Gambling in the United States is expanding rapidly both through online casinos and new brick and mortar gambling establishments.  College students have more exposure to gambling than ever before.  A task force assembled by the Harvard Medical School and the American Gambling Association are looking for ways to prevent a rise in problem gambling among students.  It turns out that many colleges may not need to turn any further than to the policies they have employed to curb dangerous drinking habits among students.

The United States has experienced a gambling explosion as state all over the nation have turned to gambling expansion to help battle the horrible deficits generated by the terrible economic recession.  Today’s tech savvy students are also more likely than prior generations to enjoy gambling on their computers at online casinos and online poker rooms.

“Gambling has become the new rite of passage on college campuses, the way binge drinking once was,” said Greg Hogan Sr.  Hogan’s son robbed a bank back in 2005 in order to fund his online casino gambling habits.  

“I’m glad to see colleges are pulling their heads out of the sand on this issue. This is very encouraging.” 

There are several things a University might do to curb problem gambling that have worked successfully to reduce binge drinking.  The simplest gesture is to boost counseling services specifically for gambling addiction.  It may also prove helpful if schools were to modify disciplinary action against students the seek help for their out of control gambling habits.