Busted Brackets & Broken Bankrolls: The Rise of College Gambling During March Madness
By Steve Feldman, CEO
Each year, as March Madness kicks off, millions of Americans turn their attention to the NCAA tournament. For many, it’s a fun tradition filled with brackets, upsets, and buzzer-beaters. But behind the excitement, there’s a quieter, growing concern — the rise of gambling addiction among college students.
As a professional working in the mental health and addiction space, I’ve worked with countless families in crisis. One of the most overlooked and fast-growing issues I see is the impact of sports betting and online gambling on young adults. With the legalization and digitization of betting, college campuses have become hotbeds for gambling-related harm.
A Growing Epidemic
The statistics are sobering. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), approximately 6% of college students in the U.S. have a serious gambling problem, compared to around 1% of the general population. That’s over a million young people at risk — many of whom are navigating their first taste of independence, often far from home, and under significant academic and social pressure.
March Madness can serve as a gateway. With easy access to betting apps, students can place wagers in seconds — whether it’s on the final score, player stats, or even the outcome of the next play. These “microwagers” (small, fast-paced bets) are particularly addictive, tapping into the same brain reward systems as slot machines and video gaming.
A 2023 survey by the NCAA found that 67% of college students living on campus had participated in sports betting, and nearly one in five admitted to having lost more than they could afford.
Why This Matters
Gambling addiction is not about a lack of willpower. It’s a diagnosable and treatable mental health condition, often co-occurring with anxiety, depression, or trauma. It can lead to academic failure, strained relationships, financial ruin, and, in some cases, criminal behavior to chase losses.
Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding gambling often prevents students and families from seeking help. There’s a misconception that “it’s just a phase” or “just part of college life.” But when gambling stops being fun and starts being a compulsion, intervention is essential.
Signs to Watch For
If you’re a parent, caregiver, or friend of a college student, here are a few red flags to look for:
- Frequent talk about betting odds, sports stats, or “the next big win”
- Sudden money problems or requests for cash
- Irritability or secrecy around phone/computer use
- Withdrawing from friends, classes, or extracurriculars
- Chasing losses or lying about gambling habits
What You Can Do
There is hope. Recovery is possible, and no one needs to walk this path alone. Here are steps you can take:
- Start the conversation
Approach your loved one with compassion, not judgment. Express concern, not blame. Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed you seem stressed and distracted lately. I’m worried about how much you’re gambling.” - Educate yourself
Learn about gambling addiction from trusted sources like the National Council on Problem Gambling or Gamblers Anonymous. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to support someone in crisis. - Seek professional help- Give Feinberg a Call
Addiction doesn’t happen in isolation, and neither does healing. We understand the complexity of gambling, co-occurring mental health issues, and family dynamics. Our team guides families through developing tailored paths forward, interventions, coaching, and treatment recommendations. - Encourage boundaries and digital awareness
Many students don’t realize how much time and money they’re spending. Encouraging them to set screen-time limits, block gambling apps, or use self-exclusion tools offered by sportsbooks can help re-establish control. - Model a shame-free environment
Shame keeps people stuck. Hope moves people forward. Let your loved one know that mistakes don’t define them — their willingness to get help does.
The Bigger Picture
We must also advocate for systemic change. Colleges need more education around gambling harms. Betting companies should be held accountable for targeting young adults with aggressive marketing. And as a society, we need to balance freedom with responsibility.
March Madness will always be part of American culture. But so too should mental health awareness, compassionate conversations, and access to care.
If your family is navigating a gambling crisis, know this: you’re not alone. There is a path forward, and it begins with a single, courageous step.
This article was written by Steve Feldman, CEO
I have always been passionate about helping other people. I find great fulfillment in helping individuals and families move from feeling hopeless to having hope and experiencing healing. I am also motivated by creating a respectful, congruent, compassionate, and supportive culture within our company.
