Takeaway
What may start as casual gambling can quickly escalate into a dangerous addiction with severe mental health consequences, particularly for young men. Healthcare professionals can recognize the signs of gambling-related distress, integrate screening into routine care, and offer support and resources.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | May 22, 2025 | 3 min read
By Gabrielle Davis, MBS, physician assistant student, Nova Southeastern University and Spencer Wright
In 2024, a 27-year-old male was found dead in his apartment, the result of an apparent suicide. Friends said he had been battling severe depression after losing over $70,000 through online sports betting. It started as harmless fun—just a few bets on weekends—but over time, the losses, along with his addiction, mounted, and so did his isolation. He maxed out his credit cards, borrowed from friends, and even resorted to stealing from his family. When the debt collectors began calling, his anxiety skyrocketed. He told a friend, “I don’t see a way out.” Stories like this are unfortunately common.
A kid in a candy store: the allure of gambling
One doesn’t have to look far to find gambling content today. From nonstop TV commercials to ESPN and other sports media pushing “Picks of the Day,” and professional teams flaunting sports betting sponsorships, gambling is now embedded in everyday entertainment. In the past, gambling required a trip to a casino—a deliberate act that allowed for reflection and intention. Today, that barrier is gone. Platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, Underdog, Caesars, ESPNBet, and even unregulated “credit books” make betting accessible from the couch, often luring users with promotions like “free cash” just for signing up.
But what keeps people coming back? Psychology and behavioral economics suggest that gambling’s addictiveness lies in loss aversion: losing money hurts more than winning feels good. This emotional imbalance drives gamblers to chase their losses, believing one more bet will fix everything. It’s a dangerous cycle, where the fear of losing eclipses rational decision-making—and that’s exactly what keeps people hooked. As gambling becomes easier and more normalized, so does the risk of addiction—and its consequences are anything but virtual.
A culture of risk: gambling’s growing popularity
In American culture today, sports betting on various leagues and other highly unpredictable scenarios, such as politics, trivial matters such as food-eating competitions, and even video game battles are at an all-time high. Nearly half of Americans were involved in sports betting alone in the past year, with the majority being young males. The legal age to bet is 21 years in most states, but as low as 18 years in a few. Based on psychological and neurological principles, younger individuals exposed to the trend of gambling are more likely to develop gambling addiction and at greatest risk to struggle to stop – consistent with other substance use disorders.
Talking about gambling with patients
Healthcare professionals regularly ask patients about their interests and habits, as these can offer insight into mental health and lifestyle. In today’s world, asking young men about gambling, just as clinicians ask about smoking and alcohol, might be a valuable screening practice. Questions about gambling behaviors, from their trusted and non-judgmental healthcare partner, may prompt reflection and allow for an open discussion. For those who screen positive, the clinician can direct the conversation to the risks of addiction and the potential impact that gambling can have on overall wellness. Assessing gamblers for new or worsening symptoms of stress, depression, or anxiety is warranted.
Five tips to support patients with a gambling disorder:
1. Use empathetic and supportive language when talking about their gambling.
2. Monitor for new symptoms or changes in mood / behavior / lifestyle.
3. Continue to inquire about their practices during each visit.
4. Connect patients with counseling resources (psychological, financial, or other) as needed.
5. If the patient consents, involve loved ones to support recovery.
If you, a loved one, or a patient is struggling with gambling addiction, go to: https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/.
You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or chat online on their website.
Click here to learn more about Gabrielle.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.