Do sports gambling and alcohol problems go hand in hand?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-03-06 03:00

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As people gamble more frequently on sports, their chance of having an alcohol-related problem also increases, according to US research. The study found that the trajectories of sports gambling frequency and alcohol-related problems follow each other, suggesting that as one increases or decreases, corresponding changes are likely in the other. The researchers say this study demonstrates that sports gamblers are at unique risk of alcohol-related harms both generally and over time.

Media release

From: JAMA

Sports Gambling and Drinking Behaviors Over Time

JAMA Psychiatry
Brief Report

About The Study: This study found that over time, the trajectory of sports gambling frequency was associated with the trajectory of alcohol-related problems. Screening and treatment interventions are recommended for sport gamblers who also drink concurrently, especially because this group appears to be at an elevated risk for developing greater alcohol-related problems over time.

(10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.0024)

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Psychiatry

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of New Mexico, USA

Funder: This work was funded via grants from the International Center for Responsible Gaming, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, and Kindbridge Research Institute awarded to Drs Grubbs and Kraus.

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