Sports Betting
Sports betting continues to rise in popularity among college students, with as many as 1 in 4 placing a bet in the past year by one study.
Here’s what you should know about sports betting, according to UCF health officials:
What are the risks?
- Gambling addiction
- High-risk use
- Large losses of money
- Inability to pay rent, utilities, or bills
- Loss of interest in other activities
- Anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
- Accumulation of debt
- Strain in relationships
If you’re going to play, have a plan.
- Only bet money that you can responsibly afford to lose.
- Set a hard limit
- Avoid using sports betting as a source of income
- Understand that sports betting is created for you to lose
- Avoid “chasing losses”
- Avoid drinking alcohol when placing bets
- Only bet after bills and utilities have been paid
- Don’t use gambling to cope with negative feelings
Feel out of control? Here’s some signs you need help:
- Increased amount of money used on bets
- Betting on sports you previously didn’t watch
- Borrowing money frequently
- Getting behind on rent or utilities
- Increased number of bets placed
- Getting irrationally angry or upset when bets are lost
- Betting on obscure aspects such as the coin toss
If you recognize these signs in someone else, here’s how to approach them:
- Avoid passing judgement or personal attacks
- Express concerns honestly by giving specific observations
- Offer support but be clear on the type of support and set firm boundaries
- Reassure that you care about them and you only want the best
Need help?
For immediate assistance, call or text the National Gambling Hotline: 1.800.GAMBLER (426-2537).
Or you can find long-term counseling help by reaching Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 407.823.2811.