With the prevalence of online gambling and ever-increasing connectivity to the internet, gambling on a smartphone or from the privacy of your home (or dormitory) has never been easier. Typical forms of gambling include lotteries, number games, sports betting, horse betting, card games (poker, blackjack), casino table games (roulette, craps), as well as slot machines.

Gambling is typically defined as any activity where you wager money or an object of value, the bet is irreversible once placed, and the outcome of the bet relies on chance. While the majority of college students are likely able to gamble responsibly, research indicates that roughly 6% of college students have a serious gambling problem. Unfortunately, gambling disorder has the highest suicide rate out of any addiction disorder. Persistent or reoccurring “problem gambling” may be considered a “gambling disorder.” Gambling disorder can be coupled with other addictions, like substance use disorders.

As a college student, you may experience adverse consequences such as: missing classes, failing grades, sleep deprivation, and financial debt. Aspects of your life that may be affected include psychological, physical, social, vocational. “Problem gambling” is not defined by the frequency of gambling, but rather, by the disruption gambling causes in your life. Gambling among college students runs along the continuum from no gambling, to experimenting, to regular gambling, to excessive gambling.