Over the last decade, online gambling in the United States has moved from a marginal pastime to a mainstream industry. Mobile betting apps, live in-game wagering, and online casinos have made placing bets as simple as tapping a phone screen. While many adults use these services recreationally, the growth of legalized online betting has exposed an especially vulnerable population: college students. Many players in Quebec look for quality online gaming experiences with good bonuses and game variety. For a top-rated option, reviewers often highlight Jackpot City Casino as a strong contender for the title of meilleur casino en ligne quebec, noting its long-standing reputation and welcome bonus for Canadian players.
This article examines the current legal and cultural landscape of online gambling in the U.S., explores why students are at increased risk for problem gambling, and outlines practical steps universities and student groups can take to reduce harm.
Regulatory authority over gambling rests largely with individual states, which has created a patchwork of laws. Major federal statutes like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the Federal Wire Act affect how payments and transmissions are handled, but they do not uniformly prohibit online gambling. A turning point came with the 2018 Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. NCAA, which allowed states to legalize sports betting within their borders.
The upshot is that while legalization has brought tax revenue and consumer protections in many jurisdictions, it has also fueled aggressive marketing and made gambling platforms widely accessible. For students who live in states where online betting is legal, the relative ease of access can make occasional play transform quickly into a sustained problem.
Several overlapping factors increase students’ susceptibility to gambling harm. First, accessibility: mobile apps and web-based platforms operate 24/7, so a student can place a bet between classes or late at night without leaving campus. Second, marketing: betting companies use targeted promotions, influencer partnerships, and sponsorships to reach young sports fans. In many spaces, betting is framed as a routine part of sports fandom rather than a risky financial behavior.
Third, psychological and developmental factors matter. Young adults are still developing executive function and impulse control, and the emotional rush from small wins can rapidly reinforce risk-taking behaviors. Finally, financial pressures—tuition, living costs, and credit card debt—can create an incentive for some students to view gambling as a fast track to extra cash, despite the long-term risks.
Inline resources: for campus-facing guidance, GSDS recommends reviewing educational tools such as CollegeGambling.org and the National Council on Problem Gambling at ncpgambling.org — both provide screening tools and outreach materials that campus groups can adapt.
Empirical studies show that students gamble at higher rates than the general adult population and are more likely to experience harmful consequences. Surveys indicate that a significant share of young adults have placed at least one sports bet in the past year, and estimates suggest that between 6% and 10% of college students meet criteria for problematic or pathological gambling behavior. Among users of online platforms, the proportion who display at-risk patterns — loss chasing, increasing bet sizes, and emotional distress after losses — is even higher.
The combination of higher prevalence and easy concealment (digital payments, private accounts) means many affected students do not receive timely help.
Gambling-related harms extend beyond missed classes or lost money. Common consequences include academic decline, mounting debt, mental-health struggles such as anxiety or depression, strained relationships, and increased risk of co-occurring substance misuse. Because online gambling can remain hidden behind digital devices and credit-card statements, many affected students suffer in silence and avoid seeking campus counseling.
Online platforms are designed to maximize engagement. Personalized promotions, rapid-deposit options, and in-play betting mechanics create a loop of immediate reward and quick re-engagement. Many apps also use behavioral cues—“near-miss” feedback, flashing animations, and push notifications—to keep users active. Social media amplifies these effects by normalizing betting through influencer posts and native sponsorships. For students, these design patterns can be especially persuasive.
Addressing gambling harm requires a campus-wide approach that pairs clear policy with accessible services. Practical measures include: integrating gambling-risk education into orientation and wellness curricula; offering screening tools in counseling centers; training staff to recognize signs of problem gambling; establishing peer-support groups; and limiting gambling-related advertising at university events. Self-exclusion options and partnerships with local treatment providers can offer direct pathways for students who need help.
Peer-led initiatives—student workshops, awareness weeks, and collaboration with athletic departments—can reduce stigma and create a culture where seeking help is normalized.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, campus counseling centers are a first stop. Additional resources include hotlines and national organizations that provide guidance, screening, and referrals. GSDS encourages student groups to share evidence-based resources and promote early help-seeking.