You might notice your college student is more focused on odds than homework, glued to their phone during games, or suddenly short on cash. At first, sports betting can sound like harmless fun or a way to stay connected with friends and teams. But over time, it can snowball into a gambling addiction.
If you’re worried that “just a few bets” has turned into a pattern, you’re not overreacting. Sports betting is more prevalent, and college students are a high-risk group. We provide ways for you, as a parent, to notice signs, to approach your child, and to understand treatments.
Disclaimer: This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
What Is Sports Betting, and Why College Students Get Hooked?
For many, sports gambling feels less like “gambling” and more like a skill game. They may track statistics, follow podcasts, and believe they can outsmart the system. Add in constant promotions, “bonus bets,” and push notifications, and it’s easy to see how a casual hobby can become hard to put down.
College life also adds fuel. Stress about grades, social pressure, living away from home, and wanting fast money can all make sports betting feel like an escape or a quick fix.
Early Signs of Sports Gambling Problems in Students
Gambling becomes a concern when it starts affecting a student’s money, mood, or daily life. Some concerns to look out for include:
- Sudden or unexplained money problems, like asking for extra cash, needing help with rent, or draining savings faster than expected
- Frequent small charges to betting apps, payment apps, or online gaming platforms
- Mood swings tied to games or bets; very up after wins, down or irritable after losses
- Skipped classes, dropped grades, or late assignments that don’t match their past performance
- Being glued to their phone during games, checking odds, scores, or apps all the time
- Defensiveness or secrecy when you ask about money, bank accounts, or how they spend their time
- Talking about “winning it back” or chasing losses instead of accepting a loss and moving on
Not every sign means your college-going child has a gambling addiction, but a cluster of these signals is a reason to look more closely and start a calm, honest conversation.
Talking to Your Child About Sports Gambling
Many parents feel the urge to crack down right away. This might be part of the solution, but starting there can push your child deeper into shame and secrecy. When you bring it up:
- Ask: “What do you enjoy about betting on games?”
- Ask: “Have you ever felt it was too much?”
- Ask: “How does losing affect your mood and stress?”
Your loved one may downplay things at first. The goal of the first talk isn’t to solve everything in one sitting. It’s to show that you are paying attention, that you care, and that you’re willing to be part of the solution.
When Sports Betting Becomes Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is more about what happens in your child’s life because of the betting rather than how large the sums of money are. Red flags that sports betting has likely become problem gambling include:
- Money for essentials goes to bets
- They’ve tried to cut back or stop on their own, and can’t
- Gambling replaces friends, hobbies, exercise, and sleep
- They lie about how often they gamble or how much they’ve lost
- They seem anxious, depressed, or withdrawn, especially around game days or after losses
Ways You Can Support Change
As a parent, you’re walking a tightrope: you want to keep your student safe, but you also want them to practice being an adult. It often helps to focus on steady support and clear limits, instead of trying to control every choice. You might:
- Stay curious: Listen without shaming and name what you’re noticing calmly
- Set boundaries: Be honest about what you can and cannot keep paying for if gambling continues
- Connect to help: Encourage them to talk with a counselor or health provider on campus or at home
- Research together: Offer to help find options, call a gambling helpline together, or join the first appointment if they want
- Link money to action: Decide not to cover sports betting debts, or only provide financial help if they agree to block betting apps or work with a professional
Tip: Adjust your approach over time as you learn more and as your student’s situation changes.
What Professional Gambling Addiction Help Can Look Like
If betting feels out of control, professional help provides structure and tools that go beyond what a family can do alone. Treatment for gambling problems often includes:
- Therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), challenges beliefs about “winning it back,” managing urges, and developing healthier coping strategies
- Practical money protections, including setting spending limits, creating structured budgets, and installing blocking software to restrict gambling platforms
- Support for co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, or substance use that frequently accompany or contribute to gambling behavior
- Family sessions to rebuild trust, establish clear expectations, improve communication, and collaboratively develop a sustainable recovery plan
For some young adults, weekly therapy is enough; others need a more structured program with frequent groups, skills practice, and check-ins.
Getting Gambling Addiction Support in Massachusetts
If your child in college is facing Massachusetts-based sports betting, local resources, helplines, and specialty treatment programs can help you sort through options, from early support to more intensive care.
At Rebuilding Mental Health in Easton, young adults can access personalized, flexible day, half-day, and virtual programs that support people dealing with sports betting, other forms of gambling, and co-occurring mental health concerns. Contact us today to learn more about how the Rebuilding team can help your child build a stronger path forward.
