Adolescence and youth are periods of increased vulnerability to risk behaviors, including gambling, particularly among athletes. The present study aimed to examine 1) the prevalence and severity of gambling, 2) gender differences in gambling-related behaviors, and 3) associations between sport modality, betting on one's own sport, and engagement in specific gambling activities with gambling severity and motives among recreational athletes. The sample consisted of 244 athletes aged 15 to 35 years (M = 20.58, SD = 4.58), of whom 68% were male. Gambling severity and motives were assessed, along with sport type, involvement in different modalities of gambling activities, and betting on the sport they practiced. Results indicated that 73% of the participants had gambled in their lifetime, and 16.3% presented at-risk or problem gambling behaviors. Males showed higher involvement in strategic and online gambling, higher gambling severity, and stronger gambling motives than females. Regression analyses indicated that online gambling, card games, and sports betting were associated with higher gambling severity. Furthermore, betting on own's sport and participation in specific gambling types (particularly slot machines) were related to higher enhancement, social, coping, and financial motives. Early identification of at-risk athletes, with attention to gender differences in gambling behaviors and motives, may help in developing tailored educational and preventive strategies within recreational sports environments.
Estévez et al. (2026) studied this question.