Sports betting is thought to be a key driving force in the worrying rise of problem gambling amongst college students.
It’s been suggested that the accessibility of sports betting, via mobile apps packed with promotions, deals and tempting offers, may well be contributing to the rapid increase in problem gambling in this demographic.
In a piece for Time Magazine, journalist Oliver Stanley examines the surge in gambling addiction reports amongst students.
Apps make sports betting easier and more tempting than ever before
Today’s college students can place bets via their phones in seconds. Sports betting apps make betting quicker and easier than ever before, and promotional deals such as free bets encourage students to part with their cash in the hope of huge rewards.
The article notes that students from low-income backgrounds are at particular risk. And that’s largely down to the fact that they don’t have the same financial safety net that some of their peers might.
Gambling addiction can be serious if it’s not dealt with swiftly. The condition is now recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, and tends to go hand in hand with several debilitating mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Data reveals the extent of the problem amongst students
The fact that gambling is legal may cause some to underestimate the challenges that problem gambling can potentially cause.
“I think we're only really seeing the beginning of what's going to happen, especially with our kids with problems,” Diana Goode, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, told Time Magazine.
“We used to think the problem gambler was a little old lady at the slot machine. Now, it's the 20-something male betting on sports. That is the new demographic of the problem gambler.”
Recent studies have revealed the extent of the problem in some universities. Research conducted by the University of Buffalo found that one in 10 college students can now be described as a “pathological gambler.”
Problem gambling is far more pronounced amongst this particular demographic than it is in the U.S. population as a whole. Compare the University of Buffalo’s findings with research conducted amongst the whole population, where it’s been estimated that 1-2% will encounter a gambling issue at some point, and the seriousness of this issue becomes clearer still.
Legislation begins to address the issue - but more needs to be done
There is help available for college students, but more needs to be done to stop the surge of gambling addiction amongst this vulnerable group.
In New Jersey, lawmakers are considering legislation which would make a gambling addiction awareness program a legal requirement for colleges and universities that have ongoing partnerships with sports betting companies.
Concerns are also being addressed by the NCAA. The organization has recently introduced a number of new rules and regulations to protect students, staff and officials. The NCAA is also advocating for better protection for student athletes, given the huge rise in sports betting violations that have been recorded in the past five years.
