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University of Michigan Chief Mental Health Officer Dr. Lindsay Mortenson warned Congress on Wednesday that the speed of online gambling can turn small problems into serious ones, according to UpNorthLive.
Experts testifying before lawmakers raised concerns about students gambling away education funds and college athletes facing harassment from people betting on their performances.
Fast betting and student financial losses
“Speed is a huge problem. The faster you can gamble, the faster small problems become big ones,” Mortenson said.
Witnesses warned that the availability and speed of online gambling can make it difficult to recognize when casual betting has become a serious problem.
Cindy Clouner, identified by UpNorthLive as a managing director at Ohio State University, described the financial consequences clinicians are encountering.
“On the ground, clinicians report seeing students gamble away financial aid checks, placing degree completion in jeopardy,” Clouner said.
She also warned that stigma and the absence of physical markers can keep problem gambling hidden until a student reaches a crisis.
Athlete harassment and campus safeguards
Lawmakers also heard concerns about student athletes receiving harassment and threats from people wagering on their performances. The testimony highlighted risks extending beyond the students placing bets to the athletes whose performances are being wagered on.
Witnesses called for stronger campus education, better research and safeguards to protect students from gambling-related harm.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER, which connects to Michigan’s Problem Gambling Helpline 24/7.
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Source: As reported by UpNorthLive.
