Gambling: Fun or Fraud?

Over the last several years gambling has invaded college campuses nationwide. The most prevalent form of gambling, sports betting, continues to dig deep into the pockets of highly vulnerable college students. This illegal activity tends to undermine sports and leads to scandal and even punishment by law, if the culprits can be caught.

Sports betting is considered the most popular form of gambling in the United States (Worsnop 248). On college campuses, where money is low and much desired, students will sometimes go to great lengths to bulk up their wallets. Gambling, which on the surface seems to be quick and easy money, is a poor solution that many college students are making. But, as T. Layden, a writer for Sports Illustrated points out, "There is hurt on every level of the gambling process."

One level that frequently pops up in NCAA scandals is the student-athlete. These student athletes who offer advice, fix games through point-shaving, or place wagers on games jeopardize their school's reputation, their eligibility, or even their career (Layden 48). College athletes are always in need of money, which gamblers can offer in exchange to influence a game (Layden 53). As one Arizona

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This alerted Vegas oddsmakers that something was suspicious and eventually the FBI caught wind of it. Soon, Smith and his bookie were serving time in federal prison for conspiracy to commit sports bribery (Smith 99). In 1993, an honor student at the University of Texas stole over $12,000 for the sole purpose of paying gambling debts (Layden 53). Smith, who was expected to go in the first two rounds, fell victim to a student bookmaker who made it seem like fixing games was no big deal. In 1992 Keith Tubin, a student at the University of Nevada, stole a total of $89,000 from several Las Vegas banks to pay gambling debts. Once this betting begins it is difficult to stop, whether ahead or behind. "

Over the course of the season, Smith fixed games by easing his guard on defense. In the Arizona State incident, the student bookmaking operation was bringing in over $120,000 a month (Layden 53).

Unfortunately, this wasn't the last time scandal had shocked the sports world. Although, it may be fun and increase the excitement of watching the home team play, students need to realize that the only real outcome of sports gambling is trouble. He never used the term point-shaving, never made it seem like it was dangerous.

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Approximate Word count = 865
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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