Gambling among college students is on the rise. College students often develop gambling problems at about twice the rate of other adults. An estimated 4 to 8 percent of college students are classified as problem gamblers and about 10 to 14 percent are at risk for developing a gambling problem.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
- Frequent unexplained absences from school or work
- Sudden drop in grades
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Talking about winning more and trying to hide gambling losses
- Lies about engaging in gambling behavior
- Uses gambling to escape worries and other problems
- Accumulates unexplained debt
Tips for Safer Gambling
If you choose to gamble, it is important to do so in a healthy manner and in moderation. Here are some tips to make sure that any gambling remains a recreational activity, and does not lead to greater problems:
- Always gamble with others, not alone
- Set limits on how long and how often you gamble
- Treat the money you gamble with as a cost of entertainment
- Only gamble when you can afford to lose
- Avoid chasing losses, and know when to walk away
See also: Responsible Gambling Tips