Gambling 101

 Why gambling is related to financial health :

According to the Illinois Department of Human services, Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention (n.d.) “gambling is the act of betting or risking money or personal belongings on a games outcome” [pamphlet].  Consider this quote from Lauren, a college student with a gambling problem.  “What was once a $20 bet “just for fun” became hundreds and then well over a thousand dollars of debt” (Campus progress, 2005).  As you can see gambling can consist of students becoming addicted to betting money.  They often get a high from placing a bet.  Eventually more money must be bet to gain the same intense high. 

Some signs of a gambling problem… (Gathered from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of substance abuse prevention)

1.    Much of your thoughts and or concentration are focused on gambling.

2.    Time loss from school or work due to gambling.

3.    Relationships with others are being affected because of gambling.

4.    Gambling with borrowed money or credit cards, that you know you can’t pay back.

5.    After a loss do you feel you must play again to regain the losses?

6.    After a win do you feel like you need to keep playing to win more?

7.    Considering stealing to finance gambling?

8.    Considering suicide as a result of gambling?

To find out more on gambling or to evaluate you or a friend's gambling practices - call Eastern’s Financial Health Education Coordinator.  You can also set up a one-on-one peer education assessment with the Eastern Financial Health Education Coordinator.  To schedule call 581-7786 or stop by the Health Education Resource Center located in the Student Services building at Eastern.