Sports betting surpassed $100 billion revenue worldwide in 2024 and is projected to nearly double by 2030. However, the effects of new policy regulations within the United States and abroad have significantly shifted the sports betting landscape, making it one of the most pressing public health and policy issues of our time. As aggressive marketing strategies increasingly target youth and young adults, concerns are mounting regarding the long-term impact on at-risk populations.

Sports Betting: Risks & Ripple Effects Teach-Out
Ends soon: Gain next-level skills with Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.

Skills you'll gain
Details to know
January 2026
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 4 modules in this course
Module One introduces the modern sports betting ecosystem. You will explore how sports betting evolved from informal, local practices into a global, data-driven industry shaped by technology, marketing, and legal change. Expert interviews examine how sportsbooks operate, how prediction markets blur the line between investing and gambling, and how marketing strategies target specific audiences. This module also highlights conflicts of interest and the ways data analytics and platform design influence bettor behavior.
What's included
5 videos9 readings1 discussion prompt
Focusing on college and university settings, Module Two examines how sports betting intersects with campus life. You will explore risks facing student-athletes, including harassment, integrity concerns, and mental health stressors, as well as emerging issues such as esports and gamblification. Module Two also addresses how institutions can create protective environments through policy, education, and collaboration, without the need to become gambling experts.
What's included
6 videos8 readings1 discussion prompt
Module Three focuses on mental health, prevention, and harm reduction. You will examine gambling as a behavioral addiction, its connection to alcohol use, and why emerging adults are particularly vulnerable. Drawing on international examples, including lessons from Australia and the UK, this module highlights public health strategies that focus on early intervention, risk reduction, and community-level responses rather than crisis-only approaches.
What's included
5 videos7 readings1 discussion prompt
In the final module, you will explore how sports betting is regulated and why governance matters. You will examine the significance of the 2018 Supreme Court decision in the United States that reshaped U.S. sports betting, the role of state gaming commissions, and the concept of sports jurisprudence. Module Four also attends to gambling-motivated crimes, treatment diversion courts, and how effective regulation can reduce harm.
What's included
4 videos8 readings1 discussion prompt
Instructor

Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career





Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
More questions
Financial aid available,

