Online sports betting has experienced a significant surge in the past few years. New betting apps such as Underdog Fantasy, Prize Picks, and Chalkboard are becoming popular, and many BSM students have joined in on the fun.
Since the betting age is 18, many seniors have begun to explore online betting and enjoy making picks on individual player lines and statistics. Many students have picked up this new hobby and spend lots of time doing it. “I’d say every other day, especially during the football season, I bet a lot. Usually, when I’m betting on sports, I will probably look at data or stats for around 20 minutes before I put in my parlay to bet on the sport,” senior Jack Kershner said.
Winning isn’t certain, but many choose to risk losing their own money in hopes of turning it into more. Some students have had huge wins and walk away, some huge losses, but either way, most are drawn back in for more. “I don’t know the exact number, but I have lost a good amount, but all time I am up around $250,” Kershner said.
Betting on sports can lead to finding new and interesting sports that one might not regularly watch. Many students who bet have found themselves late at night, betting on sports they have never seen, played, or watched before. “I’ve watched cricket at 1:30 in the morning before, and bowling,” senior Peyton Myers said.
Some students have really embraced sports betting as a real passion of theirs and something they love to do. Many have said betting is one of their more time-consuming hobbies, as they watch the games along with the bets they make. Betting has helped many find new favorite players, teams, and has even helped them find new favorite things in themselves. “I think it has changed my relationship with my sports team, but I also think it’s changed my relationship with myself and how I love myself,” Myers said.
A community has come out of online betting because it is a passion for so many people. Many students work together with others to make parlays and work together to find which picks they feel are the best. Students enjoy watching their favorite sports with their friends, especially with a chance to win some money. “Making parlays with Logan Timmons in class is super fun, he makes a lot of bets and then gives them to everyone else, and we all tail them and watch the games together on Sunday,” senior Milo Dungan said.