Betting among women ages 18-25 has increased by 51%, leading to economic and social changes.
Betting, which has been dominated mostly by men, stereotypically creates obsessive narcissism, according to David Bockino, professor of sports management at Elon University.
As Bockino explained, the exponential growth of sports betting among college women has been fueled by the accessibility of apps such as FanDuel and the influence of social media. While sports betting is often promoted as a fun and exciting activity, there are experts from Spring Nature who warned that it can have serious negative consequences. Bockino said for an example, college athletes who gamble risk being off a team and losing scholarship.
Betting on sports can harm college women just like any bettors by draining money that could be used for education, housing and other essential expenses, often resulting in financial stress and debt.
While sports betting has grown among college students, some women remain hesitant to discuss their participation openly. Assistant professor in sport management, Alex Traugutt said perceptions surrounding gambling can differ based on gender, contributing to reluctance among some women to share their experiences or engage in conversations about sports betting. They can feel pressure to participate in order to fit in with their peers, making them feel excluded if they choose not to gamble.
Amelia Weaver, a student majoring in sport management and media analytics, conducted research among women participation in sports betting.
“I know of college-aged women who bet on sports, but they don’t always want to talk about it. It’s again the awareness and the shame,” Weaver said.
Social media further intensifies these issues by constantly exposing users to betting predictions, winning tickets and gambling content. Weaver said this creates pressure to participate and makes betting seem more lucrative than it actually is.
When bets are lost, frustrated bettors often take their anger out on athletes through negative comments and harassment online. This growing problem has led to efforts to protect athletes from social media liabilities like the player property bets.
“When someone loses their bet, it is easy to go on social media and bash players who didn’t perform well,” Weaver said.
Athletes are increasingly exposed to criticism that extends beyond traditional fan reactions. A poor performance can trigger online backlash from bettors frustrated by lost wagers, creating a direct connection between gambling outcomes and the treatment of athletes on social media.
“There has been a rule put in place to protect college players from player props and just in general protecting them from social media and from negative things,” Weaver said.
When betting, Weaver said participants can gain money, providing relief to people in financial stress. This money gain can result in participants taking interest in sports betting in the future, connecting them with a community of other people who have similar interests, like sports or betting.
Being a part of a group boosts their mental health positively and allows themselves to find their people, giving them a sense of self.
Weaver said that the sports betting community also allows people to take part in watch parties and connect one another.
Brynley Witkowski
Brynley Witkowski is a rising senior at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. A passionate advocate for individuals who are often marginalized, she has dedicated the past three years to volunteering with her community’s Teen Court program. Brynley has also participated in the 7th Congressional District Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurial Conference and is a member of the 2026 North Carolina Youth Legislative Assembly. Outside the classroom, Brynley works as a lifeguard and serves as a Girl Scout camp counselor, roles that reflect her strong sense of responsibility and leadership. She is actively involved in volleyball, competitive swimming, her church youth group and Girl Scout service projects. With a proven commitment to teamwork, service and personal growth, Brynley is eager to continue developing her passion for writing and research while making a meaningful impact in her community.
Bao Nguyen
Bao Nguyen is from Sacramento, California, and is a rising senior at Christian Brothers High School. He is actively involved in choir, cross country, French Club, and being a school ambassador and retreat leader. With all these activities in and outside school, he strives to spread positivity within his community. When he’s not on campus, he enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, volunteering, traveling and cooking. He recently came back from an immersion program in Los Angeles, learning about the history of skid row, along with bonding with his fellow classmates, peers and the LA community. During his junior year, his passion toward social justice and journalism sparked, leading him to spread awareness and take a new perspective toward life. He hopes to pursue a career in whatever comes next, with the goal of helping others and making a positive impact.