themselves and their peers.
Universities are also encouraged to enforce policies prohibiting students from betting on games involving their school and to limit or eliminate sponsorships and partnerships with sports betting companies on campus. Additionally, experts stress the importance of offering accessible mental health services to students struggling with gambling-related issues.
“March Madness should be a time of excitement and celebration, not financial and emotional distress,” said “Kelly,” a University of Tennessee, Knoxville alumnus who struggled with gambling addiction during her college years and requested anonymity. “Early intervention can prevent students from facing long-term consequences.” For those struggling with gambling addiction, help is available. The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or chat at 1800gamblerchat.org.