In a significant policy shift, West Texas A&M University (WT) has taken a firm stance against online gambling, prohibiting access to gambling websites through any university-provided resources, including WiFi networks. This sweeping decision, announced by WT President Walter V. Wendler on September 22 in a guest essay for the Amarillo Globe-News, and followed by an official campus-wide email on September 23, is part of a broader effort to protect students from the risks associated with gambling addiction.
As online gambling becomes more accessible, universities like WT face new challenges in safeguarding their students’ well-being. Wendler’s policy sets the stage for an evolving national conversation about the role of higher education institutions in regulating potentially harmful behaviors among their students.
The Rationale: Protecting Students From Gambling Addiction
In his essay, Wendler made clear the university’s reasons for implementing the ban, highlighting the potential dangers of gambling addiction, especially among college students. He drew comparisons between gambling and substance abuse, both of which can have profoundly negative impacts on individuals during their formative years. “College students at a particularly formative stage in their lives can develop habits and lifestyles that are akin to drug and substance abuse,” Wendler wrote. “There is not a single thread of evidence showing predatory gambling has a positive impact on academic excellence. And the pursuit of excellence is our first job.”
Wendler’s primary concern centers on the vulnerability of college students, who are often navigating newfound independence and managing their finances for the first time. In this context, the rise of online gambling, especially sports betting apps, presents a unique and immediate risk. With just a smartphone, students can access gambling platforms at any time, making it easy for casual gambling to turn into a serious addiction. Wendler’s argument is that, as the university’s primary mission is to foster academic success, unrestricted access to gambling sites poses a threat to that goal.
A Comprehensive Ban: How WT is Blocking Access
The policy’s implementation is far-reaching and immediate, affecting not only students but also faculty, staff, and visitors. The ban extends to anyone using WT-owned devices, such as university-issued laptops, tablets, desktops, and cell phones. Moreover, any individual using the university’s WiFi networks will be prevented from accessing gambling websites, whether on-campus or in WT-affiliated locations.
Gambling Addiction Among College Students: A Growing Concern
The decision to ban gambling access through university networks highlights a broader issue facing many colleges and universities nationwide: the increasing prevalence of gambling addiction among young adults. Recent studies indicate that gambling addiction disproportionately affects younger people, with college students being particularly vulnerable.
There are several factors that contribute to this vulnerability. First, many college students are experiencing independence for the first time, which includes managing their own finances. The lure of quick money through gambling can be tempting for students dealing with financial stress, including tuition, rent, and other living expenses. Furthermore, many students have access to disposable income through loans, scholarships, or part-time work, making it easier to justify gambling.
According to data from the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 6% of college students struggle with gambling problems, and around 75% of students have gambled at least once in the past year. These numbers underscore the growing scale of the issue on college campuses.
The ease of access to online gambling platforms through mobile devices adds another layer of complexity. Previously, individuals had to visit physical locations, such as casinos or racetracks, to gamble. Now, gambling is available at their fingertips, and the gamification of sports betting apps makes it even more enticing for students. What begins as a harmless activity can quickly spiral into a serious addiction, with consequences ranging from financial ruin to mental health challenges.
Support and Criticism: Is This a Necessary Measure or an Overreach?
While many may applaud WT’s new policy as a necessary measure to protect students, the ban is not without its critics. Some argue that such policies infringe on personal freedom, particularly in a legal environment where online gambling is increasingly regulated and accepted across many states. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to strike down a federal ban on sports betting, more than 30 states have legalized some form of sports betting. Given this backdrop, some believe that adults, including college students, should have the right to engage in gambling if they choose to do so.
Wendler’s policy, however, is grounded in the belief that universities have a responsibility to protect students, even from themselves. College is a time of exploration, but it is also a time of vulnerability. Wendler views unrestricted access to gambling as a public health issue, likening it to alcohol and drug abuse, which universities also take steps to mitigate on their campuses. By blocking access to online gambling sites, WT is taking a preventative approach, aiming to create an environment conducive to academic achievement and personal growth, rather than one where students are exposed to potentially destructive behaviors.
Supporters of the policy are likely to agree that gambling, like substance abuse, can derail academic success and cause long-term financial and emotional harm. For those students who develop gambling problems, the consequences could be significant, including dropping out of school, accumulating debt, and experiencing issues with mental health. In this sense, the ban may be viewed as a proactive effort to prevent problems before they start, rather than waiting to address the fallout after the fact.
A National Campaign for Responsible Gambling: ROGA’s Initiative
While West Texas A&M University is moving to block access to gambling sites, national organizations are also stepping up efforts to address gambling addiction among college students through education. The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), an independent trade association comprised of large legal online gaming operators, announced its plans to launch a nationwide responsible gambling education campaign targeting college campuses.
The campaign, which is set to launch in early 2025, will involve partnerships with several organizations, including EPIC Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). These partners bring expertise in gambling addiction education, mental health support, and the development of responsible gambling practices.
The initiative aims to provide digital tools for responsible gaming education and financial literacy programs on college campuses. A key component of the campaign is the humanization and destigmatization of problem gambling, using the lived experiences of those affected by gambling addiction to raise awareness and foster understanding.
The campaign comes at a critical time, as the gambling industry continues to grow and expand its reach. With more states legalizing online gambling and sports betting, and with an increasing number of young adults engaging in these activities, the need for responsible gambling education is more pressing than ever. The ROGA campaign represents an important step in equipping students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about gambling, and it complements the more restrictive policies like the one implemented by WT.
The Role of Universities: Balancing Autonomy and Protection
The broader question raised by WT’s decision is this: What role should universities play in shaping student behavior and protecting students from potentially harmful activities? Historically, universities have taken on a quasi-parental role, especially when it comes to health and safety issues. Many institutions already regulate alcohol consumption, drug use, and smoking on campus, so it is not surprising that they might also seek to control access to gambling.
Yet, in an age where personal autonomy is increasingly valued, some might argue that universities should not be in the business of policing individual choices. Students, after all, are legal adults, and many believe that they should have the freedom to make their own decisions—whether those decisions involve gambling, alcohol, or other personal matters.
WT’s policy reflects the belief that universities have a responsibility to create environments where students can succeed academically and personally, even if that means limiting certain freedoms. This balance between autonomy and protection will likely continue to be a subject of debate as more institutions grapple with the challenges of online gambling on campus.
West Texas A&M University’s decision to ban access to online gambling sites is a bold move that could serve as a precedent for other universities across the country. As online gambling continues to grow in popularity, particularly among young adults, colleges and universities will face increasing pressure to address the issue head-on.
WT’s approach, which combines a ban on gambling access with a commitment to academic excellence, represents one possible solution. At the same time, initiatives like ROGA’s national education campaign underscore the importance of providing students with the tools they need to make responsible decisions about gambling. Whether other universities will follow WT’s lead in banning gambling sites remains to be seen, but it is clear that the conversation around gambling addiction on college campuses is just beginning.