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There is no denying that legal online sports betting is currently seeing a huge increase in popularity. Since its official launch in Illinois in 2019, the industry has garnered over $19 billion in bets, a substantial amount.
In Illinois, as well as in many other states, the legal age for sports betting is 21. This has sparked worries about how gambling may impact younger individuals, particularly college students.
Lawmakers in Illinois have made responsible gambling among college students a top priority by implementing measures to limit access to online betting for most college-aged individuals and discourage operators from targeting them.
Nevertheless, they may still come across sports betting advertisements on TV or prominently featured in their favorite teams’ stadiums.
What impact does sports betting have on the bright young minds of Illinois college campuses, and what steps are being taken to prevent any negative consequences?
Sports Betting among college students on the rise
A recent study conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling found that around 67% of college students engage in some form of sports betting. This is particularly noteworthy as the legal age for sports betting is 21 in all states except for four where online betting is permitted. Additionally, the study suggests that within the last year, 75% of college students have participated in gambling activities, regardless of the legal restrictions.
According to the study, college students show a preference for lottery as their top choice for gambling at 41%, followed by card games at 38% and sports betting at 23%. Additionally, the study reports that approximately 6% of US college students struggle with a severe gambling problem.
Placing bets from your mobile device is now more convenient than ever, despite the fact that gambling has been a popular pastime for many years.
How Illinois sports betting is handled on college campuses
Sports betting operators are finding major colleges, with their large student bodies and extensive fan bases, to be an increasingly appealing market. The NCPG reports that at least eight universities have already formed partnerships with sports gambling companies.
According to The New York Times, at least twelve athletic departments and booster clubs have signed contracts with physical casinos. It is expected that this number will grow in the future. These partnerships allow sports betting companies to advertise on campus, in sports facilities, and sometimes even directly to students through email.
In Illinois, steps have been taken to prevent underage gambling and protect college athletes, a departure from practices in other areas. Josh Whitman, the athletic director at the University of Illinois, emphasizes that athletes could face pressure or even physical harm from gamblers, some of whom may live in the same dormitory.
At present, there are no university partnerships with sports betting operators in Illinois, resulting in a lack of sports betting advertisements at the State Farm Center and Memorial Stadium, where the Illinois basketball and football teams play. However, viewers watching the games from home will likely encounter multiple betting ads while tuning in to these teams’ matches on TV.
Certain university officials in Illinois claim that allowing gambling on local college teams poses a risk to student-athletes. This claim is backed by research from the NCPG indicating that nearly 30% of male athletes participate in sports betting.
Betting on Illinois college teams can only be done at retail sportsbooks
The hype surrounding March Madness betting is growing as conference tournaments kick off this week, with fans already securing tickets for the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. It’s the one time of year when the entire sports betting world turns its attention to college basketball.
This suggests that many students of legal betting age may want to place bets on their teams, but doing so in Illinois is not simple. In Illinois, betting on Illinois college teams is restricted to physical sportsbooks. This regulation, uncommon in most states, was put in place by state lawmakers to protect college athletes and maintain the sport’s integrity.
While a 21-year-old college student may face some obstacles in betting on the Illinois Fighting Illini’s tournament performance, it is not impossible. They can still place bets on teams and NCAA player props from schools outside of Illinois.
If you have a gambling problem, here is where you can get help
If you are facing challenges with gambling, the NCPG offers a directory of support services in Illinois that can assist you, such as:
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call: 1-800-522-4700
Text: 1-800-522-4700
Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
and
Illinois Council on Gambling Issues
Helpline: 800.522.4700
Website: www.icpg.info
Self help resources
Gamblers Anonymous is a group of people who come together to share their stories, strengths, and hopes with one another in order to tackle their common problem of gambling addiction and help others in their recovery journey. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org for more information.
Gam-Anon, found at www.gam-anon.org, is a support group committed to helping the loved ones of those struggling with compulsive gambling.
GamTalk is a moderated online peer support forum that is available around the clock at www.gamtalk.org.
