This is part two of a three-part series discussing the allure, addiction, and effects of the poker craze on WU’s campus and elsewhere.
While many students can keep their playing under control, some do admit they are heading down a path to addiction and seek help. According to Associate Director of Counseling Services Tom Brounk, his office has seen a large increase in the number of students, particularly males, seeking help for gambling problems.
“It’s not a huge problem on campus, but students are beginning to experience the consequences,” said Brounk.
Brounk noted that five years ago, there were practically no students with gambling problems seeking help in his office. While today the number is still a statistical handful, the figure has increased dramatically in the past few years. Brounk said there are probably more students with gambling problems on campus, but his office will not necessarily hear about it since students can hide it well and the tip offs are not as apparent at an academically rigorous institution like Washington University.
If a student recognizes he or she has a problem, he or she can set up an appointment with Student Health and Counseling Services where an assessment will be conducted to determine what the best course of action is. Counselors help students see what is happening in their lives and then give recommendations to particular changes that can be implemented to help the student manage the addiction or problem.
When a student does not recognize that he or she has a gambling problem, Residential Life officials, whether it be an RCD or RA, will step in and try to help. Brounk said that in this type of situation, ResLife will intervene first and unless the student is causing a problem for the greater community, he will not be forced to seek counseling.
According to Brounk, the two main diagnoses are addiction and problem gambling, which lie on a continuum. A player starts out winning and the excitement of these wins leads to more betting, fantasy and optimism.
The next phase is a losing phase, where a player will brag about his winnings, but lie about the losses and try to cover his behavior. Time is shifted from academics and other social activities to more gambling and the player becomes increasingly reckless.
Eventually the player turns to borrowing and credit to bail himself out of debt. The next step is marked by desperation, remorse, panic and alienation from friends and family. The player starts to blame others and potentially engages in illegal activity.
The final phase on the continuum is rife with hopelessness and emotional breakdowns. The player might even face legal consequences for his behavior.
Barlow never felt he was addicted to the game and said he does not have the desire to play online as much now, but he noted that for students whose first poker experience comes online, it can become more addictive than if a student starts with live play.
“The sterile nature and the fact that you’re solely playing for money online can be addictive. If you play live, it gives you an opportunity to appreciate other aspects of the game,” said Barlow.