Maiah Islam ‘21
Online gambling, first legalized in Pennsylvania in 2017, has become popular at EA. Its legalization caused controversy because online gambling does not comply with the Federal Wire Act, which prohibits interstate wagering. It’s very similar to a live casino where one can place bets and play the same games such as poker. It is legal to play lotteries or engage in sports betting when 18 in PA, but online casinos and live betting are not.
Yvvy Chen ‘21 explains the process of how to bet, “People typically place bets through PayPal, but there are some sites that are free, too.”
There is little precedent, however, of what would be done if a student were caught. Several sources described it as a widespread problem that EA administration seems unaware of. Kris Aldridge, Senior Form Dean, says, “If they were eighteen, it probably would be legal on some of those Fantasy Footballish sites, but certainly not something we would condone …It’s a question we haven’t dealt with before.”
Mike Letts, Head of Upper School, states, “I’m not aware of any issue, so it’s news to me.”
Online gambling, if it is taken too far, can lead to a dangerous addiction. Addiction is characterized, according to Middle School Psychologist Jessica Anderson, as “a persistent and recurrent problematic behavior that causes significant impairment or distress.”
It becomes a problem when it is “interfering with your ability to get work done, to concentrate on sports, to get through the day without thinking about how you are going to place your next bet,” Anderson continues.
Another sign of addiction is the number of times it occurs. Anderson gives the following scenario: “If someone told me they bet on the EA/Haverford football game once, I would be somewhat concerned and we would discuss the legality of the situation…But, if you’re in my office on your computer looking really stressed, and I realize that you’re placing bets, I’m now extremely worried.”
Additionally, an interesting factor of gambling addictions is the source of money one is betting, especially for students, since most at EA do not have the time for a job. Anderson raises the concerning question: “Are you engaging in some maladaptive behavior in order to get the funds for the activity?”
When a student goes to see either school psychologist, Anderson reiterates, “When students come to talk to us, everything we hear is confidential. The only time we can break that is when it comes to safety.”