Betting on sporting events is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. The SIU has made many gambling arrests in the past few years. The arrests mostly come from tips given to them by scared gamblers who have lost more money than they can pay and are being threatened by their bookie. Last year, the SIU arrested more than 20 UF students for illegal gambling. In an undercover operation, the SIU placed bets with the bookie and videotaped the illicit operation.
Bookies do very well for themselves, until they get caught.
It's a common misconception that the gamblers are only rich fraternity boys. Many gambling activities do go on in fraternities because it is relatively safe and secret, but gambling rings also exist in apartment complexes, restaurants and dormitory halls. Most first-time, student offenders have to pay fines and serve community service hours. We aren't looking to ruin people's lives. They never wear any one team's colors, or sit near just one game.