New research involving almost 1,400 high-level athletes has provided valuable insights into gambling behaviours and associated risks across European sport.
Conducted by EPIC Global Solutions, in collaboration with European Athletes and Players Association members as part of the PROtect Integrity Responsibly campaign, the study also explored the role of education in strengthening awareness and supporting athlete wellbeing and sporting integrity.
Understanding Gambling in High-Level Sport
The findings reveal that 36% of respondents had gambled within the previous 12 months. Of those surveyed, 4.2% reported gambling at least once a week, while a further 4.9% gambled on two or more days per week. Online sports betting was the most commonly reported gambling activity (20%).
Using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), the research identified varying levels of gambling-related risk. Overall, 8.4% of respondents were classified as low risk and 4.8% as moderate risk. A further 1.2% met the screening criteria for problem gambling.
These findings reinforce the importance of understanding gambling-related harm as an athlete wellbeing concern, with potential implications for sporting integrity.
Previous research has suggested that athletes may be up to seven times more likely to develop gambling problems than the general population (Gonzalez-Moret et al., 2025). This highlights the importance of understanding the particular risks athletes face and ensuring appropriate education and support are available.
International Release of the Research
The findings of the new study will be presented at the PROtect Integrity Responsibly Final Conference alongside the World Players Institute Conference, which takes place at LinkedIn HQ in Dublin on 27 and 28 October.
Led by the European Athletes & Players Association (EAPA), the event will bring project partners together to build a clearer picture of the gambling landscape across European sport and consider the implications for future athlete education and support.
The Impact of PROtect Integrity Education
To date, more than 5,500 athletes have received education through PROtect Integrity Responsibly. These sessions aim to strengthen awareness of gambling-related harm and its potential consequences.
The research also demonstrated encouraging improvements in self-reported awareness following educational sessions.
Awareness of the potential harms associated with gambling increased from 52% to 84%, while recognition of the signs of harmful gambling behaviour rose from 44% to 77.5%.
Understanding of athletes’ vulnerability to gambling-related harm increased from 43% to 78%. Awareness of the relationship between gambling and professional integrity also rose from 46% to 78%.
Following the sessions, 90% of respondents expressed confidence in knowing where to seek support, while 91% felt confident they would seek help if needed.
Turning Research into Action
Next week’s conference will provide a chance to reflect on the findings and share learning from across the project.
Thanks to World Players, PROtect Integrity Responsibly will have a platform to share its research with a wider international audience through two dedicated sessions. These will include a presentation by EPIC’s Anca-Maria Gherghel, who led the study, and an educational workshop delivered by Marc Williams.
The findings will help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen gambling-related education and support across European sport. By building awareness and encouraging informed decision-making, the project aims to help athletes recognise potential risks and access support when needed.
PROtect Integrity Responsibly is co-funded by the European Union.