Connecticut Tackles The Rising Tide Of Problem Gambling Among College Students

In recent years, sports betting and other forms of gambling have become increasingly prevalent among college students across the U.S., leading to an increase in problem gambling in that demographic. There are several programs available to address gambling addiction, although media outlet Governing reports that Connecticut colleges and universities are taking a more proactive approach.

Statistics from Connecticut reveal that approximately 74% of college students in the state have engaged in gambling within the last year. This figure comes from a comprehensive study conducted by researchers at the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, which surveyed students from 30 public, private, and community colleges and universities.

The findings underscore a growing concern: As many as 6% of these students may be grappling with gambling problems. This rate is nearly double that reported for U.S. adults by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

The implications are significant, particularly given that problem gamblers contribute disproportionately to overall gambling revenue. In Connecticut, it’s estimated that 51% of sports betting revenue stems from this group.

“One of the big problems with gambling is there’s just so much money coming into the state,” Diana Goode, executive director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), said to Governing. “That is an uphill battle for us. … Luckily, I always say if you’re going to be a problem gambler, be a problem gambler in Connecticut.”

Raising the bar on awareness

In response to this trend, seven colleges and universities across Connecticut have initiated measures to combat problem gambling on their campuses through the College Campus Gambling Prevention Initiative (CCGPI). Collaborating with organizations like the CCPG and DMHAS, these institutions aim to raise awareness about gambling-related harms while providing support for those affected.

Mallory Schultz serves as the prevention manager for the CCPG and oversees the CCGPI. She emphasizes a science-based approach designed to educate students about the risks associated with gambling and promote healthy behaviors.

The program includes screening days where colleges distribute surveys to gather community-specific data. This information is crucial for crafting tailored campus policies and programming aimed at addressing problem gambling effectively.

“I [spoke] with someone recently who mentioned to me that he was part of a fraternity and that they have a bookie at the fraternity. And so it’s really a culture within his frat.”

— Mallory Schultz

Stopping problem gambling before it starts

Education plays a pivotal role in the CCGPI. Training sessions are offered not only to residential life assistants but also target at-risk populations such as student-athletes — individuals who may be more susceptible to engaging in risky betting behaviors due to their competitive environments.

By equipping these groups with knowledge about warning signs and available support resources, colleges can foster a culture of awareness around problem gambling.

“Although the state is making a lot of money off gambling, we also have incredible treatment programs and most of it is free. As much as it’s very frustrating to see what’s going on with problem gambling and increases in gambling, we’re super grateful that the state has recognized that there’s a problem and they’re putting money where their mouth is.”

— Diana Goode

Interestingly, while upperclassmen over 21 are often found using legal U.S. online casinos and sportsbooks, underage gamblers frequently resort to alternative methods, according to the Governing report. Many wager through offshore betting accounts or utilize sweepstakes and social casino apps like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots.

These platforms exploit loopholes in laws by allowing users to purchase coins with no real-world value and gamble with those. This circumvention poses additional challenges for prevention efforts.

A study published this January sheds light on the financial impact of problem gambling in Connecticut. Conducted by Gemini Research for DMHAS, it revealed that although problem gamblers represent just 6.7% of the population, they account for over 70% of the state’s total gambling revenue.