The Problem With Parlays: How Chaffey Students Can Receive Help With Sports Gambling Addiction
By Xavier Chavez
Sports gambling has always existed in some form, whether regulated or not, since organized competition has existed. It is in our blood to root for certain people, players, or teams and the most blatant way to support is putting money where your mouth is.
As more states in the U.S. have legalized sports gambling in some form year by year, the ramifications of this newly widespread activity are beginning to appear.
I have personally started sports betting in August of 2023 and have accumulated $1,315 in winnings according to the app I use called Sleeper.
Sleeper is referred to as a daily fantasy sports app, otherwise known as DFS, which bypasses any law against sports betting. Since these games are argued in courts as a skill rather than luck, it's allowed in most states, such as California, which bans sports betting. This allows more users and a younger, more impressionable audience to enter the pool of users on their platform, as you do not have to be 21 years of age to play.
These winnings, on paper, sound great until you realize that they do not tell you the total amount of money you have lost during your time spent gambling on the app. This makes it very easy to lose track of spending. Making it a very deceitful way to encourage users to keep pouring cash down the drain.
When I first started, I used to binge bet as games were happening with no budget in place, leading to a burning hole in my wallet.
The normal stakes of a matchup between two teams, coupled with the dopamine rush and the possibility of winning money, create a stress-raising environment that only gets exaggerated the closer the clock ticks to zero.
These factors make up a feeling of euphoria that is extremely addicting.
As I began to research the predatory nature of these apps. I found algorithms that keep users enticed by consuming individuals' data to boost payouts, celebrity advertisements that suggest gambling to a broad, impressionable audience, and offering free credits to use on bets. Popular figures like Drake have promoted sports books like Stake via his Instagram and even Jamie Foxx debuting in a commercial for BetMGM in March.
Example of predatory gambling tactics. Photo by Xavier Chavez
In fact, if these sports gambling apps see you’re winning too much too often, they will suppress your account. According to Bill Harrelson of elitepicks.com, he talks about how “sharp bettors” also known as “sharps” (gamblers who have winning experience against casinos), will be targeted in the amount of money they can spend. He explains how these businesses will protect their profits by denying sharps the chance to win large amounts of money.
Eric Fisher of Front Office Sports notes that America has seen a “$13.71 billion revenue, a 25.4% increase from 2023.” This presents an increasing problem in the United States as thirty-nine states have legalized some type of sports gambling.
The most targeted age group to be affected by gambling problems is young adults.
“A 2023 NCAA study found that more than two-thirds of 18 to 22 year olds on college campuses have bet on sports” according to Khanh Dang of The GW Hatchet.
I started to think about how this might affect people in the Inland Empire and Chaffey students. I reached out to Chaffey advisors for help on this topic and was forwarded to Denise Padilla. I had five questions for Denise Padilla, who works for Chaffey College as the Manager of the Student Wellness and Mental Health Department.
Q: If a student is going through a gambling addiction, where should they go for help?
Denise Padilla: A gambling addiction is a type of processing addiction, which means it involves repeated behaviors that become difficult to control. If you're an enrolled Chaffey College student, a good first step is to complete a referral to get an appointment with the Student Wellness and Behavioral Support program. There, a student can complete an intake to help plan how to address the challenge and get support. A student can also speak to their health insurance provider and request a referral for mental health support.
Q: Is there anywhere on campus where they can find resources or help?
Denise Padilla: Yes. As above.
Q: What procedures are in place at your position to help students?
Denise Padilla: At Chaffey College, we have qualified mental health clinicians who are here to support students. The Social Wellness and Behavioral Support team can help with a variety of challenges, including personal, social, and psychological challenges. Whether students are feeling stressed, anxious, or facing other challenges like a process addiction, SWBS clinicians are ready to listen and provide guidance. Our goal is to support students through any difficulties they may be experiencing, so students can focus on their well-being and academic success.
Q: Do you find this as an increasing problem?
Denise Padilla: Yes, gambling addiction is becoming more common among young people, especially with the rise of sports betting, online apps, and "pay-to-play" games. In 2023, the U.S. sports betting market reached about $93 billion, with 20% of sports bettors being between 18 and 34 years old, a vulnerable age group for addiction (American Gaming Association, 2023). Mobile gaming is also a concern, with over 70% of players making in-game purchases, and many games use "loot boxes," which are a form of gambling (Entertainment Software Association, 2022). These trends highlight the growing risks, and it's important to raise awareness and provide support to those affected by gambling addiction.
Q: At what point should a student realize they should ask for help?
Denise Padilla: A student struggling with gambling addiction may find themselves constantly preoccupied with gambling, feeling anxious or uneasy when they're not engaging in the behavior, and using it as an escape from personal challenges or emotions. This often leads to emotional distress, such as feelings of guilt, shame, or depression, especially after gambling or when they're unable to engage in it. Despite the negative impact on their mental health, they may struggle to control their behaviors, which can worsen issues like anxiety, depression, or overall mood. Additionally, responsibilities such as work, school, or relationships may be neglected due to the significant time and focus dedicated to gambling. If someone feels any of the above, they should reach out for help and support.
Gambling is all fun and games until it takes over your life. If you find gambling to be a destructive habit, please find help and talk to a professional.
Additionally these following hotlines can be helpful in navigating where to get specific assistance:
California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) helpline 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
The National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-522-4700. This is a national helpline, but it's available for Californians and provides resources, counseling, and referrals to local services.