Emerging Adults

What Can You Do About Problem Gambling?

Counselors and Student Health Center Staff

Athletes and Athletic Directors

Emerging Adults — Ages 18 to 29

Emerging adulthood—the stage of life between 18 and 29—is characterized by opportunity, independence and exploration. But it can also bring pressures, impulsivity and risk-taking. One such concern at this life stage is problem gambling.

Whether it’s sports betting, online casinos, card games or slots, gambling can go from entertainment to harm faster than many realize.

The brain’s decision-making center—the prefrontal cortex—is still developing into the mid-20s. This affects impulse control and judgment.

Why This Age Group Is Especially at Risk

Emerging adults are more likely to:

Take financial risks without long-term planning.
Seek high-stimulation activities and quick rewards.
Be influenced by peer pressure and social media trends.
Have limited experience recognizing the warning signs of problem gambling.

Warning signs of problem gambling

For emerging adults

ISOLATION. Spends less time with people, hides gambling behavior, feels shame

SOCIAL LIFE. Less time socializing with friends, spends more time with new “gambling” friends

BEHAVIOR CHANGES. Becomes erratic, manic and more impulsive

ACTIVITY CHANGES. Stops or changes regular activities or hobbies

INCREASED INTEREST IN SPORTS. Suddenly more interested in sports, statistics, scores and players

MONEY. Suddenly has less—or more—money; may be more generous than normal

SUBJECT MATTER: Talks about get rich quick schemes or fantasy wins

MORE VARIED GAMBLING. Involved in more types of gambling; seems to want to place wagers on everything

OBSESSION WITH DEBT. Talks a lot about debt and resulting depression (“My family would be better off without me”)

PHYSICAL SIGNS. Gets less sleep, experiences changes in diet/weight and hygiene, has unexplained injury or pain

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE SUFFERS. May have a sudden drop in grades or class attendance.

Athletes and Athletic Directors

Ultimately, for athletes, gambling can cost more than money—it can end athletic careers.

Athletes are uniquely vulnerable to gambling harm for several reasons:

They are immersed in competitive environments, and gambling can feel like an extension of sports.
They may believe they have insider knowledge that makes gambling seem less risky.
The stress of performance, injury, career uncertainty and short professional lifespans can lead athletes to seek escapes or coping mechanisms, such as gambling.

Athletic directors and coaches play a crucial role. They can:

Promote open conversations about gambling risk.
Model healthy behaviors.
Recognize warning signs, such as secrecy, mood swings, financial distress or loss of interest in the game itself.

Athletes and athletic directors can learn about issues associated with sports betting here.

Campus Counselors and Student Health Center Staff

Know that problem gambling is often co-occurring with anxiety, depression, ADHD and history of trauma. Early intervention can make an important difference.

Gambling disorder is known as the silent addiction. Unlike substance use, it doesn’t leave physical signs, but the consequences are just as real.

The signs that students may have—or be developing—gambling disorder include:

Academic decline
Financial anxiety or frequent borrowing
Preoccupation with betting apps or sports outcomes
Lying or secrecy around spending
Mood disorders linked to wins/losses

Campus counselors and student health center staff can:

Incorporate gambling screening questions into intakes and assessments.
Collaborate with financial aid and student life staff to identify at-risk students.
Refer students to treatment or gambling-specific support groups.

Campus counselors and student health center staff can find more information about addiction providers here.

Emerging Adults — Ages 18-29

How can it happen? Listen to the story of how this college student became addicted to gambling.

Listen to His Story

Gambling might seem like harmless fun, especially when apps and ads make it feel normal. But it’s important for emerging adults to ask:

Are you gambling to escape stress, boredom or anxiety?
Are you spending more money or time than you planned?
Do you feel guilt, shame or the urge to hide your gambling?

Even casual betting can snowball into compulsive behavior. Gambling problems can lead to:

Academic struggles
Relationship issues
Financial hardship
Mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression

Emerging adults who are concerned about their gambling should know that they’re not alone—and that most people can receive help at no cost in Minnesota by contacting the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-333-4673 (HOPE). Students can also talk to a campus counselor or the student health service about their gambling habits or those of a friend.

Emerging adults can learn more about gambling addiction here.