As spring is now upon us, many sports are reemerging into their yearly limelight. However, where sports are, gambling typically follows. Sports betting is a persistent issue, especially among college students, so it is important to understand the risks and statistics surrounding it.
Many of these statistics come from Nikki Monterusso, an Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Counselor employed by the Hour House, an organization designed to treat individuals who struggle with substance abuse and addiction. I have learned that the issue of sports betting is not only much more prevalent than I first believed, but also much more dangerous for college students.
College students have some of the highest gambling rates of any demographic. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) recently published a study in November that found that at least three out of four college students have gambled within the past year. While this is not on its own an issue per se, the NCPG estimates that nearly 6% of college students have a problem with gambling. This is almost double the national average for adults in the U.S. This is due to many factors, but a major one is advertising. A study conducted in the UK estimated that about 75% of college-aged students (18–24-year-olds) have seen gambling ads through social media.
A huge factor in the ongoing rise in gambling is, predictably, its legalization in 2018. Specifically, the Supreme Court ruled that the legality of sports betting was delegated to the states rather than being a federal law. Currently, sports betting is legal in 38 of the 50 states, and online sports betting is legal in 26. Illinois is one of these states. In fact, Illinois has the third-largest sports-betting market in the U.S. overall.
With events like March Madness spiking sports betting activity, it is more important than ever for students to pay attention to their gambling habits. March Madness alone is projected to hold over $3.3 billion in wagers, in large part due to college students. If you or someone else you know is struggling with harmful gambling habits, or if you just want to learn more information on the subject, help is easy to find. Anyone interested can call 1-800-MY-RESET or set up a screening appointment at the Hour House at 217-258-6018. If you would like to talk with a professional, Nikki Monterusso will also be on campus April 9 and 10 to answer any questions.
