UConn scholars spotlight issue of excessive gambling among students
Uni Gambling: A Hidden Epidemic Among Gen Z
- University professors draw attention to the growing issue of gambling-induced harm among young adults*
- Almost three-quarters (72%) of undergraduates surveyed across 30 Connecticut colleges admitted to gambling in the past year*
- Institutions of higher education need to take action to raise awareness of the risks of gambling
Two researchers from Connecticut and UConn have shed light on the rising problem of gambling-related harm among college students in a new study.
Eleni Rodis, Managing Director of the Research Division at the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Wendy Ulaszek, UConn School of Social Work Associate Research Professor, argue that increased gambling activity has led to a surge in harm for the university population.
Examining Gambling Habits Among Undergraduates
The study, which surveyed 1,300 students from Connecticut colleges, revealed that 72% of respondents had gambled in the past year. According to Rodis and Ulaszek, 1% of all respondents had been diagnosed with a gambling disorder, while 8% were classified as serious problem gamblers. Another 17.2% were considered moderate-risk gamblers.
Rodis and Ulaszek's research aims to give universities the tools they need to address the issue. Proposed solutions include raising awareness about gambling harm, creating support groups, and providing resources on campus. Additionally, they suggest adding materials about gambling to freshman welcome packets alongside topics like binge drinking, drug use, and unprotected sex.
However, it's essential to remember that gambling isn't just about traditional casino games. Gen Z students are also engaging in other forms of gambling, such as fantasy sports, cryptocurrency, and even prediction markets on topics like the next Nobel Peace Prize winner or the next Taylor Swift hits.
A Shift in Gambling Habits Among Modern Youth
Today, gambling encompasses a wider range of activities, and Gen Z students have become avid participants. This trend is causing concern among experts, who warn that online accessibility to gambling platforms is contributing to "pathological or problematic gambling," particularly among men in their 20s.
Furthermore, the convenience of apps like FanDuel and DraftKings can lead to addictive behaviors, as they offer instant gratification similar to social media's reward pathways. This phenomenon is putting students at risk, as gambling can exacerbate financial insecurity and mental health issues.
Image credit: Unsplash.com
Enrichment Data:Gen Z gambling-related harms primarily pertain to increased access to online betting, financial and mental health issues, and social media-driven engagement. Recent reports emphasize key concerns and potential solutions:
Primary Concerns
- Prevalence: - 72% of undergraduates reported gambling in the past year, representing a broader trend of high engagement with sports betting and fantasy leagues. - Online accessibility has led to "pathological or problematic gambling," especially among men in their 20s, due to apps that permit constant, discreet participation.
- Mental Health and Financial Stress: - Gambling contributes significantly to financial insecurity,, which affects 80% of students and causes mental health concerns[1]. - Instant gratification offered by gambling apps mirrors social media's reward mechanisms, encouraging addictive behaviors that lead to mental health issues[3].
- Social and Academic Consequences: - Social bonding over gambling can justify harmful habits as fun activities, despite the addiction risks[3]. - Universities have observed that gambling negatively affects academic performance, much like substances have historically done[4].
Proposed Solutions
- Preventive Education: - Financial literacy programs to address financial stress, and gambling-specific education about risks and addiction signs[1][3][4]. - Tech-use guidelines to minimize excessive screen time and access to gambling apps[5].
- Clinical Interventions: - Expanding mental health services to address the psychological impact of gambling[4][5]. - Collaborations with platforms like Uwill to provide support for gambling issues[4][5].
- Research and Advocacy: - Restraining aggressive advertising targeting young adults [4][5]. - Developing support systems similar to those for substance abuse[4][5].
These strategies aim to balance harm reduction with acknowledging gambling's ingrained role in student culture.
- The study conducted by Eleni Rodis and Wendy Ulaszek revealed that gambling has led to a surge in harm among university students, with 72% of respondents admitting to gambling in the past year.
- The researchers argue that institutions of higher education need to take action to raise awareness of the risks of gambling, proposing solutions such as providing resources on campus, creating support groups, and adding materials about gambling in freshman welcome packets.
- Gen Z students are not only engaged in traditional casino games but also in other forms of gambling, such as fantasy sports, cryptocurrency, and prediction markets, which can exacerbate financial insecurity and mental health issues.
- To address the growing issue of gambling-induced harm among young adults, universities are encouraged to implement preventive education, clinical interventions, and research and advocacy initiatives.
