The problem with gambling is there's no sure thing and there's never an 'easy' way to get money. You inevitably lose at least in the long term. THis problem would still be relevant in your case because what happens when you win your $3,000 ?There's a couple of logical choices1. You use the $3,000 for your tuition and stop betting.2. You gamble your $3,000 before you pay tuition off which results in eitherA. Losing your $3,000B. Winning more, but probably being temporarily up and the losing the remainder later, which then only puts you back in this Sam's position 6 months from now.Do you see your predicament? Even if you are capable of gambling and winning to pay this $3,000 now, there's no realistic way that this cycle is sustainable to fund your education.
This. I cannot think of a worse thing to do here. Especially if you are bad with money and picks.