West Texas A&M University Impose Blocks on Online Gambling
West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) has announced that it has blocked access to online gambling websites through its networks and devices.
West Texas A&M University building. Online gambling blocked by West Texas A&M University.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:WTAMU President Walter V. Wendler confirmed the introduction of the policy at the start of the week. The decision comes after an essay was published in the Amarillo Globe-News, which highlighted the growing presence of predatory gambling websites on college campuses across the United States.
The essay prompted the university to take immediate action to restrict access to gambling sites. The newly enforced policy prohibits the use of state resources to access US online casinos and gambling platforms.
No Access to Online Gambling through WTAMU Networks
As a result, students, staff, and faculty members are unable to reach iGaming websites through WT-owned devices, including laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, and other internet-connected devices.
In addition to blocking access through university-owned devices, the ban extends to WT’s Wi-Fi networks. This includes guest networks available at locations such as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center, the WT Enterprise Center, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
The university cited data from The Conversation, a nonprofit news organization, indicating that approximately 6% of college students suffer from gambling addiction. This figure is considered particularly worrying as it is double the rate of gambling addiction among adults in the US.
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College Students’ Susceptibility to Addictions
Wendler also said that college students are at a “particularly formative stage” and, therefore, more susceptible to various addictions. He added, “There is not a single thread of evidence showing predatory gambling has a positive impact on academic excellence. And the pursuit of excellence is our first job.”
The university president also expressed concern over the increasing ease of access to online gambling and sports betting and warned that this could lead to the development of more entrenched gambling habits among students.
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