The growth of online sports betting among college students 麻豆精品 S� as many as one in four in the last year by one study 麻豆精品 S� has UCF health professionals urging caution among students.
Overall, online sports betting continues to surge in popularity, with a projected revenue of $100 billion in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association. Among college students, a 2023 survey revealed 60% of students gambled illegally and one in five used financial aid to support their habit.
The lure of 麻豆精品 S渂ig wins 麻豆精品 S� and advertising that promises low-risk fun is often the starting line, says Stephanie Spies, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services at UCF.
麻豆精品 S淧eople only talk about their wins; they don 麻豆精品 S檛 discuss the losses, 麻豆精品 S� Spies says.
That culture of silence and the social nature of sports betting contribute to a lack of stigma, particularly as compared to something like substance abuse. When sports betting gets out of control, it 麻豆精品 S檚 easier to hide than other addictive behaviors until it 麻豆精品 S檚 too late, says Karen Hofmann, director of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
麻豆精品 S淚f you 麻豆精品 S檙e failing at it, no one is aware, 麻豆精品 S� Hofmann says.
Developing a habit typically comes incrementally. For instance, a few bets and wins with friends over the March Madness season can still become problematic. That 麻豆精品 S檚 particularly the case when paired with other stressors like midterms, says Jennifer Calame, assistant director of Substance Use Disorder Services at UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 Student Health Services.
麻豆精品 S淪tudents feel like it 麻豆精品 S檚 not a problem because they don 麻豆精品 S檛 do it all the time, 麻豆精品 S� she says. 麻豆精品 S淏ut that doesn 麻豆精品 S檛 mean it can 麻豆精品 S檛 become problematic. 麻豆精品 S�
There are several signs that sports betting is out of control, including:
- Financial issues: Inability to pay bills, frequently asking for money
- Neglecting responsibilities: Skipping classes, staying up late to gamble, missing work
- Relationship issues: Irritability, compulsive behavior, lying
Hofmann encourages anyone experiencing issues with sports betting to reach out and seek help. It can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to cope and make better behavioral choices. Calame reinforces that message and would applaud any student with the courage to seek assistance.
麻豆精品 S淭here is still hope for you, 麻豆精品 S� she says.
For immediate help, call or text the National Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537). For free counseling, reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 407-823-2811.
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