It should be the legal right of all American adults to spend their money the way the see fit, whether it is at an online casino or a brick and mortar casino.  And yes, college students are technically adults, but many of them are young adults just learning responsibility for the first time; but personal and financial.  There are several things that college students are learning for the first time: time management, responsible drinking, and money management.  There are programs on most campuses to help students and guide students on many of these issues.  It is time more colleges provide help with problem gambling.

College students are the ideal age group in the United States that frequent online casinos.  Some colleges, such as Lehigh University, are just down the road from brick and mortar gambling establishments.  It is more than likely that many young adults are going to try their hand at some for gambling or another.  Unfortunately, many of these young people are finding themselves in a lot of trouble and debt.  Earlier this year a freshman from Lehigh University actually attempted to rob a bank in order to pay off gambling debts he had accumulated at online casinos. 

This is not a matter for prohibition, unless the plan is to ban alcohol as well.  What is needed is guidance for these students.  Problem gambling should be treated with the same care as preventing binge drinking.  These are simply kids growing into their responsibility that can get into a lot of trouble if they are not careful.  Guidance is all that is required.