SCRANTON — College students aren’t just studying books and notes — many are studying what sports game they should put their money on.

Sports gambling is becoming more common on college campuses, with more students placing bets through mobile apps as legalized sports betting continues to expand nationwide. What started off as a $5 bet on a Tuesday night basketball game can develop into a dangerous habit. With enticing deals on sports betting apps, as well as online exposure to eye-catching opportunities, many students are having a hard time holding onto their money.

Social pressure from seeing peers place bets and make money can entice others to risk their own money. Young adults are more vulnerable to risky behavior because the decision-making parts of the brain are still developing. WIth just a few taps, players can feel like they just made free money.

Andrew Koukos, a junior supply chain management major, said the rise of sports betting addiction across college campuses can be linked to making money and being accepted.

“Sports betting is a way for college students who might not have a lot of money to make a quick buck. I also think it’s popular because people do it just to fit in with their friends,” Andrew said.

The consequences of sports betting can be just as damaging as other addicitions like drinking or smoking. Sports betting can be the start of young adults making bad financial decisions; being comfortable with chasing losses and risking more than they have.

Pennsylvania’s legal age to gamble is 21 years or older. With most college students turning 21 in their junior year, the vulnerability to apps such as FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook and DraftKings has become significantly more dangerous. Students across the University of Scranton feel like it’s almost a necessity to bet on these sports games given the opportunity to make money — even if your favorite team isn’t even playing.

“I think sports betting is addictive because people who aren’t as tuned into a game give a sense of dopamine when you bet on a game. ... And the idea of making money on something you think is going to hit makes it very enticing for people our age to get into sports betting,” said Frankie Mejia, junior accounting major.