Ole Miss announces college gambling center as concerns rise over addiction, athletes
Ole Miss is launching a first-of-its-kind center to study the growing risks of college sports gambling and its impact on students and athletes.Summary
The University of Mississippi is establishing the Center on Collegiate Gambling, the first research center of its kind in the nation, to address rising concerns about sports betting and online gambling among college students and athletes. Fueled by the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting since 2018, research indicates that 39% of Mississippi college students have gambled in the past year, with 6% meeting criteria for problem gambling. The center, funded at $700,000 annually, will focus on understanding gambling behaviors, promoting preventative programs, and training counselors to identify and assist students struggling with addiction. Concerns extend beyond addiction to include threats and harassment directed at athletes due to gambling outcomes, particularly in a state like Mississippi where college sports are central to the culture. Despite legislative efforts to legalize mobile sports betting, Mississippi remains hesitant due to potential impacts on casinos and addiction rates, but the center aims to provide data-driven insights to inform policy decisions.
(Source：WTOP)