A study conducted by researchers from the universities of Vigo, Miguel Hernández of Elche (UMH), and International of Valencia, and published in the scientific journal International Gambling Studies, indicates that teenagers federated in football exhibit a higher frequency of gambling, a greater intention to gamble, and more indicators of problematic gambling compared to those who play this sport without being federated or who participate in other sports disciplines. The research involved 728 students from Compulsory Secondary Education in Galicia, aged between 12 and 17 years.
The results show that teenage footballers displayed a greater motivation related to the pursuit of excitement and, compared to other federated athletes, higher scores in economic and social motivations. A lower perception of the risk associated with gambling was also observed. The authors emphasize that while the study identifies associations, it does not establish a direct causal link between playing football and gambling behaviors, but it does help identify priority environments for developing preventive strategies.
The research also highlights the growing presence of gambling within the football world, where broadcasts, social media, and promotional content contribute to presenting it as a natural extension of football fandom. The team environment and the sense of belonging to a group also favor the adoption of behaviors considered normal. The researchers propose expanding problematic gambling prevention programs beyond educational centers to include sports clubs, federations, and football schools, targeting adolescents, coaches, and families.
“"The problem is not football as a sports activity, but the progressive normalization of gambling within football culture. When betting is presented as a way to demonstrate sports knowledge, emotions, or participate in the spectacle, the lines between enjoying the sport and gambling money become blurred."
Although gambling is prohibited for individuals under 18 in Spain, the Spanish Observatory on Drugs and Addictions indicates that 24.4% of students aged 14 to 18 participated in gambling with money in the last year, and nearly 5% show indicators of problematic gambling. Researchers remind us that adolescence is a sensitive stage for peer influence and the pursuit of excitement.
