It’s game night at a college dorm. A group of friends sits on the couch with pizza boxes everywhere and phones in their hands. The crowd cheers as the clock runs out—but not because their favorite team won. They’re cheering because their bets won. One student groans, another pumps his fist, and someone yells, “I knew that team would cover!”
Scenes like this are happening more often now that betting apps are everywhere. But here is the truth: sports betting isn’t really about being a sports expert. It’s about math.
For many young people, betting can become a serious habit, just like using alcohol or other drugs. It can lead to “chasing a high,” taking bigger risks, and being unable to stop even when losing a lot of money.
The companies that run these apps are called “sportsbooks.” They use math experts and powerful computers to set the “odds.” These odds aren’t just guesses—they are designed to make sure the company makes money no matter who wins the game.
One way they do this is through something called the “Vig” (short for vigorish).1 Think of it like a “betting tax”:
Because the app takes that extra dollar, you have to win more than half your bets just to stay even. Most casual bettors win closer to 45-48% of the time, leading to a guaranteed loss over the long run. Even if you know everything about a player’s stats, the app has already used that info to set the price. You aren’t playing against other fans; you are playing against a supercomputer.
Teens and college students often feel confident because they watch every game. They think they have an “edge.” But betting apps use a trick called the “Near-Miss.”2
When you lose a bet by just one point or a last-second play, your brain doesn’t see it as a total loss. Instead, it releases a chemical called dopamine. This is the same “feel-good” chemical released when people use drugs. It makes you feel like you were “so close” that you must bet again to win your money back. This is how a small hobby can turn into a big problem.
Modern technology has introduced “Micro-betting,” where people can bet on individual plays, such as whether the next pitch in a baseball game will be a strike.3 This high-speed wagering increases the frequency of “dopamine hits,” making it much harder for the brain to use impulse control.
If your teen or college student is into sports, it’s worth having a calm, open conversation about betting — and how it connects to other risky behaviors like substance use. You don’t have to lecture — just share some facts and listen. Here are a few open-ended questions you can start with:
These conversations can help your teen or young adult see that both sports betting and substance use can trick the brain in similar ways — creating short-term excitement but long-term problems. The goal isn’t to scare them, but to help them understand how these activities work and how easily they can get pulled in.
Because in the end, whether it’s gambling or substances, the message is the same: the game is designed for the house to win — and it’s always smarter to stay in control.
See our checklist to look for warning signs that gambling may have progressed to a problem.
If you’re worried about your teen or young adult’s betting or substance use, you don’t have to handle it alone. Connect with our free, confidential guidance from trained specialists through drugfree.org. You can connect one-on-one with a specialist who will listen, share strategies, and help you take the next step.
Reach out by:
Help is available, and you don’t have to wait until things get worse. The sooner families reach out, the sooner they can start finding healthy ways forward — together.