UAlbany Partnering on Initiative to Address Problem Gambling on College Campuses

By Bethany Bump

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 10, 2025) — The Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research at UAlbany is partnering with the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) on a new initiative to address problem gambling on college campuses.

As part of the initiative, project partners will gather data on student gambling behaviors and perceptions, and provide financial support, expertise, and training to participating campuses with the goal of increasing the number of campuses screening for gambling addiction.

“The University at Albany’s Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research is proud to be a key partner in this initiative, leveraging our research expertise to better understand gambling behaviors among college students,” said Jessica Martin, associate director of the Center. “By providing evidence-based insights, we aim to support participating colleges in developing effective prevention strategies and fostering safer campus environments. This collaboration is a significant step toward empowering students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and reduce gambling-related harm.”

Data collected from the project will help provide a better understanding of gambling trends among students aged 18-24, who are considered high-risk for disordered gambling as online sports betting and access to gambling continue to grow. Insights gleaned from the data will be used to develop supports for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.

“Problem gambling is a growing concern among young adults and colleges play a crucial role in prevention and early intervention,” said Brandy Richards, bureau director of Prevention and Special Programs at NYCPG. “We are excited to join forces with these institutions to tackle critical emerging issues related to gambling among college students. Through this grant, we aim to provide campuses with the necessary support to create a healthier and more informed student body.”

Participating colleges will receive financial support, access to expert training, and ongoing assistance from NYCPG, a nonprofit that works to raise public awareness about problem gambling.

Seven colleges and universities have been selected to participate in the initiative. They include Colgate University, Fulton Montgomery Community College, Pace University, Stony Brook University, SUNY Cayuga, SUNY Cortland, and the University at Buffalo.

“As gambling options continue to expand, college students face an increased risk of gambling-related harms,” said OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham. “It is essential that we proactively reach these individuals through initiatives like this, helping them recognize the risks associated with gambling and providing access to support services. Additionally, this initiative will provide valuable insights to improve our prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and efforts as we continue working to establish a nation-leading system of addiction care in New York State.”

The Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research at UAlbany has been engaged in research around the issue of problem gambling for years, and has developed best practices for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment. Earlier this year, it received a $40,000 grant from the National Council on Problem Gambling to promote a health communication campaign focused on problem gambling addiction among college students.