Not only was the NCAA sports wagering study important in identifying the frequency at which student-athletes gambled, it also related risk-taking behaviors of student-athletes who may have problems with gambling versus those who do not. The study provides baseline information related to the level of gambling behavior within the student-athlete population and helps member institutions identify and alter problem behavior in this area.

To identify potential problem gamblers, the study screened survey respondents through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM provides the following 10 characteristics of a pathological gambler, and five or more must be present for a diagnosis of pathological gambling to be made.

• Is preoccupied with gambling.

• Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.

• Has repeated successful efforts to control, cut down or stop gambling.

• Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.

• Gambles as a way of escaping problems or relieving a dysphoric mood.

• After losing money gambling, returns another day to "get even."

• Lies to family members, therapist or others to conceal the extent of gambling.

• Has committed illegal acts such as forgery or theft to finance gambling.

• Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship or job because of gambling.

• Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Of the survey respondents, 14.5 percent of Division I male student-athlete, 16.4 percent of Division II male student-athletes and 19.4 percent of Division III male student-athletes were classified as potential problem gamblers. The percentages for female respondents were much lower, with the highest being 4.2 percent in Division II.

Not surprisingly, respondents in the high-risk population were much more likely to report engaging in all gambling behaviors discussed in the survey. For example, 80.4 percents of the high-risk students reported playing cards or board games for money, versus only 29.3 percent of the low-risk group. Perhaps more significantly, 49.3 percent of the high-risk group participated in sports cards, football pools or parlays as opposed to only 10.7 percent of the low-risk group. The high-risk group also was more likely to have friends and family members who gambled than the low-risk group.

Other findings of note:

• When asked about post-college goals, the high-risk student-athletes were more likely to say "make money" than the low-risk group.

• Student-athletes in the high-risk group were slightly more likely to be members of a fraternity or sorority (8.8 percent versus 6.6 percent).

• Almost 17 percent of the high-risk group indicated they smoke cigarettes, and more than 21 percent said they used smokeless tobacco products, as opposed to 9.7 and 10 percent, respectively, of the low-risk group.

• Almost 27 percent of the high-risk group said they engage in "binge-drinking" behavior (defined as having five or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting) more than once a week, as opposed to 11.7 percent in the low-risk group.

• The high-risk group also was more likely to have multiple sexual partners and engage in unsafe sex.

While those types of behaviors are not perfect indicators of a problem or pathological gambler, researchers say the links are more common than not. Also, knowing the relationship among these types of behaviors can provide a valuable tool to athletics administrators and coaches in identifying student-athletes who might be prone to gambling behavior.

"The study was designed to provide institutions with information on behavioral patterns that might indicate a student-athlete who is at risk for problem gambling behaviors," said Bill Saum, NCAA director of agents, gambling and amateurism. "As an example, student-athletes identified with a potential gambling problem were more likely to have stolen and to have abused various substances. Relationships likely affect a student-athlete's likelihood to gamble, as problem gamblers indicated being much more likely to have parents or friends who gamble or gambled.

"While these are far from perfect indicators, administrators on campus might now have a guide to help them determine when targeted interventions with specific student-athletes are warranted."

-- Gary T. Brown