Gambling, Family and the PC Difference: Betting on the Success of Your Student

Posted on October 8, 2026

By: Ellen Curran, Psy.D. and Susan Ellingwood, LICSW, CAADC

With the expansion of legalized gambling and widened accessibility to online gaming and sports betting platforms, the thrill of the game has become increasingly enticing to students on campuses across the world. As the initial excitement of the wager fades, research shows lingering effects on future behavioral patterns. These patterns can result in what is considered “at risk”, “problematic” and even “disordered” gambling.

What Does It Look Like?

The symptoms of these types of gambling can be seen in one or more areas of a student’s life. Students may experience mood swings or falling behind on their schoolwork and other responsibilities. Relationships with family, friends and co-workers may suffer. Gambling may also directly impact behaviors. For example, there may be a preoccupation with gambling, attempts to recover losses by wagering more and unsuccessful attempts to cut down. Much like substance abuse, a student may need to increase their bets to receive the same level of excitement they had received in the past. However, unlike substance abuse, the body does not have a physical reaction which results in one being unable to gamble more.

What are Factors that Endanger and Protect?

There are both at-risk and protective factors in regard to gambling, sports betting and gaming behaviors. Those who have grown up in environments where gambling is accepted and seen in a positive manner are more likely to develop at-risk gambling behavior. Accessibility to gaming and peer influence also contribute to problematic behavior. Education and awareness around the negative consequences of gambling as well as financial literacy serve as protective factors. Supportive relationships and positive manners of coping, such as involvement in other hobbies also serve as factors that reduce the likelihood of problem gambling.

Providence College partners with national experts to provide education, prevention programming, and support related to gambling and sports betting. Through these partnerships, students learn about responsible gaming practices, potential risks, and how to recognize signs that gambling may be becoming a concern. Our partners include Know Your Play, Epic Global Solutions, and the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling.

How Do I Support My PC Student?

Talking with your student is a great first step towards understanding their involvement in gambling. During these moments, caregivers can find out their student’s attitudes and peer influences regarding gambling. Non-judgmental dialogue and education around the issue can also occur during these conversations. Remember- you are a model of how your student views and interacts with gambling entities.
There are many research-proven treatments and resources available to combat the difficult effects of problem gambling. Susan Ellingwood LICSW, CAADC and Peter Gray LICSW of PC’s Personal Counseling Center are Endorsed by the State of Rhode Island to treat problem gambling. Students can make an appointment to seek support in addressing gambling or other concerns by calling the Personal Counseling Center at (401)865-2343. Check out RI Problem Gambling, Gambler’s Anonymous and Gam-Anon for more information and resources on problem gambling. Students can also make appointments to explore concerns about how to support a friend and how to navigate healthy boundaries and communication.

We encourage students and families to explore the resources below to learn more:

Citation:

Bechtold, J. (n.d.) Gambling Disorder: Ethics and Treatment [MOOC]. CEs4Less.
Gambling Disorder: Ethics and Treatment E276