Did you know that according to the National Council on Problem Gambling, nearly 67% of all college students bet on sports?* This figure doesn’t even include those who also bet on the lottery, card games, mobile games or casinos.
If your student chooses to place bets during football season, here are some tips, strategies and resources they can use to avoid risky behaviors and find support if needed.
Gambling and sports betting are not inherently wrong or bad. However, it is important to remind your student that gambling sites, games and apps are all designed to keep them betting. Sites do this by stimulating the brain’s reward center, much like alcohol and other drugs do, which can lead to addictive behaviors.
If you or your student are interested in how the brain reacts to gambling wins and losses, you can read more about the science behind gambling. Being familiar with how their body reacts beyond their control can help them be more mindful and know when it’s time to take a break.
It’s also a good idea to check in with your student to review their gambling habits. Ask your student to think back over the past 12 months to answer the following questions:
If your student answered yes to these questions, it may be time to reassess your gambling habits. They can also take this quick free quiz to get help evaluating their current habits.
Setting limits on how much money or time your student spends gambling can help them avoid unwanted financial consequences. Here are some potential limits you can talk through with your student.
Gambling for long periods can make it difficult for students to keep track of their time and money. Stepping away regularly can help them clear their head and foster a healthier relationship with gambling. Here are a few tips that can help your student strike a balance between gambling and other activities:
It’s common for people to be more open about their experiences when they result in success or winnings. However, it’s also important to address losses both you and your student may have experienced.
Encourage your student to start having open, honest and balanced conversations around sports betting and gambling. Being vulnerable and sharing your own real-life experiences with the highs and lows of sports betting can help them identify habits or tactics that are working for you as well as those that aren’t. It can also provide insight into how others view gambling, what limits they have in place and how it impacts people’s lives differently.
Here are a few questions you may consider talking through:
When betting becomes problematic, it not only increases students’ financial risks, but it can also increase their risk of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and relationship issues.
Some people may also experience compulsive gambling. Compulsive gambling happens when someone has an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on their life or finances. When someone is engaged in compulsive gambling, they tend to chase bets that lose more often, use up their savings, get into debt or resort to theft or fraud to fund their gambling habits.
If you’re concerned about how gambling is affecting your student’s life, there are resources and programs available to help.
Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC) The CUCRC provides community and support for students in recovery or seeking recovery from a wide range of behaviors, including gambling. |
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) CAPS can help students explore their relationship with gambling and help you connect with support resources. Your student can schedule a screening appointment or stop by during a Let’s Talk session to meet with a provider. |
Learn quick tips for how to gamble in a healthy way, find balance, know the warning signs of problem gambling and get help or seek recovery. |
AcademicLiveCare is a free online platform that allows all CU Boulder students to schedule and attend virtual counseling and psychiatry appointments from anywhere. |
If your student is interested in connecting with a local mental health provider, this comprehensive database allows them to filter providers by specialties, insurance coverage and more. |
National Problem Gambling Helpline The National Problem Gambling Helpline is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). They provide 24/7 phone, text and chat services to help connect individuals with local resources and support related to gambling concerns. |
Gamtalk is a free, anonymous, peer-based support network that helps individuals with problem gambling. They offer moderated group support chats online 24/7. |
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