October 12, 2009
by Matt Laguardia | Staff Writer
Randy Briggsbriggsr@imail.losrios.edu
Students surround a table, pounding and yelling, eager to see how the dice will fall.
It’s not uncommon to see students playing cards or throwing dice during lunch hours at City College. Is it gambling or is it just harmless fun?
Los Rios Community College Police said they find gambling isn’t an issue due to an increase in manpower. Faculty also know that gambling on campus is illegal, and are usually the first to step in and tell students to stop playing.
“Gambling used to be a problem at City College a few years ago, but because of the step up of officers gambling is no longer an issue.” said Sgt. Brian Washington of the Los Rios Police Department. “Gambling that we did see was often students throwing dice.”
When campus police see gambling they often confiscate items and give a verbal warning.
It turns out that most of the games that seem like gambling on campus don’t qualify because players aren’t betting money on them.
“In my opinion students should be allowed to play games at lunch, even it is a game that you could gamble with,” Eric Suderman, a City College student. “Just don’t play for money.”
Students who see these games played at lunch often find themselves entertained by the atmosphere they create.
“Students seem to be enjoying themselves when they play those games, so why shouldn’t they be able to keep it up?” City College student Kourtney Nation said. “They make lunch a little more entertaining.”
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