Two New Jersey colleges join a nationwide campaign, promoting new responsible gaming programs aimed at students. While only 3-5% of adult gamblers will develop a gambling addiction, 6% of college students are problem gamblers.
The joint initiative between EPIC Risk Management and the Entain Foundation US is player education series aimed at college students. It promotes gambling awareness and provides educational conferences at four dozen colleges and universities around the country.
In New Jersey, Seton Hall University and Monmouth University have signed onto the responsible gaming programs.
“We’re delighted to work closely with colleges around the country on this viral awareness and educational program,” said John Millington, vice president of U.S. Operations for EPIC Risk Management. “We have a collective responsibility to minimize potential gambling harms, and to promote responsible gaming and player safety.”
Fully funded by the Entain Foundation US, the company is investing an impressive $132 million over the next five years to address the issue of responsible gambling. The initiative by EPIC Risk Management is just a portion of Entain’s pledge to sponsor responsible gambling initiatives.
The Entain Foundation U.S. is the charitable division of Entain plc, online gaming, and sports betting company. Entain operates Party Casino and PartyPoker, one of several brands operating under the Borgata‘s casino license.
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Responsible gaming is ultimately the key to success
“We know from global experience that the most successful gambling operators are also the most responsible,” observed Martin Lycka, Entain’s senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gaming. “As legal sports betting expands across the U.S., responsible gaming education is a top priority.”
Research from the National Institute for Health found that nearly 23% of college students gamble at least weekly. On average, 6%, but as many as 14% of college-aged gamblers develop a gambling addiction.
According to the research, mobile sports betting and online casinos are the riskiest forms of gambling for this age group, due to their internet savvy, anonymity, and 24/7 availability.
Gambling education is essential
The associate athletic director for compliance at Monmouth College, A.J. Schaufler, says gambling education is an issue Monmouth takes very seriously.
“These educational sessions provide our students with a better understanding of the risks associated with gambling, and in particular, its link to breaches in sports betting integrity,” Schaufler said. “Moreover, students are now aware of the support that is available to them and have a deeper knowledge and understanding of this growing issue.”
But this issue is much bigger in New Jersey. As the top sports betting state in the country, sportsbooks here handle millions of dollars every month, much of that gambled on collegiate games. And of course, many of those bets come from college students, betting on their teams.
While Monmouth and Seton Hall are just the first colleges to join the initiative, the hope is, more state schools will follow.
Entain, not the only one supporting the initiative
Sky Betting and Gaming, and 888 Holdings have also signed on to support EPIC Risk Management, as well as financial institutions, such as Barclays and Hiscox.
Schools in the Mid-American Conference and are signed on too, including:
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- Harvard University
- University of Akron
- Eastern Illinois University
- University of Oregon
- Fordham University
- Finally, University of Ohio
Universities in the UK have also signed onto the international initiative to address responsible gambling on college campuses. UK schools include:
- Millfield University
- Oundle School
- Eton College
- Also, the Boarding School Association
UK, Irish, and American professional sports leagues, also support the initiative:
- Rugby United New York
- Chelsea Football Club
- Rugby Players Association
- Arsenal
- Jupiter Pro League
- NFLPA
- Rugby Players Ireland
While still in their initial phases, responsible gambling programs are sure to gain traction in the coming years, as the digital gambling industry continues to grow.
