Sports betting has become a fixture of American sports culture—fueled by new technologies, advertising, and the excitement of being part of the action. But as the industry expands, so do the risks for fans, students, and athletes who can find themselves caught in the high-stakes world of compulsive gambling.

On Oct. 27, the Sports and Society Initiative at The Ohio State University hosted Betting Beyond Your Means: The Cost of Problem Gambling, a public conversation that brought together experts from policy, treatment, research, and community outreach. The discussion highlighted not just the financial costs of gambling addiction, but the human ones—mental health struggles, academic consequences, and the toll on families and careers.

Panelists included Cory Fox of FanDuel, Dan Umfleet of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, Michael Wohl of Carleton University, and Derek Longmeier of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. Together, they offered insights on prevention, recovery, and the shared responsibility among sports organizations, universities, and fans.

Here is a link to the complete event.

Taking Action: Where to Find Help and Learn More

SSI’s work doesn’t end with one event. Below are trusted resources for education, support, and research on responsible gambling:

• Help for Problem Gambling: By State – A directory of hotlines and treatment programs across the U.S.
• Ohio State Student Wellness Sports Betting and Gambling Resources – Support specifically for Ohio State students.
• Problem Gambling Network of Ohio – A statewide leader in prevention, treatment, and advocacy.
• More Than a Bet – A FanDuel-led initiative focused on responsible play.
• Trusted Voices – Educational campaigns using athletes and community figures to promote responsible gambling.
• Compulsive Gambling – Background on the psychology and behavior patterns of gambling addiction.
• NCAA Sports Betting Rule Updates – Learn more about the DI Board of Directors’ rule amendments impacting college athletes.
• News coverage: “'Parlay Patz' faces federal charges for alleged threats to pro, college athletes” and “Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups Arrested In FBI Gambling Probe” – illustrating the darker side of sports wagering.
• As sports betting explodes, should states set more limits to stop gambling addiction? – An important policy discussion on the national landscape.

Continuing the Conversation

The Sports and Society Initiative will continue to explore how betting shapes sports culture—from fan behavior to athlete well-being to the economics of college athletics. The Betting Beyond Your Means discussion was just the start of an ongoing effort to connect research, education, and policy for healthier sports communities.