ABQ Times

In recent years, sports betting has become increasingly accessible across the United States. Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. NCAA, which allowed states to legalize sports betting, 38 states have done so. This shift has made it easier for Americans to place bets on various sporting events through mobile apps, kiosks at bars, and other venues.

A study conducted by Professor Joshua Grubbs from the University of New Mexico (UNM) highlights a concerning correlation between sports gambling and alcohol consumption. Funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming, this research was published in JAMA Psychiatry.

The two-year study followed 4,000 Americans, collecting data every six months. It examined the frequency of sports betting and alcohol-related problems among participants. The findings suggest a close relationship between these behaviors.

“We found that they do move very closely together. They’re very tightly connected behaviors suggesting that even over a two-year time span, people that are sports gambling more frequently are experiencing more alcohol related problems,” explained Grubbs.

While the study does not claim causation between sports gambling and increased drinking, it indicates an overlap in these activities over time. According to Grubbs, reducing one behavior could potentially reduce the other.

“Now, does that mean that sports gambling is making them drink? No, we can't say sports gambling is causing this, but we can certainly say that they're overlapping and that they're coinciding over time,” he said.

Grubbs also noted that individuals who engage in both activities often face more significant issues with heavy drinking and related life problems compared to non-gamblers or those who gamble without betting on sports.

The research points out that younger males with disposable income are particularly drawn to sports gambling. This group tends to be more impulsive and may partake in risky behaviors such as substance use or high-risk financial activities like cryptocurrency trading.

“Sports gambling is tied to drinking because sports fandom and sports spectatorship are tied to drinking," said Grubbs. He added that excessive drinking among gamblers often occurs in environments where both activities are promoted simultaneously.

Grubbs emphasized concerns about the impact of increased access to sports gambling on public health due to its association with alcohol-related problems. “When you see how tightly these are related together, it makes us concerned that the increase of access to sports gambling throughout the country might also be driving more alcohol related problems," he stated.

He calls for further research into understanding these behaviors' risks and consequences. "I want Congress to be interested in regulating this activity and funding research into this domain so that we can get a more systematic understanding of how to protect people," Grubbs urged.

For those engaged in both activities, Grubbs advises setting limits and making thoughtful choices while being mindful of potential issues arising from their actions. Resources like the National Problem Gambling Hotline (1-800-GAMBLER) offer support for individuals facing challenges related to gambling or drinking problems.