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March Madness is undeniably one of the largest occasions that links sports betting with college athletics.
Yet, for proponents of responsible gambling, the Madness arises from the imminent impact of sports betting on college campuses.
Michigan State University is among the eight colleges that have advertising partnerships with a legal sportsbook, as of January.
Although responsible gambling education remains a priority for Michigan teenagers, additional measures could be implemented to support college students.
Michigan State partnership with Caesars sportsbook
Michigan State and Caesars Sportsbook joined forces in January 2022, forming an official and exclusive collaboration in the realm of sports betting and iGaming.
Although Michigan State was not the initial institution to collaborate with Caesars, the potential risks associated with such partnerships became evident in a short span of time.
LSU has established a partnership with Caesars, which was evident in 2021 when the sportsbook sent emails to the LSU student body. These emails offered a first-time betting bonus, however, it came to light that a significant number of students below the legal betting age of 21 were among the recipients.
Sportsbooks currently offer a referral program, wherein customers can earn bonus money by successfully bringing in new customers. These promotions have gained popularity on college campuses, given that a significant number of students face financial constraints during their academic years.
“I have a friend who is trying to convince people to sign up for this offer where you get $50 to bet with if you refer a friend,” explained Josh Erno, a junior at MSU, in an interview with WKAR. “These incentives definitely motivate people to encourage their friends to engage in sports betting, so I suppose I have been influenced by that.”
NCPG pushing for stricter sports betting guidelines on college campuses
The National Council on Problem Gambling released a report outlining their preferred guidelines for partnerships between universities and sportsbooks, coinciding with the growing trend of such collaborations.
The NCPG expresses ongoing concern regarding the impact that these partnerships can potentially have on promoting underage gambling and fostering gambling addiction among young adults.
The NCPG recommends that sports betting operators engaged in these partnerships should:
- Institutions of higher learning should not provide any form of incentives, particularly monetary incentives, to encourage individuals’ participation in sports betting.
- In order to enhance problem gambling initiatives, furnish colleges and universities with betting activity and pattern data.
- Implement rigorous age-verification policies and practices that go beyond mere superficiality and self-attestation.
- Do not allow any rewards or incentives to be given for individuals participating in sports betting.
- Establish guidelines and regulations regarding the permissible forms and locations of sports betting advertising and promotion.
- We provide problem gambling treatment services on campus, ensuring assistance is accessible to anyone requiring support.
The International Center for Responsible Gambling reports that approximately 6% of college students in the United States acknowledge having a significant issue with gambling.
State regulations vary for college sports betting
The rules and regulations concerning betting on college athletics differ from state to state.
Although states that have legalized sports betting permit betting on college football and basketball, certain states prohibit betting on teams based within their own borders.
The following states and localities prohibit betting on college teams within their jurisdictions:
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
Proposition wagers for college athletics are entirely prohibited in certain states as well.
Gambling education could be coming to Michigan schools
Michigan Senator Joseph N. Bellino Jr. (R-Monroe) recently proposed Senate Bill 54, which advocates for the inclusion of responsible gambling education in the curriculum of Michigan schools.
By July 1, 2025, the state’s Department of Education will be obligated to establish a program of instruction on gambling addiction that is suitable for different age groups and grade levels. This program will be made accessible to school districts and public-school academies.
The NCPG reports that a significant percentage of high school students, ranging from 60 to 80%, have engaged in gambling for monetary purposes within the previous year.
According to the NCPG, approximately 4-6% of high school students are classified as having a gambling addiction.
While the implementation of RG education for grade-level students in Michigan is a possibility, there have been no proposals put forth regarding its incorporation into the education system of Michigan’s universities.
