A new longitudinal study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that sports gambling frequency and alcohol-related problems are strongly associated over time, reinforcing concerns about the potential health risks of concurrent gambling and drinking behaviors.

The study, funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), analyzed data from over 4,300 U.S. adults over two years. Researchers found that while alcohol-related problems slightly decreased over time, fluctuations in sports gambling frequency were closely tied to changes in alcohol-related harms. These findings suggest that individuals who engage in both activities may be at heightened risk of developing problematic drinking behaviors.

“These results emphasize the need for screening and intervention strategies targeting sports gamblers who also drink,” said lead author Dr. Joshua B. Grubbs of the University of New Mexico. “It is quite likely that these behaviors are interacting in such a way that may increase the risks associated with both. Given the increasing accessibility of sports gambling in the U.S., understanding the health implications of these behaviors is critical.”

The ICRG, the largest independent funder of gambling research in the United States, has supported multiple studies aimed at understanding the risks associated with sports wagering. Dr. Grubbs’ latest research builds on his extensive body of work, which has resulted in 12 peer-reviewed publications examining gambling behaviors, addiction risks, and responsible gambling strategies. Supported by ICRG funding, his studies have significantly contributed to the understanding of these critical issues.

Among prior ICRG-supported findings:

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• Sports bettors are at a higher risk for addiction than other gambling groups, with a strong connection to binge drinking. (JAMA Network Open, 2024)
• Impulsivity is a key predictor of high-risk gambling behaviors, underscoring the need for targeted intervention strategies. (Addictive Behaviors, 2024)
• Responsible gambling strategies must be tailored to different types of sports betting, as not all forms carry the same level of risk. (Journal of Gambling Studies, 2024)
• Marginalized communities face unique gambling challenges, requiring culturally sensitive harm-reduction strategies. (Addictive Behaviors, 2023)

“As sports gambling continues to expand, research like this is essential for understanding the broader public health implications,” said Art Paikowsky, President at ICRG. “ICRG remains committed to funding rigorous, independent studies that contribute to evidence-based solutions for responsible gambling.”

This study is part of an ongoing effort to assess gambling behaviors over time. Additional papers from this dataset are currently under peer review.

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) has welcomed Dr. Travis Sztainert as its new director of research and education. Dr. Sztainert, a distinguished researcher and knowledge translation professional, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in responsible gambling research to the ICRG. With a proven track record in effectively bridging the gap between knowledge, policy, and practice, he will help further the impactful work of the ICRG.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Travis Sztainert to the ICRG team. His extensive background in responsible gambling research and his commitment to transforming data into actionable knowledge align perfectly with our organization’s mission. We look forward to leveraging Travis’s insights to advance our efforts in promoting responsible gambling practices,” Arthur Paikowsky, President at ICRG, said.

New relationship with Kindbridge Behavioral Health is part of a series of initiatives that aim to support problem gambling prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.

FanDuel, North America’s premier online gaming company, announced a series of initiatives and financial support focused on raising awareness of the importance of responsible play during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

FanDuel is joining forces with Kindbridge Behavioral Health (Kindbridge), a pioneering mental health service provider dedicated to supporting individuals facing challenges related to problem gambling. The first phase of the relationship will focus on a pilot program in New Jersey and Ohio that supports self-excluded players with direct access to comprehensive mental health assessments and group support services.

The pilot program will provide resources for individuals in need to schedule appointments immediately with specialized problem gambling outpatient treatment providers via telehealth services. As part of the initiative, individuals who self-exclude from the FanDuel platform in New Jersey and Ohio will now be able to receive a complimentary mental health assessment and gain access to a range of peer support and educational groups designed to underpin their recovery journey.

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“Our team works year-round at FanDuel to equip and support our customers to play responsibly,” said Alison Kutler, Vice President, Sustainability and Responsible Gaming for FanDuel. “As we mark Problem Gambling Awareness Month, I’m excited to work with a growing roster of partners to expand access to problem gambling support resources.”

“We are thrilled to be working with FanDuel to offer vital mental health support for players in need,” added Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health. “This collaboration is deeply resonant, extending a compassionate hand to those navigating the complex terrain of problem gambling. At the heart of our ethos lies a fervent belief in the power of accessible mental health resources to illuminate paths toward healing and recovery.”

Reinforcing Support of Non-Profit Partnerships

As part of the company’s continued commitment to support problem gambling prevention, FanDuel will donate $150,000 to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) that will further support the NCPG’s Agility Grants program, which is funded by the NFL via the NFL Foundation. This program provides funding to non-profit organizations across the country for problem gambling prevention in areas that currently have no services or to expand existing programming.

FanDuel will also donate an additional $150,000 to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by gambling disorder and preventing the onset of gambling problems through high-quality scientific research and evidence-based educational programming. The donation will help fund research to understand gambling behavior in the U.S. and enhance the industry’s tools to identify potential harm, mitigate risk, and improve responsible gambling programs.

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“Investing in prevention is key to mitigating gambling-related harm,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “We appreciate FanDuel’s support of NCPG and their proactive and collaborative approach to providing problem gambling prevention, research and treatment resources.”

“FanDuel’s support continues to play a huge role in ICRG’s research and development,” stated Arthur Paikowsky, President of ICRG. “We are honored to work with FanDuel as we commit to advocating for the importance of responsible gaming.”

Rewarding Customer Tool Usage at Retail Locations

Throughout March, FanDuel is rewarding the use of responsible gaming tools including deposit, wager and time limits in select retail locations across the country. Customers who show a staff member that they are using a tool to manage their play will be offered a FanDuel ‘Play Well’ branded gift for playing responsibly. This promotion will be available beginning in mid-March in Phoenix, Chicago and Washington, D.C.