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College Campuses deal with Online Gambling
28 Aug 2006
Online gambling is a big hit at college campuses, with many students taking home big winnings. Mike Zakarian, for example, won $15 500 just last month in online poker. Zakarian has used his online gambling winnings to pay his tuition and to take vacations, but he is cautious and aware of the dangers of online gambling. When he feels out of control and in danger of losing, he takes a break for a few months. Other less cautious college students have not been so lucky. Recently, a student who was president of his college class robbed a bank in order to pay off his online gambling debt.
Online casinos often offer bonuses and attractions - like free tuition - that get college students interested in online gambling. These students, who often live away from home and have access to credit cards for the first time, sometimes become addicted. It is so easy to gamble online, and the bonuses, which include free money, play money, are so inviting. Some online casinos offer the winner of tournaments a free semester of tuition, while others give out points based on frequency of play to spend at online stores.
Campuses, therefore, are coming up with policies that allow then to detect and help gambling addicts. This is necessary, since the number of male college students who admit to online gambling has quadrupled since 2000. Many players have systems that keep them from losing control and getting into debt. However, the danger still exists. Cutting class in order to gamble, gambling for hours on-end without being able to stop, are all warning signs of an addiction.
