Whitman students go ‘all in’ on online sports gambling
by Matt Mande Students’ names have been changed to protect their privacy. The first time junior Colin placed an online bet, it was before British Youtube celebrity Olajide Olatunji, more commonly known as KSI, took on American Youtube celebrity Logan Paul in an amateur boxing match in November. He bet $45 on KSI. “I had never done anything like that before,” Colin said. “It was just an impulsive decision that ended up making me some money.” KSI ended up winning the fight in a split-decision victory. Colin won $70 in profit, and because of the successful first experience, he felt encouraged to continue betting on boxing matches along with other sports. Colin has placed five bets over the past three months, and his net winnings have surpassed $100. “I’ve pretty much just won everything,” Colin said. “There’s only been a few bets that have gone the wrong way.” News of successful sports gambling experiences similar to Colin’s has spread and incentivized other Whitman students to try it, despite its illegality. In May 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which imposed a nationwide ban on sports gambling. However, Maryland law still considers sports gambling illegal. Although gambling usually carries a stigma of money loss and addiction, some students’ experiences tell a different story. Junior Chad gambles because, for him, it’s fun and profitable, but he’s cautious about the dangers of falling into addiction, he said.
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graphic by NOAH GRILL
