By Eluned Darwin Goss, Second Year, Law and French
Gambling can manifest in countless forms, ranging from obvious to insidiously subtle. Whilst the word may trigger connotations of spiralling addiction, at the University of Bristol unhealthy gambling culture may be masked by its increasing popularity – as well as the stigma that surrounds it.
In recent research conducted by YGam – the leading UK charity working to prevent harmful gambling among young people – it was found that 49 per cent of students identify as gamblers. Problem gambling can cause a host of psychological, physical, financial and educational issues, as YGam reports: 10 per cent of student gamblers have trouble paying for food, 11 per cent have missed social activities and 9 per cent say that their grades have suffered.
To assess the gambling landscape at the University of Bristol, Epigram conducted a survey which reached 30 second-year students.
The survey found that students who occasionally participated in gambling spend their money on sports betting, lottery, or poker. Conversely, one student who spoke to Epigram further reported spending 40 hours gambling per week. He admitted to enjoying gambling for both the possibility of financial reward and the feeling of winning – also acknowledging that losing is ‘very upsetting’ and that it ‘happens more than 50 per cent of the time.’
So, what’s being done to address this issue among students?
Jordan White, Ben Parker and Ron Hentze from the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship have been working on a project exploring online gambling among UK students. Their research emphasises the importance of recognising gambling’s many forms beyond sports betting. Early results from their ongoing survey suggest that online gambling including online poker, bingo and lotteries – is highly popular among students. Interestingly, their research and YGam’s report state that crypto and loot boxes are more commonly included under the term ‘gambling.' In a poll that the team conducted, some participating students proposed that activities such as buying Pokémon cards at a young age or even buying TooGoodToGo come under the term.
The team discuss in their conversation with Epigram psychological concepts such as hedonic editing (or simply, selective memory), where gamblers frame past negative experiences in a positive light and focus on the wins over the losses. This is where human emotions come into play. For many students, particularly those interested in maths, there is an illusion of control: if they understand the logistics and tactics, they are much more likely to believe that their chance of winning is higher than anyone else’s. Another key contribution to the psychological aspect is advertisement. The team’s research shows that gambling adverts have a greater appeal to 18-25-year-olds and that young people are exposed to advertising before they have even arrived at university.
‘70 per cent of university websites have no information on gambling’
The team discussed with Epigram the ‘perfect storm’ that university creates for students to pick up gambling: free reign over their money, physical freedom, reaching the legal age to gamble and the desire to try new things which may have been labelled to them as dangerous activities. For example, sports betting has become an undeniably large part of student social life (see Epigram’s article on sports betting), providing dopamine hits which strengthen the desire to explore this new activity. Students surveyed by Epigram said that it provides ‘extra excitement when watching sport’ and that they bet ‘for a bit of fun during sporting events, illustrating the presence of risk-oriented behaviour.
Their research highlights the importance of destigmatising gambling and starting the conversation about informed gambling. They shared with Epigram their finding that 70 per cent of university websites have no information on gambling and that support for addiction usually only refers to drugs and alcohol. Bristol Student's Union are being proactive on this and Jordan, Ben and Ron are helping them to build a webpage that will widen access to resources to students at the University of Bristol who are struggling with gambling addiction.
So, why is recognition of student gambling problems so scarce? The team suggested that the primary reason for this is that online gambling in particular is easy to hide and is quick and easy to participate in without going anywhere. The ease is what makes it all the more dangerous. The team discuss how process addiction is discussed less than substance addiction. They propose that it is commonly normalised through peer influence and friends, and that there may be a communal feeling that if the people around you are participating, it’s okay. Their aim is not to put a stop to gambling but to promote a more informed attitude, encouraging students to think before participating.
Specifically, Bristol University student culture plays a role in the student gambling surge, with the Cheltenham horse races facilitating gambling. This is certainly not to say that people don’t enjoy it, but that the rise of student gambling is going unnoticed. Our interviewed student observed that ‘gambling culture often attaches itself to international students with high household income’, which suggests that those with extra cash might choose to spend it on gambling.
However, many students gamble simply to make a profit. One surveyed mathematics student who bets on horses makes around £25,000 during the week of the Cheltenham races. Though the races are associated with wealth, they are becoming more accessible for students through affordable transport and cheaper admission rates. While for some, spending £20-30 to watch a sport may not be appealing, for those who know how to make a profit, it might just be worth it. 60 per cent of the student gamblers surveyed by Epigram study maths-related subjects, suggesting that their knowledge of mathematical tactics encourages their participation. Despite this, still 50 per cent of our surveyed law students said that they gamble, suggesting that there may be no particular trend.
Another accessible way for students to gamble is through the University of Bristol’s Poker Society. This student-led group only costs £5 for a year’s membership and entails a £5 buy-in for the weekly Texas-Hold’em tournament. For someone who wants to try something new and cheap, the society is an exciting opportunity. However, its minimal online information on the harms of gambling crucially runs the risk of launching young people on their gambling journeys.
Away from the student arena are Bristol’s casinos, which provide an escape from student life, as well as the opportunity for a more serious game of poker, roulette or Blackjack. One interviewed student who regularly plays poker, varying from £200 to £500 buy-ins, however, described the atmosphere as ‘depressing.’ It may not be the most typical student gambling routine, but it undoubtedly demonstrates how the flexibility of student life can facilitate a budding gambling habit.
45 per cent of student gamblers are at a potential risk of moderate to severe harm from gambling. But how can risks be avoided? One student notes that they participate in gambling ‘towards the end of the week if I still have money left from my weekly budget’, with another describing it as an ‘end of week treat.’ Nonetheless, the same student recognises that gambling can be harmful and that he would discourage other people from participating.
Contrastingly, some surveyed students noted that they don’t gamble because it is ‘a silly hobby’, ‘a waste of money’, and an ‘addictive habit.’ One student even noted that they played poker but chose to stop as it became ‘too stressful.’
Degree or digital fame: Why some students are betting on becoming influencers
The Welsh student experience at the University of Bristol
The team’s research concludes that discussions need to be had and that a struggle with gambling is as important to acknowledge as anything else. They told Epigram that ARA Recovery For All provides gambling support for Bristol students. Self-referral on their page is an option, and students may be able to seek advice from people who have experienced gambling addiction. While it can be hard to refrain when caught up in the moment, thinking about what would be more worthwhile could save you some cash. A fiver’s bet a few times a week could be the equivalent of a week’s food shop. Above all, universities and students should aim to encourage open conversation to ensure healthy and informed habits.
Featured Image: Epigram / Jess Cohen
To help the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s research and their work with the SU, please consider filling out their short survey.
If you have any concerns about gambling, see further resources below:
National gambling helpline (24/7 crisis hotline): 0808 80 20 133
GambleAware: Free gambling harms-related advice and live chat support
GamCare: Free gambling support line and live chat - contains a list of physical and virtual self-exclusion tools
Gamban: Self-exclusion tool for online gambling - free for UK residents
Gamstop: Self-exclusion tool for online gambling - free for everyone
YGam: Educational resource for those that support young people experiencing gambling harm
Make a Referral - Ara Recovery 4 All: Provides gambling support for Bristol students - self-referral option
