Did you know that according to the National Council on Problem Gambling, almost 67% of all university student bank on sports? * This figure does not even include those who likewise bank on the lottery game, card video games, mobile video games or gambling establishments.

If you pick to bet during March Madness, here are some pointers, techniques and resources to help you prevent risky behaviors and get assist if required.

1. Evaluate your existing routines

Gambling and sports wagering are not inherently incorrect or bad. However, it is essential to keep in mind that gambling sites, games and apps are all developed to keep you wagering. They do this by stimulating your brain's reward center, much like alcohol and other drugs do, which can result in addictive behaviors.

If you have an interest in how your brain reacts to gambling wins and losses, you can find out more about the science behind gaming. Knowing how your body reacts beyond your control can help you be more mindful and know when it's time to take a break.

It's also an excellent idea to check in with yourself to examine your gambling practices. Think back over the previous 12 months and ask yourself:

Have you gambled more frequently or with more money?

Have you withdrawn from relationships?

Have you borrowed cash to cover betting financial obligations?

Do you conceal your bets or gambling habits from others?

Do you feel the urge to keep betting even when you're losing?

Has betting caused you any health-related issues, including stress or stress and anxiety?

Have you ever felt guilty or remorseful about the way you bet or what happens when you bet?


If you answered yes to these questions, it may be time to reassess your betting routines. You can likewise take this quick complimentary quiz to get assist examining your current habits.

2. Set limitations for yourself

Setting limits around just how much money and time you invest in gambling can assist you avoid undesirable monetary effects. Here are some ways you can mitigate your financial threats and significant losses:

Set money and time limitations. Make the most of the functions offered on betting websites to help you monitor your play and understand when you have actually gone over your time or money limitation. Resist the urge to keep betting or playing once you have actually reached this limitation.

Budget for betting. What can you fairly pay for to invest in betting? Set a spending plan for yourself and adhere to it. If you have a hard time to track your costs, think about eliminating your credit or debit card information from your phone or laptop so it can't autofill on websites. Additionally, if you're going out someplace to wager, leave your cards in the house. Never borrow money or utilize cash that is meant for fundamental requirements (e.g., lease and food) to place bets.

Know how it works. Research how a particular video game or betting system works before you place your bets. For instance, some bets may depend upon the result of the game, while others might count on a point spread or video games that will be chosen in the future. Knowing what kinds of bets you're making and how the system works can help in reducing your threat of losing more than expected.

Bet only what you can manage to lose. All gaming comes with risk. Sometimes you're up and often you're not. That's why it is necessary to consider just how much money you're prepared to lose before you place any bets. Remember, if you lose your money, don't attempt to win it back. This often leads to larger losses than you would have incurred if you had let the cash go.


3. Find a balance

Gambling for long periods can make it hard to track your time and money. Stepping away regularly can assist you clear your head and foster a more deliberate relationship with gaming. Here are a couple of tips to help you strike a balance between gaming and other activities:

Balance leisure betting with other hobbies or interests.

Delete gambling apps from your phone, laptop computer and other devices.

Consider removing your credit or debit card info from the 'autofill' function on your phone, computer system or other gadgets.

Set time limitations or block sites that you 'd like to invest less time on using software like Bet Blocker or GamBan.

Avoid betting or playing when your emotions are heightened (e.g., stressed out, upset, mad, frustrated, etc).

Avoid gambling while under the influence of alcohol or other compounds. This might trigger you to take more risks than you typically would when betting.


You can also take a look at our totally free gambling guide to find out fast suggestions for how to gamble in a more intentional method, find balance, understand the indication of problem gaming and get help or seek healing.

4. Share your experience

It prevails for individuals to be more open about their experiences when they lead to success or profits. However, it's also important to address losses you might have experienced.

Encourage your buddies to start having open, truthful and well balanced discussions around sports betting and gambling. Being vulnerable and sharing your real-life experiences with the low and high of sports wagering can help you identify habits or methods that are working for you in addition to those that aren't. It can likewise offer insight into how others view gaming, what limitations they have in location and how it affects individuals's lives in a different way.

Here are a couple of concerns you may consider asking friends:

How does wagering impact the enjoyment of seeing sports for you?

How dangerous do you believe sports betting is compared to other types of gaming?

What types of sports do you bank on?

How hard/easy is it to make cash wagering?

Have you experienced any losses this year? What was it like?

How do you see your relationship with betting changing over the next couple of years?


5. Seek support

When wagering ends up being problematic, it not just increases your monetary risks, but it can also increase your danger of stress and anxiety, depression, self-destructive ideas and relationship problems.

Some individuals may likewise experience compulsive betting. Compulsive betting takes place when someone has an unmanageable desire to keep gambling in spite of the toll it handles their life or financial resources. When someone is taken part in compulsive gaming, they tend to go after bets that lose more often, consume their cost savings, enter debt or turn to theft or fraud to money their gaming practices.

If you're worried about how gaming is impacting your life, there are resources and programs readily available to help:

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC).
The CUCRC supplies community and assistance for trainees, staff and professors in healing or seeking recovery from a large range of habits, consisting of gambling.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).
CAPS can help students explore their relationship with gaming and assist you get in touch with assistance resources. Schedule a screening or drop in throughout a Let's Talk session to fulfill with a provider.

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP).
FSAP can help staff and professors explore their relationship with gambling and help you get in touch with support resources. Submit an online request to schedule a visit with an FSAP company.

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 assist connect people with regional resources and assistance associated to gambling issues.

Gamtalk.
Gamtalk is a complimentary, confidential, peer-based support network that assists individuals with problem gambling. They offer moderated group assistance chats online 24/7.


* Gambling is prohibited in CU Boulder residence halls. NCAA rules restrict sports staff and student-athletes from getting involved in any sports wagering activities on an NCAA sponsored sport, at any level.