Preparing for ‘March Madness’
Colleges and universities’ men and women basketball teams will begin playoffs leading to championship games shortly. This time of year, generates great excitement for fans and is referred to as “March Madness.”
March is also Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
This time of year is one of the busiest times for sports betting. Some people enjoy games more when they have placed a bet on a game. It is becoming easier for people to gamble. This is in part due to changes in the law allowing online betting, the prolific increase of online platforms, and aggressive marketing campaigns.
Young people are especially vulnerable to develop gambling disorders. Research shows that 25% of young people between the ages of 18 and 22 bet on three or more sporting events during the previous year. Also, 6% of college students are problem gamblers.
College students are likely to engage in betting during college basketball playoffs and championship games. Some, but not most, colleges and universities have specific gambling prevention programs. Prevention programs are not reactive because a problem exists. They are proactive in order to stem the possibility problems may develop.
Eastern Connecticut State University is proactive and does have a gambling prevention program. It is designed to provide students with information regarding the pros and cons of gambling and letting them know that help is available if
they think they are developing a problem.
Parents can buttress colleges and universities’ efforts to prevent problem gambling by talking to their children. For example in addition to sharing the pros and cons associated with gambling; parents can explain
that many gamblers tend to be myopic and take a short-term view of winning. They need to think the bet through regarding not only the possibility of winning, but also losing.
For more information on problem
gambling visit: https://gamblingawarenessct.org/.