Note: some information in this post is adapted from materials created by the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling.
What do parlays, money lines, scratch offs, spreads, and bingo have in common?
If your answer is gambling—you are correct!
So…how did it feel to bet that you knew (or might have known) that answer? That “rush” of possibly being right is your brain’s reward system being activated. Win or lose, the act of gambling releases dopamine, adrenaline, and other neurotransmitters which lead to feelings of pleasure, excitement, and arousal.
Because of this release, it may be very easy to continue betting, especially as you consider the social and financial benefits that can accompany a wager.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
Keep in mind that there is nothing inherently wrong with gambling. In fact, 90.4% of Marylanders reported in a 2022 survey by the University of Maryland School of Medicine that they have at some point gambled. Of those, 4% met the criteria for disordered gambling. Male respondents (6.8%) were more likely to meet the problem gambling criteria than female respondents (2.6%)
Though these numbers for problem gambling seem low, there are many risk factors for students (academic stress, financial distress, substance abuse, mental health problems, and peer pressure) that can increase their chances of experiencing this treatable medical condition. Understanding what problem gambling is, warning signs that it may be occurring, ways to prevent it, and resources for support are important to know if you decide to gamble.
Gambling is defined as “any activity that involves risking something of value, including but not limited to money or property, on an event whose outcome is uncertain.”
Problem gambling has two distinct features:
There are many ways to bet, including casinos, gaming machines, lottery games, horse races, bingo, private games, sports events, fantasy sports, online wagering, and any other kind of gambling activity. Be aware of these different types of gambling so you know when you are partaking in gambling activities and to help identify warning signs of a potential problem.
The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has identified the most common signs of problem gambling to be:
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, it is very important to seek help. The sooner they can connect with resources, the better their outcome will be. With problem gambling being a treatable medical condition, there are ways to enjoy the excitement of gambling and to prevent it becoming a problem by practicing prevention tips.
As mentioned before, there is nothing wrong with gambling. It is a common way to engage in entertainment, interact socially with others, and play games that you enjoy. To keep it fun, here are tips to consider from the Maryland Center on Problem Gambling and Responsible Play.org when choosing to gamble:
If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more or talking with someone around gambling, here are resources that can help.