Madness

• Great Clips tapped two-time national championship winning coach, Jay Wright, to share his tips and expertise across an integrated campaign that includes two television commercials, social media content as well as a microsite hub.
• View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240312953644/en/
  To help bring the “Wrights & Wrongs” campaign to life, Great Clips will be running two national television commercials starring Jay Wright.
• In each spot, Coach Wright observes unfortunate “Wrongs” by fans and tells viewers how they can turn those moves into game-saving “Wrights” by visiting Great Clips.
• To learn more about the “Wrights & Wrongs” campaign, Great Clips’ March Madness Sweepstakes and great hairstyles for tournament season, visit www.GreatClips.com/MarchMadness .

• It is estimated that these attacks, and the general loss of productivity from office betting pools, will cost U.S. companies more than $18.3 billion in revenue loss this year, up from $17.3 billion in 2023.
• Advizex warns of AI cyber threats during March Madness, forecasting $18.3B loss for US companies.
• This use of AI, coupled with the significant rise in online sports betting sets the stage for a perfect pick-and-roll opportunity for cybercriminals.
• The online betting market in North America will experience a robust compound annual growth rate of 12.32% from 2024 to 2028.

• Beneath the surface of this annual sports event, however, lies a darker reality: the dangers of sports betting and gambling addiction.
• While the majority of college students who are of legal age to gamble do so responsibly, one organization estimates that 6% of U.S. college students have a serious gambling problem that can result in psychological difficulties, unmanageable debt and failing grades.
• A 2022 report found more than 1 in 5 college students have used their financial aid to gamble.

A growing part of sports culture

• These days, it’s impossible for sports fans to watch a game without seeing or hearing an ad that beckons them to place a bet.
• The constant bombardment of betting promotions during March Madness can desensitize individuals to the risks involved, leading to impulsive decision-making and related behavior.
• A 2023 NCAA survey of 3,527 young people ages 18-22 found that sports wagering is pervasive among this group.

Ubiquitous gambling ads, risky behavior

• This is a higher rate than found in the general population or those that commute or attend college virtually.
• Problem gambling shows up in this population, with 16% having engaged in at least one additional risky behavior such as alcohol and drug use.
• Meanwhile, 70% of these risky gamblers believe consistent sports gambling will increase their monetary earnings.

Starts out fun

• For some college students, gambling for fun can turn into a serious problem.
• Gambling addiction includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal and family relationships or vocational pursuits.

Lowering the risks

• While March Madness may be a time of excitement for sports fans, it’s essential to recognize the potential pitfalls and take steps to mitigate the risks.
• Organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling provide confidential support and can connect individuals with services and treatment programs tailored to their needs.
• Call or text their helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, chat with helpline counselors at www.1800gamblerchat.org, find a treatment facility or attend a self-help meeting.

M. Dolores Cimini receives funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to conduct research on substance use and addictions, mental health, and related risk behaviors among college students.

• It was also an opportunity to introduce students to the discipline of anthropology through a topic I knew many of them found interesting.
• Throughout the course, we focus on the different cultural and political significance of cannabis in other geographical contexts.
• We look at the representation of cannabis in art, literature and pop culture, as well as what the science of cannabis tells us about its impact on health and well-being.
• While cannabis has long been a part of human existence, the legal and political landscape of cannabis production is rapidly changing.