Washington, Mar 24: The University of Mississippi is set to establish a first-of-its-kind research centre to examine the growing prevalence of gambling among college students and student-athletes in the United States.
The proposed Center on Collegiate Gambling, approved by the state’s higher education board earlier this year, will operate with an estimated annual budget of around USD 700,000. It is expected to focus on the impact of legalised sports betting and digital wagering on campus life, mental health and athletic integrity.
The initiative comes amid rising concern over gambling habits among students. Recent studies indicate that a significant proportion of college students in Mississippi have participated in some form of gambling over the past year, with a smaller but notable percentage showing signs consistent with problem gambling.
University officials and public health experts say the increasing accessibility of online betting platforms has heightened exposure to gambling risks, particularly among young adults.
The growing overlap between college sports culture and betting activities has also raised concerns about financial stress and behavioural addiction among students and athletes.
At the university, steps are already being taken to address the issue. Campus counselling staff have undergone specialised training to identify and assist students dealing with gambling-related problems, reflecting a broader push to strengthen early intervention mechanisms.
The development comes as policy debates over sports betting continue in the state of Mississippi. While several US states have legalised mobile sports wagering following the landmark Murphy v. NCAA ruling, Mississippi still restricts betting largely to physical casinos.
Efforts to expand mobile betting have repeatedly passed the state House of Representatives but failed to clear the Senate, highlighting an ongoing divide among lawmakers.
Critics of expansion warn it could increase addiction risks and affect existing casino revenues, while supporters argue that continued restrictions are fuelling illegal betting markets.
Industry estimates suggest that unregulated online gambling activity in the state accounts for a notable share of illicit betting nationwide, involving billions of dollars in annual wagers.
Experts believe the new research centre could play a key role in informing policy decisions and developing strategies to address gambling-related harm, as colleges across the country grapple with the implications of a rapidly evolving betting landscape.
