More than one in five college students are using financial aid to gamble on sports. This is money meant for tuition, housing, and books.
In this episode, Eric Kasimov examines how this is happening, why it’s growing, and what it reveals about college culture, mental health, and the expanding reach of sports betting.
This is an audio edition of the SportsEpreneur article, How College Financial Aid Fuels Sports Betting Addiction | A Hidden Crisis — written and read by Eric Kasimov.
Episode Highlights

21% of college students admit to using financial aid money for betting
Why federal refund rules make this problem nearly impossible to monitor
The neuroscience behind why young adults are prone to gambling addiction
Real stories of students losing control — and what parents can watch for
What universities should be doing to protect their students
The connection between sports betting, mental health, and college culture

Read more on college students’ sports betting

Higher Education Inquirer: Student Aid and Student Gambling: A Risky Connection
University of South Carolina: USC researcher studies the growth of sports gambling
Rutgers Addiction Research Center: The Rise of Sports Betting Among College Students: A Growing Public Health Concern
Investopedia: Sports Betting Is Taking Over Young Men’s Time—And Money

Resources for Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with sports betting or gambling addiction:

National Problem Gambling Helpline — Call 1-800-522-4700 or text “800GAM” for 24/7 confidential support.
Gamblers Anonymous — A peer-support organization offering local and online meetings for anyone seeking recovery.

Read the full article on College Financial Aid Money Going to Sports Betting
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Eric KasimovEric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.
Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.
His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.