West Texas A&M University Blocks Access to Online Gambling Sites

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) has announced that it will block access to all online gambling sites through its university resources, including WiFi, as part of a broader initiative to protect students from the risks associated with gambling addiction. Effective immediately, this decision impacts not only students, faculty, and staff but also visitors using WTAMU-provided internet services at various locations connected to the university, such as Palo Duro Canyon State Park and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.

The Reason Behind the Ban

Dr. Walter Wendler, President of WTAMU, emphasized the dangers posed by online gambling, especially for college students. “College students at a particularly formative stage in their lives can develop habits and lifestyles that are akin to drug and substance abuse,” Wendler stated. He also pointed out that gambling has no proven positive impact on academic performance. “There is not a single thread of evidence showing predatory gambling has a positive impact on academic excellence,” he continued. Wendler’s comments underscore the university’s commitment to prioritizing academic achievement over harmful distractions.

The decision comes amid growing concerns about the rise of online gambling platforms and sports betting apps, which have made gambling more accessible than ever before. According to The Conversation, a nonprofit news organization, six percent of college students have gambling addiction issues—double the rate of the general adult population in the U.S. This alarming statistic was a driving factor behind the university’s decision to take a firm stance against online gambling.

Who Will Be Affected?

Under the new policy, students, faculty, and staff are prohibited from accessing online gambling sites using any WT-owned devices, such as cell phones, laptops, tablets, and desktops. Additionally, the restriction extends to anyone using WTAMU’s WiFi, including visitors to its d locations, such as the WT Enterprise Center and Harrington Academic Hall at the WTAMU Amarillo Center.

By cutting off access to these sites through state resources, WT hopes to prevent students from falling into gambling habits that could jeopardize their academic and financial well-being. Wendler noted that students with gambling debts are more likely to turn to student loans, credit cards, and personal loans to fund their gambling activities, which could lead to further financial strain.

A Proactive Approach to Protect Students

WTAMU’s decision to block online gambling sites reflects the university’s proactive approach to addressing potential risks that could affect students’ mental health and academic success. By limiting access to gambling, the university aims to create a safer and more focused environment for its community.

Wendler’s stance on this issue is clear: “With the rise of online gambling and sports betting apps, access to gambling has never been easier,” he remarked. The new policy seeks to curtail this ease of access and reduce the likelihood of students developing gambling-related problems while pursuing their education.

In taking this action, WTAMU s other institutions that are implementing measures to safeguard students from the growing prevalence of online gambling and its potential consequences. Through this initiative, the university reinforces its dedication to ensuring that the pursuit of academic excellence remains a top priority.

Source:

WT Blocks Online Gambling Sites, ABC 7 Amarillo, September 23, 2024.