When Chen Zhang paid $5 to enter his fraternity's March Madness pool, he wasn't sure what to expect. After all, it was only $5, and he "just had to do it."

While wary of what the outcome may be, Zhang (junior-chemical engineering) said he stuck to what he called "the first rule of Las Vegas: with great risk comes great profit."

However, even though student pools, such as Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity's, often do not involve large amounts of money, some officials are still warning against the small habits that can lead to serious gambling problems in the future.

Jim Pappas, executive director of the Pennsylvania local branch of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), is one of those officials.

Pappas heads the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, which has set up a toll-free hotline to assist people with serious gambling addictions and problems.

"Most people, even kids, get involved with gambling behavior because it's fun and exciting and doesn't cause a problem," Pappas said.

"But unfortunately, some go into irresponsible, uncontrolled gambling, where gambling controls them, and they don't control the gambling."

According to the NCPG Web site, gambling is "a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences."

In addition, the council says gambling often begins at a young age.

Zhang, who placed 20th in the pool, said he understands the connection between pools and gambling addiction.

"It's hard to say if March Madness pools and things like that put students at risk [of addiction], but they say nobody ever becomes an alcoholic before they have that first drink," Zhang said.

Greg Core (junior-nuclear engineering), also a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, placed third in the pool, and walked away with an additional $10 in his pocket.

"I like the competition and, of course, I like the idea of winning money," he said.

"It's nice to feel like it was a good idea betting my money. But to be honest, I put my money in not expecting to get it back."

Pappas said education about gambling has become more important in recent years, especially because slot machines and casinos are now legal in Pennsylvania.

In 2004, Pennsylvania passed a law that legalized up to 14 slots casinos, according to the Associated Press. The law also planned to set aside at least $1.5 million a year for "treatment of compulsive gambling problems."

Part of this money went to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's information and referral line for people with gambling addictions, said Meri Haunstein, a Department of Health employee.

Still, some think participating in low-paying pools, such as Alpha Sigma Phi's, is innocent and does not lead to a gambling addiction.

"I don't think it makes anyone more at risk to having a gambling problem when they get older," Core said.

"Everyone participates in March Madness pools. It's fun, and if you only lose five or 10 bucks, there really isn't that much risk."