WEB LETTER: Protecting Student-Athletes from the Dangers of Problem Gambling — On & Off the Field

Every year on April 6, schools, families, and communities across the country celebrate National Student‑Athlete Day—a moment to recognize the dedication, resilience, and leadership of young athletes who balance academics, training, competition, and community involvement. These students give their all, often with little spotlight and even less downtime. But as we honor their achievements this year, it’s equally important to acknowledge a growing threat that many student athletes face—the rising influence of sports betting and problem gambling, both on and off the field.

Why Student Athletes are at a Higher Risk

Student athletes often experience:

• High pressure to perform, which can lead to stress‑driven coping behaviors
• A competitive mindset, making risk‑taking feel natural
• Exposure to sports culture, where betting is increasingly normalized
• Access to insider information, which can create ethical and legal risks
• Team dynamics, where gambling can spread socially and quickly

When gambling becomes a way to manage stress, bond with teammates, or chase a “competitive edge,” it can spiral into something far more serious.

Even When They Don’t Gamble, Student Athletes Still Feel the Impact

One of the most overlooked realities is that student athletes can be harmed by problem gambling, even if they never place a bet.

As sports betting becomes more widespread, athletes increasingly find themselves:

• Targeted by angry bettors who lose money on a game
• Harassed or threatened online after a missed play or unexpected outcome
• Pressured by peers who have money riding on their performance
• Caught in uncomfortable conversations about point spreads or prop bets
• Exposed to integrity risks, including attempts by others to influence their play

This creates a climate where athletes feel watched, judged, and responsible for the financial outcomes of strangers — a burden no young person should carry.

The emotional toll can be significant:

• Anxiety before games
• Fear of making mistakes
• Distrust of classmates or teammates
• Pressure to “explain” their performance
• Feeling unsafe on social media

And beyond the personal impact, widespread betting on college sports threatens the integrity of the game itself. When athletes are pressured, harassed, or approached by individuals with gambling interests, it undermines fair play and puts entire programs at risk.

On National Student‑Athlete Day, recognizing these pressures is part of truly supporting the students we celebrate.

The Hidden Impacts of Problem Gambling on Students

Problem gambling doesn’t just affect finances. For student athletes, the consequences can be devastating:

• Academic decline
• Loss of scholarships
• Strained relationships
• Mental health challenges
• Violations of athletic codes of conduct
• Risk of suspension or removal from teams

And because gambling problems often develop in silence, many students don’t reach out until the consequences feel overwhelming.

Prevention Starts with Education

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) has long recognized the importance of reaching young people early—before gambling harms take root. That’s why FCCG offers a suite of prevention programs designed specifically for adolescents, college students, and the adults who support them.

FCCG’s Youth & College Prevention Programs Include:

• The FCCG developed its Smart Choices program, which consists of two ready-to-use lesson plans, both of which promote healthy discussion, and includes worksheets with fun activities, as well as specially designed collateral items.
• In an effort to address the issues presenting with youth involving gambling, the FCCG has developed a comprehensive Problem Gambling Prevention Program for Middle and High School Students. The Prevention Program, included in the FCCG’s Youth Toolkit for Parents and Teachers, has been approved for full-scale implementation in schools statewide by the Florida Department of Education.
• Further, the FCCG has developed its college campus-wide Students Advocating for Gambling Awareness (SAGA) program. This program offers lesson plans for educators, as well as counselors and financial advisors, and furnishes materials for student-athlete coaches, peer advocates, and administrators.
• The National Federation of State High School Associations teamed up with the NCAA and the FCCG to develop a comprehensive lesson plan for high school student athletes, called When Gambling Takes Control of the Game. The program provides guidelines for coaches and educators, and is designed to educate high school student-athletes on the various forms of gambling, the addictive dangers of these activities, and the possible adverse impacts on a student athlete’s education, sport, professional career, and future.

These programs empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize risky behaviors—whether in themselves, teammates, or friends.

When a Student (or Parent) Needs Help, 888‑ADMIT‑IT Is Here

Even with strong prevention efforts, some students will still struggle. That’s why the 888‑ADMIT‑IT HelpLine is a lifeline for Floridians of all ages—including student athletes.

The HelpLine is:

• Confidential
• Available 24/7
• Multilingual
• Free to access
• Staffed by trained specialists

Whether someone is worried about their own gambling or concerned about a teammate, friend, or child, 888‑ADMIT‑IT connects them to a full continuum of supports—from counseling referrals to financial resources, legal assistance, self‑help tools, and more.

For student athletes, this can be the difference between a crisis and a turning point.

Protecting Students Takes a Team Effort

Coaches, athletic departments, parents, educators, and peers all play a role in creating a safer environment. Here’s how you can help:

• Normalize conversations about gambling risks
• Watch for changes in behavior, mood, or performance
• Encourage healthy coping strategies
• Share FCCG’s youth and college resources
• Promote the 888‑ADMIT‑IT HelpLine as a safe, judgment‑free support option

Student athletes give their all on the field. They deserve the same level of protection and support off the field.

A Stronger, Safer Future for Florida’s Students

As we celebrate National Student‑Athlete Day, let’s honor not just their achievements, but their well‑being. By combining prevention education with accessible, compassionate help, we can safeguard the health, integrity, and future of student athletes across Florida.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling‑related issues, help is always available.

Call 888‑ADMIT‑IT, or visit gamblinghelp.org.