With March Madness in NCAA men’s and women’s basketball beginning, virtually everyone at UT will be exposed to the ubiquitous bracket pool, whether for fun or for a dollar or two.
Even President Barack Obama will fill out his tournament bracket on national television.
However, as a member of the NCAA, the UT athletics program opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports wagering, which has the potential to undermine the integrity of sports contests and jeopardizes the welfare of student-athletes and the intercollegiate athletics community.
Within the University, problem and addictive gambling is a serious concern. While gambling is an entertaining pastime for many, for some it can quickly become an overwhelming disorder.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, chemicals in the brain are activated during gambling in much the same way as when drinking alcohol. Just as simply having one alcoholic beverage can lead to alcoholism, gambling can similarly become an addictive behavior.
In an era when mental health has become a prime consideration in public welfare, gambling addiction can be treated.
If you suspect a classmate or co-worker has a gambling problem, have a discussion with that person.
Two great resources are the National Council on Problem Gambling, as well as the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which is available 24/7 at 1.800.522.4700.
Lutz is the associate athletics director for compliance/internal audit in the Department of Athletics.
