Professor Bram Constandt discusses the dangers of online sports gambling

Professor Bram Constandt, affiliated with the Department of Sports Sciences at Ghent University, investigated whether you can become rich from gambling on sports. He points out the dangers it entails. Where gambling used to take place in dark corners of cafes it is now available anywhere and anytime thanks to the rise of online platforms.

In Belgium alone, 576,000 people take a gamble every week. With a total amount of 343 million euros deployed in 2020. But what does this mean for the gamblers themselves? Can you actually get rich by betting on sports matches?

The myth of profit 

Many people believe that their knowledge of sports gives them an advantage in sports betting. The advertising industry eagerly responds to this by presenting sports gambling as fun and risk-free. Often in combination with images of friends enjoying a sporting event together. Research shows that there is no connection between sports knowledge and profit.

On the contrary, in most cases, gamblers always lose money in the long run. Despite the promotion of so-called ‘expert advice’ and tips from famous athletes. The reality remains that the gambling industry is the big winner.

The dangerous reality 

Constandt notes: Sports gambling may seem attractive but the consequences can be disastrous. Addiction experts warn that gambling is a hidden addiction and less visible than for example alcohol or drug addiction. But with equally devastating consequences.

In the Netherlands gamblers lose an average of 153 euros per month. Which increases to more than 1800 euros annually. The financial impact is just the tip of the iceberg. Personal relationships mental health and even life itself can also be put at risk by the addiction to sports gambling.