How Future Doctors and Nurses Are Using Betting Sites to Pay for School

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-07-22

A growing number of U.S. healthcare students are turning to betting platforms, prediction markets, and other unconventional income sources to help cover the rising cost of their education. That's according to new survey data released by workforce infrastructure company Clasp. The findings, based on responses from 1,000 healthcare students surveyed between June 16 and June 28, 2026, suggest that traditional financial aid and student loans just aren't cutting it anymore. Many aspiring clinicians are now searching for creative ways to fund their studies, and some of those paths might surprise you. ### The Reality of Rising Education Costs It's no secret that higher education in the United States is expensive. But for healthcare students, the stakes are even higher. Tuition for nursing programs, medical schools, and allied health certifications can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars per year. Even with scholarships, grants, and federal loans, many students find themselves staring at a gap they just can't fill with a part-time job at the local coffee shop. - The average cost of a nursing degree in the U.S. is around $40,000 to $80,000. - Medical school tuition can exceed $50,000 per year. - Allied health programs often cost between $10,000 and $30,000. When you factor in living expenses, textbooks, and clinical fees, the financial burden becomes overwhelming. So it's not hard to understand why some students are exploring alternative income streams. ### The Survey Says: Betting Platforms Gain Traction Clasp's survey, which included students from nursing, allied health, and other healthcare disciplines, found that a notable percentage of respondents had used betting platforms or prediction markets to generate extra income. While the exact numbers aren't public yet, the trend is clear: when traditional funding falls short, students get creative. > "I never thought I'd be using a sports betting app to pay for my anatomy textbooks, but here we are," one anonymous nursing student shared in the survey comments. It's important to note that the survey doesn't endorse gambling as a solution. Instead, it highlights a growing financial strain that pushes students to take risks they otherwise wouldn't consider. ### Why Traditional Aid Isn't Enough So why are students turning to betting platforms in the first place? The answer lies in the limitations of conventional financial aid. Federal student loans come with interest rates that can balloon over time. Scholarships are competitive and often cover only a fraction of costs. Grants, especially at the federal level, are being cut or restructured. - Many students max out their loan eligibility before finishing their first year. - Work-study programs offer limited hours and low wages. - Family contributions aren't always possible, especially for first-generation college students. This leaves a gap that some students try to fill with side hustles, freelance work, or even gambling. ### The Risks of Using Betting Platforms Let's be clear: betting platforms aren't a reliable way to fund an education. They're designed to make money for the house, not the player. While a few lucky individuals might hit a big win, the vast majority lose more than they gain. For students already under financial pressure, this can lead to even greater debt and mental health struggles. - Gambling addiction is a real risk, especially for young adults. - Losses can compound existing financial stress. - Some students may turn to risky behaviors like borrowing from predatory lenders. ### What Can Be Done? The findings from Clasp's survey should be a wake-up call for policymakers, educational institutions, and the healthcare industry. If we want a steady pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals, we need to make education more affordable. That could mean expanding grant programs, reducing tuition costs, or offering loan forgiveness in exchange for service in underserved areas. In the meantime, students should explore safer alternatives to betting platforms. Part-time work in healthcare settings, such as medical scribing or patient care assistance, can provide both income and valuable experience. Crowdfunding platforms and scholarships specifically for healthcare students are also worth looking into. ### The Bottom Line Healthcare students are the backbone of our future medical system. If they're turning to betting platforms just to stay afloat, that's a sign something is broken. While the survey data from Clasp is just a snapshot, it points to a larger issue that deserves attention. Until systemic changes happen, students will keep looking for ways to bridge the gap, but the risks of gambling make it a dangerous choice.