Sports Betting Debate Highlights Mental Health, Integrity Concerns

Simpson College hosts panel on the growth of online sports gambling and its impacts

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Culver Public Policy Center at Simpson College hosted a panel discussion on the rise of sports betting and its effects, including the psychological toll on individuals and families, as well as the potential threats to student-athlete wellbeing. Speakers from various disciplines, including sports administration, psychology, and journalism, shared insights on the rapid expansion of the sports betting industry and the complex issues it raises.

Why it matters

As sports betting becomes more widespread and normalized, especially among young adults, there are growing concerns about the mental health impacts and threats to the integrity of college sports. The panel discussion highlighted the need for greater awareness and responsibility around this issue as billions are wagered each year.

The details

The panel featured speakers from Simpson College, including Assistant Athletic Director Tara Rehmeier, professor of sports science and administration Matt Garret, and professor of psychology Don Evans, as well as Travis Hines, an Iowa State Cyclones columnist. They discussed the dramatic growth of the sports betting industry, with legal bets reaching $150 billion in 2024, a 22% increase from the previous year. However, the speakers also emphasized the psychological toll, with Evans explaining how gambling can create stress and strain relationships within families. Hines also noted the issue of student-athletes receiving hateful messages from bettors who lose their wagers.

  • The Culver Public Policy Center hosted the annual Pizza and Policy event on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • In 2024, there were $150 billion in legal sports bets, a 22% increase from 2023.

The players

Tara Rehmeier

Simpson College's Assistant Athletic Director.

Matt Garret

Professor of sports science and administration at Simpson College.

Don Evans

Professor of psychology at Simpson College.

Travis Hines

Iowa State Cyclones columnist for the 'Des Moines Register' and 'Ames Tribune'.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, it was a Las Vegas thing. That was about the only place you could legally do it.”

— Travis Hines (Des Moines Register, Ames Tribune)

“There were $150 billion in legal sports bets in 2024, which is a 22% increase from 2023 and predictions are that we will see double-digit increases from here until the rest of the decade.”

— Matt Garret, Professor of sports science and administration (Simpson College)

“The thing that concerns me more as a clinical psychologist than the money itself is the impact it has on people and their families.”

— Don Evans, Professor of psychology (Simpson College)

“When you talk about student-athletes, the concern is not the integrity of the sports, it is the onslaught of social media messages if the bettor lost their bet and they want to blame it on the team or a player.”

— Travis Hines (Des Moines Register, Ames Tribune)

What’s next

The panel discussion highlighted the need for greater awareness and responsibility around the issue of sports betting as it becomes more widespread, especially among young adults. Further research and policy discussions will likely be needed to address the complex mental health and integrity concerns raised by the speakers.

The takeaway

The rapid growth of the sports betting industry has raised significant concerns about the psychological toll on individuals and families, as well as the potential threats to the integrity of college sports. As this issue becomes more normalized, there is a clear need for increased education, regulation, and support to mitigate the negative impacts.