Psychology of Sports Gambling

Since its legalization in Kansas, college students have increasingly accessed sports gambling, making it more popular and common. Though it provides entertainment for many, its growth also poses difficulties that can affect mental health. The issues were explored through a conversation with Karan Bhatia, a staff therapist and outreach coordinator at Kansas State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Bhatia shares a valuable understanding of gambling’s psychological risks, and students can learn to navigate them responsibly with his expertise in mental health counseling and sports psychology.

Understanding the Appeal of Gambling with College Students

Many college students are drawn to the excitement of gambling because they see it as a fun way to enjoy their free time and potentially win some extra cash.

Bhatia suggests that college students' gambling behaviors often arise from their developmental stage. He explains that “this period of life is for exploration and risk-taking.” It is recognized that with the availability of apps like DraftKings and FanDuel, gambling is often considered a tempting option for students who have the freedom to experiment in a university setting.

He points out the thrill and reward that is associated with gambling. Bhatia says that the excitement of playing, the rush of dopamine, and the thrill of feeling in control can create overconfidence in sports fans. Still, he warns that this “illusion of control” can lead to risky behaviors.

Psychology Challenges of Gambling

Gambling often begins as a fun pastime, but Bhatia stresses that it can quickly grow out of control. He notes that many students start with small bets that feel casual. However, as they seek more excitement, they often chase bigger wins, which raises the stakes.

Several cognitive biases fuel this escalation:

• Sports fans often believe that they have an edge in predicting outcomes because of their knowledge, although results are essentially random.

• Many students are losing streaks, believing their luck will change. This belief makes them keep betting.

• Close calls, such as narrowly missing a parlay, can reinforce gambling behaviors because people feel that they are "almost there."

Bhatia states that a repetitive cycle emerges as people chase losses or attempt to benefit from what they believe is momentum, and over time, this behavior creates symptoms like chronic stress, anxiety, and possibly even depression.

Stress and Social Isolation

Gambling brings stress, and many people suffer losses. Bhatia explains that guilt or shame is often experienced by students facing financial strain due to gambling. This guilt or shame can lead to social isolation.

The stigma increases the isolation felt by those with gambling issues. He notes that while many share their wins, few admit their losses, causing difficulty for students in seeking help.

Bhatia also focuses on how social pressures can significantly influence people's thoughts and actions. He says that many young men bond over gambling during major sporting events, which builds fellowship but can also increase risky behaviors as their peer groups normalize betting.

When Does Gambling Become a Problem?

Many students gamble responsibly, but Bhatia highlights important moments when fun becomes a problem. Watch for key warning signs:

• Spending excessive time thinking about or placing bets.

• Academic or social responsibilities are neglected, so focus can be placed on gambling.

• Asking frequently for money to cover losses related to gambling.

• Experiencing anxiety or depression due to financial stress.

Bhatia emphasizes the need to set clear limits and points out that understanding inevitable losses is vital for healthy gambling. When gambling begins to affect other essential parts of life, you should take a moment to think about your choices and examine how they affect your daily activities and relationships.

A Role of Impulsity and Social Dynamics

College students often act impulsively, and Bhatia notes that this affects their gambling behaviors. He explains that impulsive choices usually lead many young people to place riskier bets and think little about long-term effects.

Social dynamics shape relationships and interactions among people, affecting how communities work and develop over time. Many people glorify gambling wins on platforms like Instagram and Bleacher Report Betting. He says, “It’s easy to see how this can make gambling feel exciting and normalized, even for students who wouldn’t otherwise participate.”

Addressing the Stigma and Encouraging the Awareness

Overcoming the stigma is considered one of the biggest challenges in dealing with gambling issues, and it is often difficult to achieve. Bhatia explains that students usually avoid seeking help because they fear judgment and may not recognize their behaviors as problematic. He compares the stigma surrounding gambling addiction to the stigma of substance abuse, for both types of addiction make it hard for people to acknowledge their need for support.

Bhatia advocates for education; open dialogue is important to combat this. He says, "Teaching students about the common risks and signs of problem gambling can help them make better choices, and having many conversations among friends can encourage more people to seek help."

Promoting Responsible Gambling

Bhatia believes we should focus on promoting responsible behaviors as gambling becomes more common rather than trying to eliminate it. He suggests several strategies for students:

• Decide how much money you can lose. Set your budget and stick to it.

• Understand that gambling is not a reliable way to make money. “The house always wins,” Bhatia reminds us.

• Ensure gambling does not interfere with responsibilities such as academics and other social activities.

• Be aware of cognitive biases that frequently cause many people to make unhealthy choices, such as chasing losses or overestimating their knowledge.

Bhatia draws attention to the fact that many people overlook the idea that gambling is just entertainment. It should not be viewed as a strategy for investment.

What resources are available?

If students recognize that gambling has become a problem, they can find several resources Kansas State University offers to help them. CAPS provides walk-in appointments and short-term therapy for gambling issues, and students can get help. Bhatia describes how they focus on thoroughly evaluating many aspects of the problem while connecting most students with the proper support, whether from campus resources or services available in the local community.

National resources like hotlines provided by gambling apps and organizations offer confidential support.

Karan Bhatia, LPC

Staff Therapist and Outreach Coordinator

Kansas State University, Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Karan Bhatia holds dual master’s degrees—an M.A. in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling and an M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology—from Ball State University. As a Staff Therapist and Outreach Coordinator at K-State CAPS, he provides mental health support and educational programs to the university community. Karan’s multidisciplinary expertise allows him to address a wide range of mental health needs, with a special focus on the intersection of mental health and physical well-being.