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Previous research has shown that male athletes at the elite level in Sweden have a higher proportion of gambling problems than the average male population in the country. However, there is a knowledge gap in the prevalence of gambling problems among young athletes. To address this gap, this study aimed to explore gambling behavior among young athletes and to examine the associations between individual and environmental factors and problem gambling. The cross-sectional survey comprised questions from the Problem Gambling Severity Index and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, in addition to self-constructed items on individual and environmental factors. The data were derived from a sample of 1,636 students from the National Sports Education Program (NIU) and 816 grassroots athletes of the same age (16-20 years old). The results showed that male athletes had a higher prevalence of problem gambling compared to female athletes, and that a large proportion of male athletes had gambled during school hours. The prevalence of problem gambling was almost zero for women. The prevalence of problem gambling among male athletes over 18 years of age was 9% in NIU athletes and 3.6% in grassroots athletes, while for men under 18 years of age, the prevalence was 4.9% in NIU athletes and 1.3% in grassroots athletes. The study highlights the importance of considering contextual factors such as the school and team environment in preventing problem gambling among young male athletes., (© 2023 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Considering the financial connections between sport and the gambling industry, more should be learned about gambling and problem gambling in this setting. This study explores how male athletes, coaches, and sports managers experience gambling activities and problems in their sports. Interviews were conducted with 30 male elite athletes, coaches, and managers in four sports. The interviews were analysed using content analysis, and the results indicated two main themes: 1) desire for and concerns with money and 2) in the shadow of performance, and three categories. The first main theme emerged as a result of the respondents recurring reference to money as the reason to different actions: It is important to win money,'too little' or 'too much' money is described as reason for gambling, athletes status is affected by money and sponsor money from the gambling companies are considered important. 'In the shadow of the performance' captures the reason to and value of performance: The thrill and money are rewards for the gambling performance, everyday sporting life emphasizes performance both in training and matches. Lack of successful performance is perceived as a threat and evokes a fear of being seen as weak and being ejected from the team. This study identifies gambling as normalized within male elite sport. Preventing gambling problems calls for action at all levels of the involved socio-ecological framework. Management, coaches, and athletes need more knowledge of gambling and how to create a sustainable framework to prevent gambling problems., (© 2021. The Author(s).)