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

If you choose to bet during March Madness, here are some pointers, strategies and resources to assist you prevent risky behaviors and get help if needed.

1. Evaluate your existing routines

Gambling and sports betting are not naturally wrong or bad. However, it is necessary to remember that gambling sites, games and apps are all designed to keep you wagering. They do this by stimulating your brain's benefit center, much like alcohol and other drugs do, which can lead to addicting habits.

If you're interested in how your brain reacts to gambling wins and losses, you can check out more about the science behind gaming. Knowing how your body responds beyond your control can help you be more conscious and understand when it's time to take a break.

It's also a good idea to check in with yourself to evaluate your gaming habits. Think back over the past 12 months and ask yourself:

Have you gambled more typically or with more money?

Have you withdrawn from relationships?

Have you obtained money to cover betting debts?

Do you conceal your bets or betting practices from others?

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

Has gambling caused you any health-related concerns, including stress or stress and anxiety?

Have you ever felt guilty or sorry about the way you gamble or what takes place when you bet?


If you responded to yes to these concerns, it might be time to reassess your gaming routines. You can likewise take this quick complimentary test to get assist examining your present habits.

2. Set limitations on your own

Setting limits around how much money and time you invest in gambling can help you prevent unwanted financial repercussions. Here are some methods you can alleviate your monetary risks and significant losses:

Set time and cash limitations. Make the most of the features offered on gambling websites to assist you monitor your play and know when you've reviewed your time or money limit. Resist the urge to keep wagering or playing as soon as you have actually reached this limitation.

Budget for gambling. What can you fairly manage to invest in betting? Set a budget for yourself and stay with it. If you struggle to keep an eye on your costs, consider eliminating your credit or debit card info from your phone or laptop computer so it can't autofill on websites. Additionally, if you're heading out someplace to bet, leave your cards in your home. Never borrow money or use money that is meant for standard needs (e.g., lease and food) to place bets.

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

Bet only what you can pay for to lose. All gambling comes with threat. Sometimes you're up and in some cases you're not. That's why it is essential to think about just how much money you want to lose before you position any bets. Remember, if you lose your money, do not try to win it back. This typically leads to larger losses than you would have sustained if you had let the money go.


3. Find a balance

Gambling for extended periods can make it difficult to keep an eye on your money and time. Stepping away regularly can assist you clear your head and cultivate a more intentional relationship with betting. Here are a few ideas to assist you strike a balance between betting and other activities:

Balance leisure gambling with other hobbies or interests.

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

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

Set time frame or block sites that you 'd like to invest less time on utilizing software application like Bet Blocker or GamBan.

Avoid betting or playing when your emotions are increased (e.g., stressed, upset, upset, disappointed, and so on).

Avoid betting while under the impact of alcohol or other substances. This may cause you to take more dangers than you typically would when wagering.


You can likewise inspect out our totally free gaming guide to find out fast suggestions for how to gamble in a more deliberate way, find balance, know the warning signs of issue betting and get aid or look for recovery.

4. Share your experience

It's common for individuals to be more open about their experiences when they lead to success or payouts. However, it's likewise important to attend to losses you may have experienced.

Encourage your good friends to begin having open, sincere and balanced conversations around sports wagering and betting. Being susceptible and sharing your real-life experiences with the low and high of sports wagering can assist you determine practices or techniques that are working for you in addition to those that aren't. It can likewise provide insight into how others see gaming, what limits they have in place and how it affects people's lives differently.

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

How does wagering impact the pleasure of watching sports for you?

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

What types of sports do you bank on?

How hard/easy is it to generate income wagering?

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

How do you see your relationship with wagering changing over the next few years?


5. Seek support

When betting ends up being problematic, it not just increases your financial dangers, however it can also increase your risk of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideas and relationship issues.

Some people may likewise experience compulsive betting. Compulsive gaming takes place when somebody has an unmanageable urge to keep betting in spite of the toll it handles their life or financial resources. When someone is engaged in compulsive betting, they tend to chase bets that lose more frequently, consume their cost savings, enter financial obligation or turn to theft or scams to fund their gaming habits.

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

Collegiate Recovery Community (CUCRC).
The CUCRC provides neighborhood and support for students, staff and faculty in recovery or looking for recovery from a large variety of habits, including betting.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).
CAPS can help students explore their relationship with gambling and help you link with support resources. Schedule a screening or visit during a Let's Talk session to meet a company.

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP).
FSAP can assist staff and faculty explore their relationship with gambling and assist you link with assistance resources. Submit an online request to arrange a visit with an FSAP supplier.

National Problem Gambling Helpline.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is run by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). They provide 24/7 phone, text and chat services to assist link individuals with local resources and assistance associated to betting issues.

Gamtalk.
Gamtalk is a complimentary, anonymous, peer-based assistance network that helps people with issue gambling. They provide moderated group assistance chats online 24/7.


* Gambling is forbidden in CU Boulder residence halls. NCAA guidelines forbid athletics staff and student-athletes from taking part in any sports betting activities on an NCAA sponsored sport, at any level.