Las Vegas, NV 89109, March 06, 2025 (Globe Newswire) – A new longitudinal study published in Jam psychiatry Notes that the frequency of sports games and alcohol problems are strongly associated over time, strengthening concerns about the potential risks to the health of simultaneous play and consumption behavior.
The study, funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), analyzed data of more than 4,300 American adults over two years. Researchers have found that if alcohol problems decreased slightly over time, fluctuations in the frequency of sports games were closely linked to changes in alcohol -related damage. These results suggest that individuals who engage in two activities can be at increased risk of developing problematic consumption behavior.
“These results underline the need for screening and intervention strategies targeting sports players who also drink,” said Dr. Joshua B. Grubbs of the University of New Mexico. “It is very likely that these behaviors interact in order to increase the risks associated with the two. Since the growing accessibility of sports games in the United States, understanding the health implications of these behaviors is essential.”
The ICRG, the largest independent funder for research on games in the United States, has argued several studies aimed at understanding the risks associated with sports betting. The latest research from Dr. Grubbs rely on his vast set of work, which led to 12 publications evaluated by peers examining game behavior, dependency risks and responsible game strategies. Supported by the financing of the ICRG, his studies have contributed considerably to the understanding of these critical problems.
Among the previous results supported by the ICRG:
- Sports bettors run a higher risk of dependence than other game groups, with a solid link with excessive alcohol consumption. (Jama Network Open, 2024))
- Impulsiveness is a key predictor of high -risk game behavior, highlighting the need for targeted intervention strategies. (Addictive behaviors, 2024))
- Responsible game strategies must be adapted to different types of sports betting, because not all forms have the same level of risk. (Journal of Gambling Studies, 2024))
- Marginalized communities are faced with unique game challenges, requiring culturally sensitive harm strategies. (Addictive behaviors, 2023))
“While the sports game continues to develop, research like this is essential to understand the broader implications of public health,” said Art Paikowsky, president of the ICRG. “The ICRG remains determined to finance rigorous and independent studies which contribute to solutions based on evidence for the responsible game.”
This study is part of a continuous effort to assess playing behaviors over time. Additional articles of this data set are currently being examined by peers.
(Image: Dr Joshua Grubbs – Photo by ICRG)