The University of Mississippi has approached state legislators to request an annual allocation of $2 million to support its newly established Center on Collegiate Gambling (CCG) and the future Mississippi Gambling Clinic (MGC), aimed at tackling issues related to problem gambling.
Despite ongoing discussions, legislation for online sports betting in Mississippi has stalled for the third consecutive year. However, the repercussions of online gambling are becoming increasingly evident, as highlighted by experts from the CCG.
While the CCG has chosen to remain neutral regarding the legality of mobile sports betting, it conveyed its concerns to lawmakers when requesting the funding. If approved, the funds will be divided between the CCG and the MGC.
Half of the requested amount will support the CCG’s educational, research, and policy initiatives, which focus on gambling among students and betting on college sports. The remaining funds will be used to create university-affiliated gambling treatment clinics for the general public, distinct from the counseling services currently available to Ole Miss students.
Dr. Daniel Durkin, a founding member of the CCG, emphasized the urgency of addressing gambling issues, stating, “Whether or not it’s legal, the problem is here. We need to do something about it.”
The university's presentation to lawmakers, which was obtained by Gambling Insider, outlined the severity of the gambling problem. Approximately 20 million Americans, or 8% of the adult population, reported experiencing at least one form of problematic gambling behavior in the past year.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) estimates that the annual social cost associated with gambling-related harm is around $14 billion, encompassing job loss, debt, bankruptcy, and related legal and healthcare expenses.
In Mississippi, about 4% of adults may qualify for a gambling disorder, yet only about 10% of those affected seek treatment.
Mississippi stands out as one of only nine states without public funding allocated for problem gambling services. Previously, the state contributed $100,000 annually to the Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling (MCPCG), but this funding ceased in 2018.
Among college students, the risks of problem gambling are even more pronounced. A 2025 survey of institutions within Mississippi's higher education system revealed that nearly 40% of undergraduates engaged in gambling activities in the previous year, primarily on lottery tickets, scratch cards, and sports bets. The findings indicated that gambling is particularly prevalent among students living off-campus, those involved in sports and Greek life, and those identifying as white males.
Dr. Durkin noted that college students are especially susceptible to gambling-related harms due to ongoing brain development. He explained, “Most people aren’t aware you’re not a fully developed adult until you’re about in your mid-20s. One of the last areas to mature is the prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control.”
Furthermore, college often represents the first time students manage their own finances away from home, a combination that can lead to risky behaviors. Experts typically estimate that 1-2% of the general population may develop severe gambling issues, but this figure rises to approximately 6% among college students, highlighting their heightened vulnerability.