How The Rise of Illinois Sports Betting Is Impacting College Students

Legal online sports betting is undeniably experiencing a massive surge. Ever since sports betting officially launched in Illinois in 2019, it has attracted over $19 billion in bets, which is quite a significant sum.

The legal age for sports betting in Illinois, like in most states, is 21. This raises concerns about the effect of gambling on the youngest participants, especially those who might be college students.

Legislators have diligently prioritized responsible gambling among college students in Illinois. They have attempted to restrict access to online betting for the majority of college-aged students and have worked to deter operators from targeting them.

However, this doesn’t prevent them from encountering sports betting advertisements on television or prominently displayed in their favorite teams’ stadiums.

How is sports betting affecting the intelligent young individuals on Illinois’ college campuses? Also, what measures are being implemented to prevent things from escalating?

Sports Betting among college students on the rise

A study by the National Council on Problem Gambling reveals that approximately 67% of college students participate in sports betting in some form. This statistic is significant considering the legal age for sports betting is 21 in all but four states where online betting is available. The study also estimates that in the past year, 75% of college students have gambled, regardless of legality.

The study further reveals that among college students, lottery is the most preferred gambling activity with a preference rate of 41%, followed by card games at 38%, and sports betting at 23%. The study also notes that about 6% of US college students have a severe gambling issue.

Betting from your phones has now become easier than ever before, even though the enjoyable method of gambling has existed for as long as most of us can remember.

How Illinois sports betting is handled on college campuses

Sports betting operators are increasingly attracted to major colleges, which boast thousands of students and potentially millions of fans. According to the NCPG, at least eight universities have already established deals with sports gambling companies.

The New York Times has also revealed that a minimum of twelve athletic departments and booster clubs have entered into contracts with physical casinos. Authorities anticipate an increase in this number. These collaborations enable sports betting companies to promote their services on campus, within sports facilities, and occasionally, directly via students’ email accounts.

In Illinois, efforts have been taken to curb underage betting and safeguard college athletes, contrary to other places. Josh Whitman, the athletic director of the University of Illinois, highlights that athletes may experience pressure or even physical threats from bettors, some of whom may even reside in the same dormitory.

Currently, no universities in Illinois have established partnerships with sports betting operators. Therefore, there are no sports betting advertisements at the State Farm Center or Memorial Stadium, the home grounds for the Illinois basketball and football teams. Nevertheless, fans watching the games from home will undoubtedly be exposed to numerous betting ads when they tune in to these teams’ matches on TV.

Some university officials in Illinois assert that permitting gambling on local college teams endangers student-athletes. This assertion is supported by a study from the NCPG which reveals that close to 30% of male athletes engage in sports betting.

Betting on Illinois college teams can only be done at retail sportsbooks

The excitement around March Madness betting is escalating. As conference tournaments commence this week, some tickets for the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament are being secured. This is the only period in the year when the entire sports betting community focuses on college basketball.

This implies that a significant number of students who are old enough to legally bet will be interested in placing bets on their teams. However, this is not an easy process in Illinois. In Illinois, betting on any Illinois college teams is only allowed at a physical sportsbook. This rule, which is unique to only a handful of states, was implemented by the state legislators with the aim of safeguarding college athletes and upholding the integrity of the sport.

This may slightly hinder a 21-year-old college student from placing a bet on the Illinois Fighting Illini’s tournament performance, but it doesn’t make it unfeasible. You are still able to bet on teams and NCAA player props from schools not located in Illinois.

If you have a gambling problem, here is where you can get help

If you are struggling with a gambling problem, the NCPG provides a list of resources in Illinois where you can seek help, which includes:

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Call: 1-800-522-4700

Text: 1-800-522-4700

Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat

and

Council on Problem Gambling in Illinois

Helpline: 800.522.4700

Website: www.icpg.info

Self help resources

Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org) is a community of individuals who exchange their personal experiences, strengths, and hopes with each other to address their shared issue, and to assist others in overcoming a gambling addiction.

Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help group dedicated to assisting spouses, families, or close friends of individuals battling compulsive gambling.

GamTalk (www.gamtalk.org) is a moderated online peer support forum that operates 24/7.