College Gambling & Substance Use: A Parent’s Guide to Risks, Warning Signs, and Help

What is Gambling?

Let’s start with a definition of gambling. It’s risking something of value (typically money) on a game of chance. People hope to win and win big.

Gambling used to be thought of as going to the casinos or betting on horse races. Today, it includes so much more.  Scratch off tickets, lotteries, cards and dice games for money, bingo, numbers games and boleta, keno and similar instant games, bingo, pull tabs, sports betting, office pools, 50/50 raffles, animal fighting, the stock market, and internet gambling are all part of this rapidly expanding category.

What is Problem Gambling?

When gambling causes problems or negative consequences in a person’s life, it is considered problem gambling.  Negative consequences can include relationship problems, losing money a person can’t afford to lose, worsening mental health due to gambling, and more

Problem gambling becomes a gambling disorder if a person has 4 or more symptoms as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – V (DSM-V). These include needing to spend more money or making riskier bets to get the same rush they used to feel; being irritable and restless when not gambling; having difficulty cutting back or quitting; chasing losses; asking others to bail them out when they need money; and and lying to cover up the problem.

Why Is Problem Gambling Increasing Among College Students?

Brain development isn’t complete until a person is in their mid-to-late 20’s.  The part of the brain that is last to mature is called the prefrontal cortex. It’s responsible for impulse control, decision-making and judgment.  The excitement of gambling combined with a lower ability to control impulsiveness and make good decisions increases the risks of developing problem gambling among college students.

Gambling can be fun and exciting as a way to socialize in college. Pressure from other classmates can also drive betting. Gambling activities like casino nights and poker tournaments are popular events often hosted by sororities and fraternities. ¹

While many parents and educators teach about risky behaviors such as unplanned sex or the risks of substance use, they often haven’t had conversations about the dangers of gambling. It’s important that adolescents and young adults understand the risks associated with gambling, the myths and facts of gambling, and the rules of responsible gambling if they are of legal age to do so.

It’s estimated that nearly 75% of college students gambled during the past year and almost 1 in 5 struggles with gambling addiction. ²  Thanks to easy online gambling apps and sports betting sites, students can gamble anytime, anywhere.

Now more than ever, gambling companies use smart marketing to specifically attract young people, especially college students:

• Free bets and sign-up bonuses that seem risk-free but encourage more betting 
• Smartphone apps with notifications, bright colors, and quick wins 
• Celebrity and influencer endorsements making gambling look trendy 
• Ads on social media showing big jackpots and easy money 
• Sponsorship of college sports and events, linking gambling to fun and school pride

The Dangerous Link Between Gambling and Substance Use

Research shows a strong connection between gambling and substance use in college students. Students who gamble are more likely to drink alcohol or use other drugs, which increases the risk of addiction and mental health problems. This co-occurrence makes it harder to spot and treat gambling issues.

For example, college students who binge drink (5+drinks for women and 4+ drinks for men in a short period of time) may be more likely to play poker, as well as engage in Internet gambling, sports betting, and office pools. ³

In addition to drinking, another study found that compared to college students without gambling problems, college students with gambling problems are more likely to: ⁴

• Use tobacco 
• Use marijuana or other illegal drugs 
• Drive under the influence or be arrested for non-traffic offenses 
• Binge eat 
• Have a low GPA 
• Experience depression and stress and consider and attempt suicide 

Risk Factors for Gambling in College Students

Certain factors increase a college student’s chance of developing a potential gambling problem:⁵

• High levels of college stress and anxiety
• Peer pressure from friends who gamble or party
• Easy access to online gambling and betting apps
• Impulsive or risk-taking personality traits
• Mental health challenges like depression or ADHD
• Family history of addiction
• Low parental monitoring
• Being male, an athlete and involved in a Greek organization⁶

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling in College Students

Here are some of the more common signs of gambling addiction: 

• Spending excessive time or money gambling – For example, skipping homework to play online poker for hours or spending most of a paycheck on sports betting. 
• Borrowing or hiding money – Asking friends or family for “gas money” but using it to gamble or secretly taking money from a shared account. There may also be unexplained charges on a parent’s credit cards. 
• Falling behind in classes or losing interest in activities – Grades dropping because of missed assignments or quitting a sports team to have more time for gambling. 
• Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety – Snapping at friends over small things, or feeling nervous and tense when thinking about gambling losses. They may also try to cut back on gambling or quit but have difficulty doing so. 
• Feeling restless or upset when not gambling – Pacing around, feeling bored or angry, or constantly checking betting apps when unable to play. 
• Wanting to quit – Trying to cut back or quit but having trouble doing so.

Students may increase their use of alcohol or other drugs while gambling to deal with losses.  For example, free drinks are often offered at casinos while gambling. Or a student might use stimulants like ADHD medications or cocaine to stay awake for late-night online betting.

How Parents Can Set Healthy Financial Boundaries

If your student is struggling with gambling, setting financial boundaries is one of the most important steps you can take. Boundaries protect both you and your loved one, and they can help reduce the harm caused by gambling. Here’s how to do it: 

• Be clear about what you will and won’t support financially. Let your them know exactly where you stand. For example: “I will not give you money for gambling or cover gambling-related debts, but I can help pay for your counseling sessions.” Being direct removes confusion and keeps expectations realistic. 
• Explain why boundaries are important. Your loved one may see boundaries as punishment, but they’re actually about protection and support. You can say, “I’m setting these limits to help you focus on recovery and to make sure I’m not unintentionally supporting gambling.” 
• Offer alternatives like budgeting help or counseling. Instead of simply saying “no,” provide positive options. For example, offer to sit down and create a budget together, or help them connect with a financial counselor or support group like Gambler’s Anonymous (GA) that understands gambling issues. 
• Stick to your limits, even if it’s difficult. It’s natural to want to help in the moment, but giving in can undo progress. If they ask for money after you’ve set a limit, calmly remind them of your agreement: “I understand you’re stressed, but I can’t give you money for this. I’m happy to help you look for other resources.” 
• Require honesty about spending. If you are providing any financial support—such as paying bills—make transparency a condition. For example, “I’ll help with rent if you share your monthly bank statement with me so I know gambling isn’t part of your spending.” 
• Tie financial support to positive steps like seeking help. You can connect your support to recovery goals: “I’ll help pay for groceries as long as you continue attending your weekly support group.” This approach reinforces positive actions instead of enabling harmful behaviors. 

How to Talk to Your College Student About Gambling

Starting a conversation about gambling can be hard, but these parent conversation starters can help: 

• “I want to check in because college can be stressful. How are you managing?” 
• “Have you noticed how many gambling ads are online? What do you think about them?” 
• “If gambling or drinking ever feels like a problem, I’m here to help.” 
• “Many students face gambling challenges—you’re not alone, and we can find support.”

Where to Find Help for College Students Struggling with Gambling

If you’re worried your student has a gambling problem, campus counseling centers can offer support. You can also call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website for resources. 

Or, you can connect with one of the Partnership’s helpline specialists for free and confidential support. They will listen to your concerns, help you develop a plan and point you to resources. 

Problem gambling among college students is a growing concern, especially when combined with substance use. By understanding the risks, spotting warning signs, setting boundaries, and keeping communication open, parents can help students avoid serious consequences. 

Remember, help is available — you don’t have to face this alone.