Gambling task force recommends colleges treat gambling like alcohol, as student health issue

Task force to colleges: Treat betting like booze

LAS VEGAS — A national gambling task force is recommending that colleges and universities take more steps to curb problem gambling by students by treating the issue as a health concern.

The Task Force on College Gambling Policies says in a report released Tuesday that most higher education institutions aggressively target alcohol problems on campus, but not gambling problems.

The task force was established last year by the Cambridge Health Alliance. It recommends that universities establish campus gambling policies, help treat students if they have gambling disorders, and actively campaign against problem gambling.

The report cites studies saying that while half of college students reported placing some kind of bet during the past year, only 22 percent of colleges have written gambling policies.