Gambling and Sports Betting - Resources and Information

What is Gambling

Gambling (also betting) is any activity where a person risks an item of value (often money) on the outcome of an event that is determined mostly by chance, to get something valuable. Examples include sports betting, video game loot boxes, March Madness brackets, poker nights, and prediction markets. Gambling isn’t inherently negative – many people engage in it without harm. But it can lead to both “good” and “not so good” outcomes depending on how and why someone participates.  

Why Matters & The Reality

Good Outcomes

Some students experience gambling as:

  • Entertainment or a way to pass the time

  • A social activity with friends

  • A way to make sports more exciting

Sports betting app graphic with basketball, dollar bills, and coins.

Not So Good Outcomes

At the same time, gambling can also lead to:

  • Losing money

  • Increased stress or distraction

  • Difficulty focusing on school

Smartphone displaying overdue bills surrounded by icons for rent, electric, internet, and credit card bills.

Why You Gamble Matters

People gamble for different reasons – and some carry more risks than others:

  • Fun/socializing (lower risk)
  • Testing your skills (increased risk)
  • Making money (unreliable and higher risk)
  • Coping with stress or emotions (highest risk)

When gambling shifts from entertainment to making money or escaping stress, the chances of negative outcomes increase. 

Man holds smartphone showing live sports betting, clenched fist raised, laptop streams soccer game.

Know the Reality

  • The odds are designed so that you lose money over time.
  • Winning streaks don’t change future outcomes.
  • Betting apps and promotions are designed to keep you playing.
Burning $100 bill held against a dark background.

 

The difference in what outcomes you experience from gambling often comes down to your motivations for gambling, and how you approach betting. 

Common Traps to Watch For

 

Slot machine with triple sevens, playing cards, red dice, and a starry decorative design.

Hot hand fallacy: believing a win means more wins are coming

Red downward arrow over a declining blue bar graph, with a gold trophy at the top right.

Gambler’s fallacy: thinking a win is “due” after losses

A person with a thought bubble showing two dice.

Illusion of control: believing you can influence random outcomes

Red slot machine with a star, triple sevens, and a gold lever.

Near-miss effect: feeling “close” to winning when odds haven’t changed

Strategies to Avoid the “Not So Good” Things From Betting

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Be an informed consumer of ads

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Set a budget

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Set a time limit

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Avoid betting when you’re using alcohol or other drugs

Sad cartoon brain holding its head with red lightning bolts indicating pain or stress.

Avoid betting when you’re stressed, upset, or trying to escape a problem

Brown wallet with three green dollar bills sticking out.

Only bet with your own money (avoid gambline with student loans, scholarship funds, credit cards, or money borrowed from friends or family)

Know Your Monthly Fun Money Budget

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Fun Money:  Funds left after paying bills for the month.

 

  • Restaurants

  • Going out

  • Date night

  • Shopping

  • Hobbies

  • Event tickets

  • Betting

Document labeled "Budget" with a dollar symbol, calculator, and graduation cap.

Campus Specific Resources

Community and National Resources

Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program: (402) 806-7344 or 1-833-BETOVER

Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling - Free and confidential counseling and support

National Council on Problem Gambling

National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET/Text: 800GAM

Gamblers Anonymous: (909) 931-9056

Visit Resource: Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines