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

If you are concerned about your gambling, take a brief self assessment.