In the year of 2016, many of us associate gambling with irresponsibility, addiction, stupidity, and in some cases, even crime. With the imagery of 1920’s men crowded in a basement getting drunk and smoking cigars still attached, gambling is commonly thought of as a vice in today’s society, and is regulated and tabooed accordingly.

Although being a gambler is generally no longer accepted by society, legal loopholes and the ever-changing world of technology have allowed various betting activities to break through to the vast realm of public acceptance. Factions of these include fantasy sports and lottery tickets, two actions which are not necessarily considered or regulated as gambling, but in every way, shape, or form, are.

So where does the prestige and untainted moral purity of Westford Academy fit into all of this? One might ask. Surely the law-abiding, utopic sanctuary of WA standards would not approach such evils as recreational card playing. Of course, even if students did partake in gambling here at Westford Academy, they would not admit it; most have the sense to understand that betting money on the outcome of a chance-based event is typically not looked highly upon by the general public.

Yes, it is known by most that the concept of putting out money for a chance to win money is gambling, and many, for one reason or another, are opposed to it, but with the recent rise in the Powerball lottery jackpot, peaking 1.5 billion dollars earlier this month, along with the popularity of fantasy sports sites such as Draft Kings, non-traditional gambling culture has become commonplace amongst WA students.

After surveying random students, we found that 55% admit to gambling when asked. While inquiring about the type of gambling they take part in, answers varied lavishly, with everything  from the finale of the the TV show The Bachelor, or duration of a romantic relationships, to poker and blackjack games in basements or casinos.

Most popular among the activities discussed were minor forms of pseudo-gambling such as lottery tickets or sports pools running on low, or recreational wagers.

“I love playing fantasy sports, they’re actually a great hobby. Fantasy basketball, fantasy football, I love them” said WA Varsity Football team Manager Phil Manzi when asked about the subject.

Others denied gambling when asked, but then later mentioned their experience with online sporting pools, or purchasing scratch-offs.

Even with the rising legal action being taken against Draft Kings for passing gambling restrictions, the taboo on lottery games or sport-related betting is not nearly as bold as the negative connotation associated with poker games or roulette wheels, regardless of the fact that it involves risking money for the chance for a cash reward.

“If people put money on Fantasy (sports) then its gambling. That’s gambling right there” said Manzi.