Ohio Creates “More Than A Bet” Campaign to Curb Student Athlete Harassment Over Sports Bets
Published: October 7, 2024
Ohio is now in its second football season with legalized sports betting. For many, that means they can watch their favorite team with family and friends while engaging in an entertaining hobby. But, for others, its legalization has introduced new concerns, including the harassment of student athletes when a bet goes wrong.
According to the NCAA, up to 25 percent of all harassment in sports is betting-related, and 30 percent of Division 1 (D1) athletes experience bullying due to sports betting. An ESPN article found that this harassment of college students includes hurtful insults, racial slurs, death threats, and more.
A person of any age receiving threats over a bet is unacceptable, but it is of significant concern for college students, who are already at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
To address the issue of harassment of college athletes, Ohio for Responsible Gambling has launched a new campaign called “More Than a Bet” to remind sports bettors that these athletes are individuals who are also students, sons and daughters, and friends – and they don’t deserve to be harassed over a bet.
Watch this quick, 30-second video to learn more about the campaign:
The website for the new campaign includes facts and insights about the growing issue of student athlete harassment, a page for tips on mental health and prevention, toolkits for college campuses, and more.
Not only does sports betting harassment negatively impact student athletes’ well-being and the integrity of the game, but it can also potentially be a sign of a gambling disorder for the one sending the threats. Other warning signs of a gambling disorder include:
- Borrowing money for gambling
- Hiding how much time or money is spent on gambling
- Withdrawing from relationships or hobbies
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Spending a lot of time gambling, thinking about, or planning to gamble
- Exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
For more information on the facts of gambling disorders, visit PauseBeforeYouPlay.org/the-issue. And if you’re interested in learning more about the growing mental health concern of student athlete harassment and seeing how you can get involved in the solution, please visit MoreThanABet.org.
And lastly, if you or someone you know needs help, you can always call the free and confidential Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline. Trained and understanding specialists are available 24/7 to take your call, with no strings attached. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.