Students choosing to wager on the NCAA tournament may be gambling with more than just their money.

The Nevada Gaming Commission estimates that $80 to $90 million are legally bet on the NCAA basketball tournament every year. Many people outside of Las Vegas also fill out brackets for office or personal pools.

In many states, this is illegal. Illinois code 720 bans “playing games of chance or skill for money or other things of value; wagering upon games, contests, or elections; or owning or operating gambling devices.” Those found to be in violation of this code could be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Subsequent violations could lead to a conviction of a Class 4 felony.

Jacob Cox, junior business administration major, knows the risks but still takes them.

“I like the fun challenge of brackets, and I occasionally play for money,” Cox said. “I don’t really

worry about breaking any laws.”

Donna Turner, associate athletic director of communications, said student-athletes at NIU and other NCAA sanctioned schools have other issues to worry about if caught gambling on the NCAA tournament.

“NCAA code says no student-athletes or athletic department staff member can bet on any NCAA sports,” Turner said. “Any student-athlete found to be gambling on NCAA sports will lose at least one year of eligibility.”

Rick Neuheisel is the famous example of violating this rule. In 2003, Neuheisel was caught gambling on a high stakes bracket pool while he was head coach of the University of

Washington football team. Neuheisel was forced to resign and has struggled to repair his image since his resignation.

Students choosing to gamble on the tournament may also be risking their mental health, said Steve Lux, a health educator from the department of health enhancement services.

“People can develop an unhealthy dependence on anything,” Lux said.

Gambling addiction is a problem that many college students face around the country. Many are susceptible due to the lack of gambling addiction awareness programs on campuses that other addictions are the subject of.

“The rush becomes compelling,” Lux said. “A compulsive gambler will look at any gambling opportunity the way a heroin addict would look at a dosing of the drug.”