Connecticut College Students' Gambling Exposure Unveiled in New Study
A groundbreaking research survey conducted by the University of Connecticut's School of Social Work has shed light on an alarming trend - 72% of undergraduate students in Connecticut colleges reported participation in some form of gambling within the past year. This study, in collaboration with Connecticut's Problem Gambling Services (PGS), aims to help universities develop effective programs addressing this issue.
Elissa Rodis, the School of Social Work’s Managing Director of Research for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Wendy Ulaszek, an Associate Research Professor, led this year-long research project. They delved into students' motivations, types of gambling, and demographic data to understand the scope of gambling behaviors among students.
The study's findings are both revealing and concerning. Online wagering and sports betting, in particular, appear to be significant factors driving increased gambling activity among students compared to past years.
Key findings- A whopping 72% of students admitted to gambling within the last year.- 17.2% of students demonstrated problematic gambling behaviors.- Online wagering and sports betting contributed to a surge in gambling activities.- A separate 2024 Connecticut study showed that addicted gamblers accounted for 51% of sports wagering revenue, despite comprising just 4.9% of adults.
These insightful findings underscore the need for proactive steps to address this issue. The research initiative directly benefits policy-making, offering concrete guidelines for targeted interventions. Recommendations include:
- Addressing the problem at a systemic level, such as curbing exploitative gambling app features like suggested oversized deposits.
- Implementing harm reduction strategies, emphasizing industry accountability as current self-regulation doesn't address structural issues where profits rely on addicted users.
- Developing campus programs tailored to student populations, taking into account digital accessibility challenges and peer influences.
The research project's partnership with Connecticut's Problem Gambling Services ensures that findings directly contribute to preventive frameworks, especially for at-risk student groups. This study underscores the urgent need for responsible gaming programs, setting the grounds for a safer college environment.
The study by Elissa Rodis and Wendy Ulaszek reveals that 72% of Connecticut college students have participated in gambling within the last year, with online wagering and sports betting contributing to a surge in gambling activities among students. A separate study in 2024 found that addicted gamblers accounted for 51% of sports wagering revenue in Connecticut, despite comprising just 4.9% of adults. In light of these findings, the education and self-development sector should focus on addressing the problem at a systemic level, implementing harm reduction strategies, and developing campus programs tailored to student populations to ensure a safer college environment.
