As many states, including Oregon, grapple with the rise in sports betting among college students, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has encouraged parents to discuss this phenomenon as football and other sports seasons are now starting, with the associated gambling on the games.

OHA is raising awareness about the growing trend, encouraging families to talk about gambling risks before students leave home. A 2023 NCAA survey confirmed sports gambling is widespread among college students and published these statistics:

67% of college students living on campus admit to placing sports bets.

16% reported engaging in at least one risky gambling behavior.

6% said they lost more than $500 in a single day.

Greta Coe, problem gambling program manager at OHA, said, “We have to start talking about

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