College students “high rollers”

With big casinos like Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun so available and close to Fairfield, it is no wonder that problem gambling has become a significant problem among students. A recent survey of undergraduate students at four Connecticut universities found that the level of problem gambling among students, 11.4%, is more than double the rate previously found for adults, 5.4%. While the minimum age to gamble at both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun is 21, Foxwoods does offer bingo to those over 18. In addition, 18 is the gambling age at many casinos in New York not too far from Fairfield. With all of these options, problem gambling can affect almost all Fairfield students. While the problem does exist amongst Fairfield students, not everyone is lured into the gambling scene. “Casinos can be a fun atmosphere. Some of my friends play way too much. They’ll lose $200 in one night and not think twice about going back again another weekend. Personally, I’d rather not waste the money, but I do like to go watch other people play,” said Luke Kloza, ’06. In the Connecticut survey, problem gambling students were also significantly more likely to engage in binge drinking, experience negative concequences when using alcohol, and regularly use tobacco and marijuana, than other students. “I can see how binge drinking and gambling would go hand in hand. It seems like if you are in a casino atmosphere you’d be more likely to be drinking,” reasoned Meghan Sullivan, ’06. The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling is happy to help anyone who thinks they may have a problem. They can be reached at 1-800-346-6238 or on the web at www.ccpg.org.