PORTLAND, Ore. — As thousands of Oregon students head off to college this fall, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urging families to talk openly about the risks of sports betting. With the return of football and other sports, OHA says sports wagering is becoming increasingly common among young adults, many of whom are living away from home for the first time.
“Many states are dealing with the rise in sports betting among college students, and Oregon is right there with them,” said Greta Coe, OHA’s problem gambling program manager. “We have to start talking about risky behaviors early on and make sure young people know there’s support if gambling becomes a problem.”
A 2023 NCAA survey found that 67% of students living on campus admitted to placing sports bets, while 16% reported risky gambling behavior. Six percent said they lost more than $500 in a single day.
OHA is encouraging students and families to use free resources, including GamFin, which offers confidential financial counseling, and the Evive App, which provides personalized support for managing or reducing gambling.
For more information and support, visit opgr.org.
