The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has released survey data regarding sports betting activity among young adults.
The data comes from a survey of 3,527 responses from individuals aged 18-22 who live in the United States. Responses were received from individuals collectively residing in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Overall, the survey found that sports wagering is prevalent among 18-to-22-year-olds, with 58% having engaged in at least one sports betting activity.
Risky behaviour factors were considered as: betting a few times a week or daily, betting more than $50 or more in a typical wager, or losing more than $500 betting on sports in a single day. It was found that 16% of all 18–22-year-olds had engaged in at least one of these risky behaviours.
Out of all the types of bets, the most popular was betting on the National Football League (NFL).
NCCA President Charlie Baker said: “We needed a new baseline so we can better understand what student-athletes are experiencing on their campuses and among their peers so we can best help them deal with the potentially disruptive dynamic of legal sports betting.
“Sports betting has increased interest in sports of all kinds, including college sports, which is great for our fans, but the NCAA and everyone from coaches to athletics department staff and college presidents must better understand what impact sports betting may have on student-athletes."
