To the Editor:

Young people are off to college this month. We talk with kids about substance use and other risky behaviors, but what about gambling? It is important when talking with college-bound students to help them understand the risks. Most young people can gamble without it causing any issues but for other young adults, gambling can cause serious harm. When you talk with your young adult about the facts of gambling and risk-taking, they can be better prepared to make decisions.

There are reasons why college students may be at a higher risk of developing a gambling problem. According to CollegeGambling.org, these include:

Age: College years are associated with a wide range of at-risk behaviors.

Availability: This is the first generation to be exposed to wide-scale legal gambling. Technological advances make placing bets easier than ever. With the legalization of mobile sports betting in New York state, the availability of gambling is everywhere.

Acceptability: Gambling is part of our culture, gambling is legal in New York state, commonly endorsed by schools, and integrated into mainstream culture.

Advertising/media: More than ever we are seeing advertisements everywhere we go. Promoted as sport, glamorized, and with winning bias, it can be easy to think that gambling is risk-free when it is not.

Access to cash: College students may get an allowance from their parents or guardians, and have access to student loans or credit cards. The average college student receives about 25 credit card solicitations per semester, according to National Public Radio.

Problem Gambling is “the hidden addiction.” It can be easy to hide from others and often not noticed that there is a problem until well into the behavior If you are concerned about your loved one’s gambling, there are warning signs to look for. These include preoccupation with gambling; asking for larger amounts of money; gambling more frequently; personality changes, such as irritability, restlessness, and withdrawal; alienation from family and friends; inability to cut back or stop gambling; lying to friends and family about how much you gamble; borrowing money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling; and suicidal thoughts.

Whether you are trying to learn more about gambling harm or looking for resources and services for you or a loved one in New York state, the Problem Gambling Resource Centers can help. Call 1-833-HERETOHELP or visit NYProblemGamblingHELP.org

Elizabeth Toomey

Central / Finger Lakes Team Leader

New York Council on Problem Gambling

Syracuse

Related: As mobile sports wagering explodes in NY, bet on this: a spike in problem gambling