UM Researchers Warn of Problem Gambling Among College Students

A University of Mississippi study has found that gambling is widespread among college students, with researchers warning that a troubling number may be at risk for addiction.

The study, which surveyed students from seven Mississippi universities, revealed that 39% reported gambling in the past year, with Mississippi sports betting emerging as one of the more common forms. Of those who bet on sports, 6% met the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for problem gambling, and another 10% were classified as being at moderate risk.

Researchers noted that certain groups were more likely to gamble, including male students, white students, those living off-campus, and students participating in sports at any level. Lottery tickets (18%) and card games (17%) actually surpassed sports betting (16%) as the most popular forms of gambling. 

The Executive Director of the University’s William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing, Hannah Allen, said the results raised concerns, saying, “These findings show that college students are not immune to the national trend of increased gambling exposure. What concerns us is the percentage of students who are experiencing negative consequences.”

Among the most commonly reported harms were losing money, feelings of shame, and regret. Researchers also found that while non-white male students were less likely to gamble overall, they experienced more severe consequences when they did.

The study included students from UM and its Medical Center, as well as Alcorn State, Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

The report also recommended that universities should step up prevention and treatment efforts, including adding gambling awareness to existing wellness programs, incorporating screenings in campus health centers, and equipping parents with resources to start conversations at home.

Lawmakers debate legal sports betting

This underground activity comes as state lawmakers continue to debate the future of mobile sports betting. The Mississippi House has passed legislation to legalize it for three consecutive years, but each time the measure has died in the Senate. Residents still lack legal access to the best sports betting sites.

Currently, Mississippi only allows in-person sports bets at casinos or through mobile apps while physically on casino property. Meanwhile, residents are estimated to have placed billions of dollars in wagers through illegal offshore platforms, with a survey shared with Mississippi Today claiming that 60% of college students admitted to gambling online despite it not being legal. 

Supporters argue that legalization could redirect those dollars back into the state’s economy. In 2024, analysts estimated that Mississippi accounted for approximately 5% of the national illegal betting market, which is valued at around $3 billion in wagers.

Mississippi House Speaker Jason White has signaled his intent to renew the push for legalization in 2026. If that happens, however, researchers and health experts say that lawmakers must include provisions to address addiction, including taxing the betting companies to fund programs to tackle problem gambling and resulting health and social issues.