MU takes part in gambling prevention movement
With its gambling policy, MU increases awareness of the problem.
Published Oct. 2, 2009
The National Center for Responsible Gaming is aiming to strengthen what they consider an inadequate focus on the troubles of gambling among colleges. The Task Force on College Gambling Policies, formed in 2008 by the NCRG and the Cambridge Health Alliance, has released a list of recommendations to university administrators in an attempt to help prevent gambling-related issues.
The task force, of which MU Gambling Prevention Coordinator Kristy Wanner is a member, released a report on gambling prevention in colleges Tuesday. Despite an increase in the number of states with casinos and the introduction of Internet gambling, they reported colleges aren't adjusting by providing an outlet for those with gambling troubles. Although researchers have estimated the number of college students with a serious gambling problem is between 3 and 11 percent, only 22 percent of colleges have a written policy addressing gambling, many of which fail to offer any support for students.
"In many cases, policies only seek to punish violators of the rules, not help students with potentially damaging emotional and physical problems," the report stated.
The task force's recommendations include the establishment of a comprehensive policy on gambling, the establishment of counseling services for those with gambling disorders and increasing awareness of addiction as a mental health issue.
MU, one of 12 universities with a presence on the task force, is no stranger to gambling prevention. Along with 12 other Missouri universities, MU is part of one of the only statewide gambling awareness programs in the country, Keeping the Score.
"Our program is locally and nationally recognized," Wanner said. "We have a lot of recognition within the gambling prevention community."
The university has taken the lead in preventing issues stemming from gambling because of how problematic it can become, Wanner said.
"What we know is that college students do gamble and some gamble problematically," Wanner said. "It's not different than providing alcohol education on campus."
Wanner, who represents MU on the task force, says they plan to promote their message in a number of ways. In addition to distributing the report to administrators at various universities, the taskforce is spreading the word via a web seminar, social media and by simple word of mouth from those on the committee.
According to the report, there are very few programs in universities to use as a model for their plan, but colleges that act early will benefit.
"Colleges that launch a policy initiative focusing on gambling will be in uncharted waters while attempting to create and implement effective policies and programs that will prevent excessive student gambling and promote recovery among those with a gambling or other pattern of addiction," the report stated. "Despite the challenges of being in the vanguard, addressing this issue proactively, rather than playing catch-up, will only strengthen a school's ability to maintain a healthy student body."
