Gambling & Sports Betting

Problem Gambling is any betting behavior that disrupts or damages personal, family, vocational, or academic life. Gambling Disorder often lacks visible signs, allowing individuals to function normally in school, work, and social settings while the problem remains hidden. Because it is less apparent than substance use disorders (SUD), it may go unnoticed for some time. However, without intervention, it can escalate and lead to severe financial hardship, relationship strain, and significant emotional distress.

Online betting isn’t gambling.

• Online betting is gambling and even video games have gambling features (loot boxes).

If you haven’t won in a while, you are due to win.

• Your odds do not increase with more play time. The odds will favor the casino/house.

You need to gamble every day for it to be a problem.

• Any negative impact on quality of life is cause for concern.

• Needing to bet more money just to feel the same level of excitement as smaller wins used to offer

• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back or stop

• Having multiple attempts of trying and not being able to stop gambling

• Spending time thinking about gambling

• Gambling to cope with stress or negative emotions

• Trying to win back lost money by gambling again (“Chasing Losses”)

• Hiding or lying about how much money is being gambled

• Having damaged relationships, work challenges, or school challenges because of gambling behaviors

• Depending on others for money due to gambling losses

• Set a spending limit in advance and do not exceed it.

• Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.

• Accept that losing is part of the experience and the cost of playing.

• Do not rely on gambling as a source of income.

• Never borrow money to gamble, including using money earmarked for other expenses.

• Avoid trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble.

• Make sure gambling does not interfere with your relationships, work, or other responsibilities.

• Decide on a time limit before you start gambling and stick to it.

• Never use gambling as a way to cope with stress, difficult emotions, or physical pain.

• Avoid betting activities while emotionally elevated or when using substances. Impulsive decisions and risk-taking behaviors can be increased during times of distress, celebration, or intoxication.

Stop by the Office of Health Promotion or email recovery@gonzaga.edu to talk to our Substance Use Health Educator about gambling behaviors and learn more about different pathways toward reducing or stopping.

Submit a Student Outreach and Support form (SOS) for yourself, or if you are concerned about another student. A case manager will reach out to the referred student and can help connect them to resources.

Health and Counseling Center: These providers offer walk-in crisis counseling, individual counseling appointments, group counseling, and consultations for off-campus referrals. All of these services are included in your wellness fee and free of charge! Health and Counseling Services can also provide referrals to community providers as needed.

Call 509-313-4052 or email studenthealth@gonzaga.eduto make a counseling appointment. Walk-in crisis appointments are also available during normal business hours.

Stop by Drop-in Hours at OUR House to talk to another student with lived experience in recovery or as a recovery ally (We support students navigating recovery from substance use, mental health challenges, or other harmful behaviors).