A statewide study of students at Mississippi’s eight public universities found gambling problems frequently occurred alongside depression, anxiety and substance use, researchers reported.
The study of more than 1,800 students found nearly one in four gambled and 7% showed signs of a gambling problem, the authors wrote in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, according to the University of Mississippi.
McAfee noted the survey took place in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when many casinos were closed. He said access to wagering has increased since then, with sports betting legal in 38 states and 30 allowing online betting, and with new online prediction markets accessible by cellphone.
Rory Pfund, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, urged policymakers to fund prevention and treatment. “At the policy level, there are not many, if any, resources in Mississippi dedicated specifically to gambling,” Pfund said, noting Tennessee dedicates funding and has treated Mississippi residents at a state-funded specialty clinic.
While the study found a link between gambling, mental health and substance use, the researchers said more work is needed to determine causation. “Does gambling cause mental health problems, or do mental health concerns make someone more likely to develop gambling problems?” Pfund asked, adding the study provides a foundation for further research. McAfee urged colleges, parents and health officials to watch for warning signs and expand access to evidence-based care and intervention services.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
