Gambling Outbreak Leads to  New Course Offering

Of course the class was not the first choice to control gambling. Poker chips and cards were banned from most classrooms and many teachers, especially substitutes, confiscated whatever they saw. But the ring persevered as students learned the best gambling spots.

The students behind the original operation have taken a keen interest in the class, seeing it as an opportunity to refine their craft. Jesse Zhen (‘25), who is deeply in debt due to his blackjack addiction, wishes he could return next year to take the class, “This would have been a perfect chance to perfect my art and beat all those losers at lunch.” Another senior, Ezra Beidler-Shenk (‘25) has been paying more attention in AP Statistics because he realized that the class could be applied to sports betting, giving him an edge in his next parlay.

The new math teacher, Mr. Jack Potts, who designed the course insists it's about more than just gambling. Some of the topics are probability, statistics, and financial responsibility, as well as bluffing skills to help keep the students engaged. The class was made a senior elective mainly because of its monetary theme, but another reason was due to senioritis. In order to combat this destructive disease, administration hoped to keep students excited through their final year with this class.

Parents remain split on the issue. Some see it as an opportunity to learn about risk management and balancing their savings, while others express concern over the “legalized” gambling.

With spots already run out, administration is considering an expansion; adding “High-Stakes Economics: Sports Betting & Crypto” to the list of electives. Whether these classes will actually curb gambling or simply refine the next generation of high rollers remains to be seen.