Introduction to College Sports Betting
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, nearly 67% of all college students bet on sports. This figure is staggering and doesn’t even account for 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.
Evaluating Habits
Gambling and sports betting are not inherently wrong or bad. However, it’s essential to remind your student that gambling sites, games, and apps are designed to keep them betting. These sites stimulate the brain’s reward center, much like alcohol and other drugs, which can lead to addictive behaviors. Understanding how the brain reacts to gambling wins and losses can help students be more mindful and know when it’s time to take a break.
To evaluate their habits, students should ask themselves:
- Have they gambled more often or with more money in the past 12 months?
- Have they withdrawn from relationships?
- Have they borrowed money to cover gambling debts?
- Do they hide their bets or gambling habits from others?
- Do they feel the urge to keep betting even when they’re losing?
- Has gambling caused them any health-related issues, including stress or anxiety?
- Have they ever felt guilty or remorseful about the way they gamble or what happens when they gamble?
If your student answered yes to these questions, it may be time to reassess their gambling habits. They can also take a quick, free quiz to get help evaluating their current habits.
Putting Limits in Place
Setting limits on how much money or time spent gambling can help students avoid unwanted financial consequences. Here are some potential limits to consider:
- Set time and money limits: Encourage students to use features on gambling sites that help them monitor their play and know when they’ve gone over their limit.
- Budget for gambling: Discuss what they can reasonably afford to spend on gambling and encourage them to set a budget and stick to it.
- Know how it works: Encourage students to research how a specific game or betting system works before placing any bets.
- Only bet what they can afford to lose: Remind students that all gambling comes with risk, and they should not try to win back lost money.
Finding a Balance
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 to help students strike a balance:
- Balance recreational gambling with other hobbies or interests.
- Delete gambling apps from their phone, laptop, and other devices.
- Remove their credit or debit card information from the ‘autofill’ function on their devices.
- Set time limits or block sites using software like Bet Blocker or GamBan.
- Avoid betting or playing when emotions are heightened.
- Avoid gambling while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Sharing Experiences
It’s common for people to be more open about their experiences when they result in success or winnings. However, it’s also essential to address losses. Encourage students to start having open, honest, and balanced conversations around sports betting and gambling. Being vulnerable and sharing real-life experiences with the highs and lows of sports betting can help students identify habits or tactics that work and those that don’t.
Some questions to discuss:
- How does betting impact the enjoyment of watching sports?
- How risky do you believe sports betting is compared to other types of gambling?
- What types of sports do you bet on?
- How hard or easy is it to make money betting?
- Have you experienced any losses this year? What was it like?
- How do you see your relationship with betting changing over the next few years?
Seeking Support
When betting becomes problematic, it increases students’ financial risks and can also increase their risk of anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and relationship issues. Some people may experience compulsive gambling, which happens when someone has an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on their life or finances.
If you’re concerned about how gambling is affecting your student’s life, there are resources and programs available to help. On-campus resources include:
- Collegiate Recovery Community (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): Can help students explore their relationship with gambling and connect with support resources.
- Gambling Guide: Offers quick tips for healthy gambling, finding balance, and getting help.
Off-campus resources include:
- AcademicLiveCare: A free online platform for virtual counseling and psychiatry appointments.
- Thriving Campus: A comprehensive database to connect with local mental health providers.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: Provides 24/7 phone, text, and chat services to connect individuals with local resources and support related to gambling concerns.
- Gamtalk: A free, anonymous, peer-based support network for individuals with problem gambling.
Conclusion
Gambling and sports betting can be a fun and exciting experience for college students, but it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid problematic behaviors. By evaluating their habits, setting limits, finding a balance, sharing experiences, and seeking support when needed, students can enjoy sports betting while maintaining a healthy and responsible relationship with gambling. Remember, there are resources available to help students who may be struggling with gambling, and it’s never too late to seek support.
