Ole Miss Launches Centre on Collegiate Gambling

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Mar 30, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Ole Miss Launches Centre on Collegiate Gambling

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The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) has launched the Centre on Collegiate Gambling, the first academic center in the United States devoted exclusively to student gambling research. 

The initiative aims to study gambling behavior, develop prevention strategies, and promote responsible gaming among college students. With sports betting and online gambling on the rise, Ole Miss positions itself at the forefront of research and public education in Mississippi gambling.

Centre on Collegiate Gambling: Focus and Goals

The new center will conduct extensive research into student gambling behavior, particularly in relation to US online casinos and US online sportsbooks. Researchers will analyze betting habits, financial risk patterns, and the psychological impacts of gambling on young adults.

The initiative also seeks to examine the intersection of gambling and college sports integrity, an increasingly relevant issue as legal sports betting expands across the country.

Daniel Durkin, an associate professor of social work at Ole Miss, and Hannah Allen-King, executive director of the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing, will spearhead the center's programs. Their leadership will focus on implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, educational campaigns, and treatment programs for students at risk.

The center will also collaborate with other academic institutions and public agencies to inform Mississippi gambling policies and campus-level interventions.

Key goals include:

  • Conducting ongoing studies on student betting behavior and risk factors
  • Developing programs to prevent gambling addiction among students
  • Promoting awareness of responsible gambling in both on-campus and digital environments

Research Findings and Mississippi Gambling Context

The university founded the center after research revealed that nearly 39% of college students gambled in the past year. Sports betting is the most popular form, with 6% of student bettors meeting criteria for problem gambling. Online betting via US online sportsbooks accounts for over half of student gambling activity.

While US online casinos are not yet legal in Mississippi, many students access unregulated sites, highlighting the need for education and risk mitigation. Recent legislative activity is moving toward legalizing mobile sports betting platforms, but iGaming and online slots remain restricted to physical casino properties. These realities make understanding student behavior especially urgent.

Additionally, studies also show certain groups, including male students and Greek life members, are more prone to frequent betting. By analyzing these patterns, the center aims to tailor interventions that address the most vulnerable populations.

Educating Mississippi Residents and Promoting Responsible Gambling

Beyond research, the centre will serve as a hub for responsible gambling education. Outreach programs will focus on informing students and the broader community about the risks of excessive betting. 

Workshops, seminars, and digital campaigns will highlight safe practices for legal US online sportsbooks. Moreover, the Centre will educate about the risks associated with unregulated US online casinos.

By integrating research, education, and public policy guidance, the centre aims to reduce gambling-related harms across Mississippi. Experts anticipate that these initiatives will provide practical tools to help students make informed decisions and promote a culture of responsible gaming.

Ultimately, The Centre on Collegiate Gambling marks a landmark step in understanding and mitigating gambling risks within college environments. This initiative strives to align academic research with real-world solutions.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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