Addressing Online Gambling

University School welcomed Saul Malek, one of the nation's leading voices on gambling addiction, to our campuses in February to speak with parents and students about the topic. Mr. Malek is a recovering gambling addict and a leading source on the warning signs, risks, and real-world consequences of this addiction. He has been featured by The New York Times, PBS NewsHour, NPR, and has shared his story at high schools and colleges across the country. 

At the Upper School, Mr. Malek shared his personal story and engaged the boys in thinking more deeply about the topic. In a world where mobile apps and websites make gambling, and underage gambling more accessible than ever, he asked them to consider their thoughts about, and relationship to, sports betting and other types of gambling. In sharing his experience as a young adult, and recognizing his addiction started in high school, an independent high school like theirs, he connected with the boys, and answered their thoughtful questions after his presentation.

Mr. Malek also spoke with Heads of House, Senior Prefects, and students in grades 7 and 8, and held a parent-focused evening session. Our faculty will continue these important conversations in upcoming sessions with students.

Online Gambling and gambling addiction are rapidly growing problems, especially among middle and high-school age boys. In a new study by Common Sense Media, more than one-third of boys ages 11-17 reported gambling in the last year, driven by platforms that blur the line between gaming and gambling.  

University School is invested in building awareness about online gambling and providing students with the information and resources that can help them prevent the many problems that are created by its use and misuse. US is ahead of the curve on openly talking about this issue, and our efforts were included in part of a news story by national NBC News, and locally in the Chagrin Valley Times. 

 

Read the NBC News article here.

Read the Chagrin Valley Times article here.