University of Cincinnati
03/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/20/2026 20:03
UC Blue Ash expert examines a link between sports betting and binge drinking behavior
UC Blue Ash expert examines a link between sports betting and binge drinking behavior
Local 12 spoke with Keshar Ghimire, PhD, about his research
2 minute read March 20, 2026 Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
Keshar Ghimire, PhD, an associate professor of economics at UC Blue Ash, has co-authored a new study in the journal Health Economics that examines a possible link between gambling and substance use.
Ghimire and researcher Kabir Dasgupta, a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Board, used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and a difference-in-difference (DID) estimation strategy to assess the impact of legalizing sports betting on smoking and drinking behavior among adults.
Dr. Keshar Ghimire
Local 12 News spoke with Ghimire for a segment on sports betting and March Madness. Ghimire's primary appointment is at UC Blue Ash, but he also teaches a course at the Lindner College of Business.
Ghimire and his co-researcher found that the introduction of online sports betting led to a significant uptick in alcohol misuse among a specific demographic. In particular, the legalization of online sports wagering caused approximately a 10% increase in the frequency of binge drinking among young males who already engage in binge drinking. There were no meaningful changes in tobacco consumption.
Taken together, these findings suggest that the public health impact of sports betting laws may manifest in targeted ways - notably through elevated alcohol consumption in young males who already are heavy drinkers - rather than as broad-based increases in all forms of substance use.
Read the full study on the journal Health Economics' website.
Watch the news segment with Dr. Keshar Ghimire on the Local 12 News website.
Ghimire was also interviewed by Scientific American about his research on sports betting and binge drinking. That article is available on Scientific American's website.
Featured top image of two sports fans participating in sports betting. Photo/Istock.
About UC Blue Ash
UC Blue Ash College is a regional college of the University of Cincinnati. It combines the resources and academic excellence of UC with low tuition, personal attention and a welcoming campus community that is nationally recognized for advancing student success. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, visit us online, call 513-558-9495, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X and Instagram.
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