Betting on their Futures: College Student Gamblers & What College Professionals Need to Know

Transcription

1 Betting on their Futures: College Student Gamblers & What College Professionals Need to Know Ty W. Lostutter, Ph.D. Acting Instructor Center for the Study of Health & Risk Behaviors University of Washington

2 Acknowledgements/Disclosures Funded by National Institute on Drug Abuse Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling National Center for Responsible Gaming Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery

3 Overview

4 Terminology Gambling is placing something of value on an event that has a possibility of resulting in a larger more beneficial outcome. Inherent to gambling is risk and chance influencing the results.

5 By age 18, >80% of people have gambled at least once, placing their first bet around age 13 on average.

6 Washington State Casinos/Card Rooms accessed May 24, 2010

7 Continuum of Involvement No gambling Non-problem gambling Subclinical problem gambling Diagnosable pathological gambling In the United States: 12% of adolescents 16% of college students 6% of adults (Lesieur et al., 1991; Neighbors, Lostutter, Larimer, & Takushi, 2002; Shaffer, Hall, & Vanderbilt, 1999; Winters, Bengston, Door, & Stinchfield, 1998;)

8 Contributing Factors for College Student Rates of Disordered Gambling Newly acquired independence Access to cash/credit Novice to money management Gambling is socially acceptable Gambling widely availability Gambling is (+ and -) reinforcing

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10 College Student Gambling Consequences Disordered gambling students report higher alcohol use, poorer academic performance, more mental health symptoms, and greater suicidal ideation (Crockford & el-guebaly, 1998; Lesieur et al. 1991; Takushi et al., 2002; Whiteside, et al., 2005)

11 Correlates* or Risk Factors Gender (men) Ethnicity (Asian and Native American) Athletes Greek affiliation Family history (genetic and/or socialization) Age of onset (early gambling = problems later) Early big win AOD use* Depression and/or anxiety* Sensation seeking and impulsivity*

12 College Student Athletes

13 Gambling by college athletes study on 954 students from 9 universities belonging to Southeastern Conference Pathological Gambling % Problem Gambling % Results: Male athletes risk of developing PG is about 3X higher than average student. All Participants Male Athletes All Athletes Female Athletes Rockey, Beason, & Gilbert (2002). Gambling by college athletes: An association between problem gambling and athletes. EJGS: 7

14 University of Michigan Study One in 20 male student athletes admitted: providing inside information for gambling purposes betting on a game in which they participated, or accepting money for performing poorly in a game Student athletes who gambled on sports with bookies gambled an average of $225 per month

15 NCAA Student Athlete Study A 2008 NCAA survey of more than 19,000 athletes found that nearly 30 percent of all male athletes and 7 percent of female athletes admitted betting at least once in a year's time on college or pro sports, a violation of NCAA rules.

16 NCAA Gambling Rule The NCAA membership has adopted specific rules prohibiting student-athletes, athletics department staff members, and conference office staff from engaging in sports wagering (Bylaw 10.3). NCAA rules also prohibit non-athletics department staff members who have responsibilities within or over the athletics department, such as chancellors or presidents and faculty athletics representatives from engaging in sports wagering. NCAA national office employees are also prohibiting from engaging in sports wagering. The rules against sports wagering applies to any institutional practice or competition (intercollegiate, amateur or professional) in an NCAA-sanctioned sport. Sports competition should be appreciated for the inherent benefits related to participation of student-athletes, coaches, and institutions in fair contests, not the amount of money wagered on the outcome of the competition. A student-athlete involved in sports wagering on the student-athlete's institution permanently loses all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports. A student-athlete who is involved in any sports wagering activity that involves college sports or professional athletics, through a internet gambling, bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling, will be ineligible for all regular-season and postseason competition for at least one year.

17 Don t Bet on It

18 Greek System Greek life throws first rush event, Casino Night last Sunday

19 Greek System Gambling Behavior Fraternity/Sorority membership was associated with increase likelihood of having gambled in the past year (OR = 1.66) 1 Fraternity members were found to have a higher prevalence rate of both probable problem (14.8%) and pathological gambler (12.3%) compared to non-greek members (5.4% and 5.8%, respectively) 2 1 LaBrie, Shaffer, LaPlante, & Wechsler (2003); 2 Rocky, Beason, Howington, Rockey & Gilbert (2005).

20 Example: University of Georgia Inter-fraternity Council Constitution Section 6: Gambling Conducting, organizing or participating in any activity involving games of chance or gambling in any form (including casinos, calcuttas, and lotteries) is prohibited.

21 Example: Delta Tau Delta s Blog

22 Blog Entry March 20, 2012 The Other Side of March Madness You might be asking yourself, how do I know if a brother has a problem? Here are some signs to look for: Frequent unexplained absences from classes Sudden drop in grades Progressive preoccupation with gambling Withdrawal from friends and family Visible changes in behavior (e.g., mood changes, behavior problems, etc.) Decline in health, increased symptoms of depression Lies about engaging in gambling behavior Feels compelled to chase losses Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop Gambles to escape worry or problems Exaggerated display of money and/or material possessions Unexplained debt Borrows money to gamble Feast or famine cash flow Feels need to increase betting amounts For the majority of Delts, gambling isn t an issue and competitions like March Madness can provide fun brotherhood events. However, in the spirit of being your brother s keeper, be mindful of how prevalent gambling is within your chapter. Like alcohol or drugs, if a brother needs help, don t wait until it is too late.

23 Campus Policies

24 Prevalence of College Alcohol or Gambling Policies in U.S. Colleges and Universities 100% 90% 80% 70% Percent 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Alcohol Gambling Shaffer et al, 2005 NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING 24

25 Conclusions Lack of college policies on gambling and recovery signify missed opportunities to: Inform students about the risks of excessive gambling Provide recovery-oriented measures designed to support student persistence Shaffer et al, 2005 NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING 25

26 Task Force Recommendations 1. Establish a campus-wide committee to develop and monitor a comprehensive policy on gambling. Alternative: Add gambling to agenda of existing committees focused on alcohol. 2. Ensure that college policies are consistent with local, state, and federal laws. Examine current policies Disseminate information campus-wide on laws affecting gambling Encourage campus security to collaborate with local law enforcement NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING 26

27 Task Force Recommendations 3. Strive for consistency and universal application with prohibitions and restrictions on gambling and alcohol use at special events. Be prepared for conflicts of interest when attempting to restrict or prohibit gambling and alcohol use at on-campus events. Consider the potential for sending mixed messages about alcohol and gambling. Encourage organizations to use non-gambling themes for special events. 4. Promote campus-community collaborations that focus on reducing problems with student drinking and gambling. Develop relationships with local gambling operators to encourage restrictions on advertising and ensure that laws on underage gambling are enforced. 5. Encourage adjustments in disciplinary action applied to violators of gambling rules if the student seeks assistance from health or counseling services. NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING 27

28 Task Force Recommendations 6. Make reasonable accommodations for students focused on recovery from a problem with gambling or alcohol. Allow students who need time off to focus on recovery from a gambling or alcohol disorder to take a medical leave of absence. Make reasonable accommodations allowing students involved in off-campus treatment to continue in classes. Allow students who withdraw and are no longer eligible for a refund to appeal the process citing gambling or alcohol problems as an extenuating circumstance beyond the control of the student involved. NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING 28

29 Task Force Recommendations 7. Measure student attitudes, behaviors, and problems with gambling through campus surveys or by incorporating such measures into existing campus health-related surveys. 8. Promote campus-wide awareness of (1) pathological gambling as a mental health disorder that has a high rate of comorbidity with alcohol use and other addictive disorders, and (2) responsible gaming principles. 9. Employ evidence-based strategies to identify and help students with gambling and alcohol problems. NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING 29

30 Task Force Recommendations 10. Strengthen the capacity of counseling services to identify and treat gambling disorders. Assess the ability of counseling staff to meet the needs of students with gambling problems and provide additional training if necessary. Encourage referrals to off-campus treatment providers who are certified specialists in the area of addiction treatment. Specify the availability of services and promote them to students through a wide variety of media. NATIONAL CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMING 30

31 Pacific Lutheran Policy

32 Developing a Gambling Policy

33 University of Alabama s Gambling Action Team (GAT) UA implemented a University Gambling Action Team to facilitate campus wide awareness of the problems associated with problem and compulsive gambling and to develop assistance strategies to address such problems for the UA student body, faculty, and staff. King and Hardy (2006). The Gambling Action Team: A Cross- Divisional Approach to Gambling Education and Intervention. New Directions for Student Services, 113,

34 The University Gambling Action Team Members include: Division of Student Affairs Intercollegiate Athletics Counseling Center Office of the Dean of Students Student Health Center UA Police Department University Relations Human Resources Various UA Academic Departments King and Hardy (2006). The Gambling Action Team: A Cross- Divisional Approach to Gambling Education and Intervention. New Directions for Student Services, 113,

35 Gambling Action Team: How to get started Identify administrative support Gauge interest from campus partners to be broad-based Determine short-term and long-term goals Identify start-up and continued funding Identify focus and own plan of action Assess regularly and change direction as needed King and Hardy (2006). The Gambling Action Team: A Cross- Divisional Approach to Gambling Education and Intervention. New Directions for Student Services, 113,

36 Gambling Action Team and Strategies Develop a comprehensive gambling education program for the student body, faculty, and staff. Provide consultation services to the student body on problem gambling and debt management. Develop an approach to raise awareness regarding problem gambling, as well as gambling and sports wagering related issues, on-campus. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, as well as NCAA legislation. King and Hardy (2006). The Gambling Action Team: A Cross- Divisional Approach to Gambling Education and Intervention. New Directions for Student Services, 113,

37 Gambling Prevention Programs Information and Awareness Strategies Pamphlets Posters Public Service Announcements Billboards Newsletters Etc. King and Hardy (2006). The Gambling Action Team: A Cross- Divisional Approach to Gambling Education and Intervention. New Directions for Student Services, 113,

38 Gambling Prevention Program Public and Social Policy Strategies Develop and implement a gambling policy at the institution. Student Code of Conduct Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Staff Code of Conduct Faculty Code of Conduct King and Hardy (2006). The Gambling Action Team: A Cross- Divisional Approach to Gambling Education and Intervention. New Directions for Student Services, 113,

39 Gambling Prevention Programs Intervention Strategies for Individuals at High Risk Develop programs for at-risk populations (e.g., freshman orientation, Greek/pledge class, student-athletes, etc.) Develop policies and procedures for referring first time offenders of institutional gambling policy Debt management education and programs King and Hardy (2006). The Gambling Action Team: A Cross- Divisional Approach to Gambling Education and Intervention. New Directions for Student Services, 113,

40 Treatment & Prevention

41 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 8 session manualized treatment 3 groups: individualized CBT sessions, CBT workbook alone, or GA referral alone CBT improved compared to either workbook alone or GA alone reduced number of days gambled monthly amount wagered Petry, 1998, 2005; Petry et al. 2006

42 Brief Motivational Interventions Two recent studies indicate integrated CBT plus Motivational Interviewing (MI) is more efficacious than CBT self-help or MI alone in reducing gambling behavior (Hodgins et al 2002, 2004; Petry, 2004) Brief advice including normative feedback and protective behavioral strategies was also efficacious (Petry, 2004)

43 College Student Prevention Program Randomized clinical trial with assignment to a personalized feedback intervention (PFI), cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) or assessment-only control (AOC). Relative to control, results at 6-month follow-up indicated reductions in both interventions for gambling consequences and DSM-IV criteria and reductions in gambling frequency for those in the PFI condition Larimer, M. E., Neighbors, C., Lostutter, T. W., Whiteside, U., Cronce, J. M., Kaysen, D. and Walker, D. D. (2012), Brief motivational feedback and cognitive behavioral interventions for prevention of disordered gambling: a randomized clinical trial. Addiction. doi: /j x

44 Treatment Options All Washington residents, both the gambler and family members, are eligible and can access treatment by calling the 24/7 Helpline at If you have funds or insurance that will cover treatment, Helpline staff will refer you to a private, experienced counselor. If you do not have funds or insurance, you may qualify for state- funded treatment. You are eligible for treatment if: You need treatment for problem or pathological gambling. A family member seeks treatment because he or she is affected by problem or pathological gambling. You are unable to afford treatment. You have a strong desire to get help.

45 Brief Advice for College & Universities Administrators Build on existing alcohol/drug expertise to develop comprehensive policies for students, faculty, & staff Add gambling questions to annual university-wide assessments that measure frequency, quantity, and consequences Healthcare providers Screen for gambling behavior during intakes Receive training in gambling treatment (become a certified gambling counselor)

46 Brief Advice for College & Universities Student Life/Resident Advisors Include at least yearly programming that promotes awareness and/or prevention efforts for college student problem gambling Promote activities during the Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Week Consider providing literature about problem gambling and Washington State Problem Gambling Hotline number at every Casino Night Event

47 Brief Advice for Students Learn more about gambling behavior and integrate into your course work. Look out for your friends/family/yourself and refer people for help if you think they need it.

48 Brief Advice for Student, Faculty & Staff If you choose to gamble Set a budget Set a time limit Don t gamble and consume alcohol Don t gamble when you are feeling down or depressed Don t chase losses

49 Resources More Information about College Student Gambling The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling The Washington State Problem Gambling Hotline (24 hours 7days/week) More Training: Focus on the Future (4/25 4/28) Scholarship available

50 Contact Information Ty W. Lostutter, Ph.D. Acting Instructor Center for the Study of Health & Risk Behaviors University of Washington, Box Seattle, WA

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