On March 25, Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN)’s Jeremy Schaap held a discussion in the Dr. Michelle C. Loris Forum on “The Potential and Problems of Legalized Sports Gambling.”
Associate professor of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts, Dr. Andrew Miller, invited panelists to discuss the rise of sports gambling on college campuses.
Brian Dolan, the Director of the Collegiate Recovery Program at Sacred Heart University, was one of the panelists at the event.
“Gambling attracts college students for many reasons,” said Dolan. “One, the brain is not fully developed so risk-taking behavior is more likely. I also think the competition, and social aspect of it is very attractive.”
Dolan, who deals with this topic daily, thinks the media makes it harder for students to get away from the problems that can arise with sports gambling.
“I think the media and sports media in particular has created this 24/7 access to sports and live sports that increases betting globally,” said Dolan.
Sacred Heart University’s Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) is looking to help students maintain an abstinence-based lifestyle while they thrive socially and academically.
Dolan wants to spread awareness to students who may be struggling with this issue on campus.
“Students can come to the wellness center anytime to talk about gambling. The Director of Campus Wellness, James Geisler, has been so supportive on training his staff for warning signs of gambling,” said Dolan. “If a student does read this and needs help, first and foremost I hope they know they are not alone and to come stop into the wellness center for a safe space and conversation.”
Former Sacred Heart student, Liam Roecklein, was another panelist at the event. Roecklein is the Founder and CEO of Relentless Digital Media and former Senior Vice President of Content at PointsBet.
“Currently I am working as a digital media consultant, helping my clients build and execute content strategies, grow their organic audiences, and increase revenues,” said Roecklein.
As a former employee of PointsBet, Roecklein has seen the betting industry grow and agrees that the media has played a role in how people access gambling.
“The media brings awareness of gambling opportunities and odds, pushes certain betting types like Same Game Parlays, and is actively changing the way sports are discussed in the United States,” said Roecklein.
Sports betting is legal in 38 states, and for people who live in one of these states, it is very easy to access these betting sites. Roecklein said before accessing the site and making a bet, the person should make sure they are making a bet that is appropriate and not chasing a past loss.
“Responsible gambling is legal gambling for entertainment purposes only, within spending limits, that are appropriate to an individual,” said Roecklien.
The event was open to the public and students on campus. Junior Division 1 track and field athlete Jordan Greene attended the event to learn more about this topic as it is growing in the sports world.
“After hearing the panel break down the science of sports betting, I understand why there have been so many victims that have fallen to an addiction to it,” said Greene.
With name, image, and likeness playing such a huge role in college sports these days, one thing Greene was interested in hearing is if this would have an impact on athletes falling into the trap of gambling the money they make.
“If someone is a more popular college athlete, they probably won’t need to gamble because they are making a lot of money. But for an athlete who is not as popular, they may look to make some extra money and become addicted to it,” said Greene.
With betting growing in sports, having speakers come to campus to speak on this topic can allow all to learn about what can come with sports betting.
“I loved the event. The panel did a great job explaining the sports betting industry and informing the crowd on the negative things that can come when sports betting,” said Greene.
