The trend of colleges promoting responsible gaming continued recently with Penn State launching a program meant to help those dealing with problem gambling and addiction.
The university’s Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) is running the “Know the Odds” campaign, geared toward early intervention, raising awareness, and reducing the stigma of seeking help. The CRC offers services to students and staff recovering from addictions.
The campaign’s launch comes after the Happy Valley Casino officially opened in State College last week.
The CRC hosted an online seminar last week as part of the “Know the Odds” launch, outlining concerns about problem gambling.
“Gambling triggers many sorts of different biochemical processes that mimic severe drug addiction,” CRC Director Jason Whitney said. “Even if you are not taking drugs, it’s almost as though gambling is an addiction to the drugs your own body makes.”
Efforts Come After Rising Numbers Of College Gamblers
Experts have expressed concern in recent years that the growth of online sports betting has had a major impact on college life, with gambling becoming an increasing part of many students’ lives.
Whitney noted that it’s important that addiction and problem gambling should be seen as serious concerns among college-age gamblers and university staff.
“The name of the game in recovery is not necessarily just stopping,” Whitney said. “It’s about staying stopped and maintaining that lifestyle change, treating it seriously as something that can ruin their lives and/or kill them. The main way this disease kills people is suicide.”
Colleges Look At Prevention
The Happy Valley Casino opening comes as the Pennsylvania gaming market has rapidly expanded over the last few years. The Keystone State saw $602.4 million in combined revenue from all forms of gaming in March, a 4.9% increase from 2025.
The new casino is located in a former Macy’s department store at the Nittany Mall and offers players 600 slot machines, 30 live table games, two restaurants, and a bar.
Penn State’s gaming addiction prevention efforts come as other colleges have made similar efforts. At Carnegie Mellon University, a new course gives students a look at the statistical and cognitive aspects of wagering, while also focusing on gambling addiction.
College sports have seen several gambling-related scandals over the last few years. That continued last week as news surfaced that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby was being investigated by the NCAA for allegedly making thousands of wagers while playing for Indiana University, including on his own team.
