Investigation on Athletes' Involvement in Gambling: Should Sports Clubs Bolster Prevention Efforts?
In the rapidly evolving world of sports, a significant concern has emerged: the increasing participation in sports betting and the associated potential for addictive behavior. Recent data shows a marked rise in sports betting among general gamblers, with weekly and monthly betting notably increasing from early 2022 to 2024[1]. This surge has been accompanied by a troubling rise in problem gambling rates among these bettors—from 20.9% in 2022 to 28% in late 2024[1].
One area where this trend is particularly concerning is its impact on athlete welfare. A 2025 survey revealed that at least 21% of sports bettors admitted to verbally abusing athletes, indicating a problematic impact of betting on athlete welfare[2].
As the legal sports betting market expands—with revenues in the U.S. increasing from $400 million in 2018 to over $11 billion in 2023, and expected to grow further in 2025—the influence of betting in sports culture becomes more pronounced[3][4].
In light of these developments, the role of sports clubs in preventing gambling harms has gained prominence. While explicit details are not extensively covered in the available sources, it is clear that many sports organizations and clubs are increasingly recognising their responsibility in this area.
They are taking steps such as implementing education programs to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and signs of problem gambling, developing codes of conduct that discourage gambling on one's own sport or team, offering support and referral services for athletes struggling with gambling issues, and collaborating with leagues and governing bodies to promote responsible gambling policies.
These preventive measures align with emerging best practices aimed at protecting athlete welfare and upholding the integrity of sports in the context of growing sports betting markets.
Researchers believe that sports clubs can play a significant role in the prevention of gambling and match-fixing. A pilot project, planned by the Prevention Project Gambling in cooperation with the State Sports Association and the Berlin Football Association, is set to be implemented with a Berlin club. The specific measures of this project are yet to be determined.
It's worth noting that a survey revealed that around 76% of those polled thought that sports clubs should not be sponsored by betting providers[5]. Despite this, clubs like Berlin's Hertha BSC are financially supported by gambling companies[6].
The study suggests that sports club members participate in sports betting more frequently than the general population[1]. However, it remains uncertain if the pilot project will contribute to the prevention of potential gambling addiction related to sports betting.
As the landscape of sports continues to evolve, the need for clubs to address the prevention of addictive sports betting behaviour becomes increasingly clear. The pilot project, if successful, could serve as a model for other clubs and sports organisations to follow in their efforts to protect their athletes and maintain the integrity of their sports.
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- In Germany, the expansion of online casinos has become a topic of interest, especially in the context of sports betting and its potential impact on mental health.
- While the study shows that sports club members engage in sports betting more frequently than the general population, it remains unclear if health-and-wellness programs focusing on mental health could mitigate this trend.
- As the football season progresses in Germany, concerns arise about the influence of sports betting sponsorships on clubs like Berlin's Hertha BSC, given the potential negative effects on athlete welfare and the promotion of gambling.
- In contrast to the 76% who believe sports clubs should not be sponsored by betting providers, science has been increasingly exploring the efficacy of therapies and treatments aimed at preventing sports betting addiction, especially through innovative initiatives like the planned pilot project in cooperation with the Berlin Football Association.