Gambling disorder in the college student-athlete population: An overview

Abstract

This review examines research from 1991 to the present regarding college student-athlete gambling addiction and disorder issues, with an emphasis on prevalence rates, motivations, and comorbid disorders, as well as National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national studies and derivative research. Subsets of the college student-athlete population, specifically minority athletes, are also examined. Databases PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, and Dissertation Abstracts International (ProQuest), were searched for possible contributions to this review. It was determined that student-athletes, and male student-athletes in particular, are vulnerable to disordered gambling problems, which, if university administration and athletic departments do not address, may result in severe negative consequences for the student-athlete. The research suggests that, for the most part, student-athletes have a higher rate of pathological gambling than non-athletes, though the rate of ‘‘normal’’ gambling behavior is about the same. Additionally, it appears that athletes in certain high profile team sports (football, basketball, etc.), as well as athletes belonging to a minority group, are more likely to report problems with gambling than their counterparts. Recommendations for working with student-athletes with a gambling disorder, as well as directions for future research in this burgeoning area, are offered. These proposals include screening for the disorder by mental health professionals and counsellors, as well as training for coaches and financial aid personnel.