Gambling behavior and problem risk by coaching status in individuals with athletic backgrounds from an epidemiological sample

The popularity and expansion of sports wagering has highlighted the betting behavior of athletes, particularly at college and professional levels. Far less attention, however, has been paid to the gambling behavior of coaches, despite their immersion in sports environments saturated with gambling opportunities and their potential influence on athletes’ attitudes and behaviors. The present study utilized a subsample of individuals with athletic backgrounds from an epidemiological study (N = 1,778), including current coaches (n = 161), former coaches (n = 595), and individuals who never coached (n = 1,022). Bivariate comparisons by coaching status found that current coaches gambled at the highest frequency, in more venues, across more activities, including sports and fantasy sports betting, and reported the highest rates of problem gambling. In a multivariate linear regression, current coach status was associated with a 2.33-point higher Problem Gambling Severity Index score (p < .001) compared to non-coaches; former coaches did not significantly differ from non-coaches. Among current coaches, problem gambling was associated with being an NCAA athlete, current sports participation, perceiving family and friend participation in sports betting, depression, drug and alcohol problems, risky sex, and excessive video/internet gaming. These findings suggest coaches require their own education and intervention, and should be included in prevention programs targeting athletes.