Know the Odds: Gambling Prevention & Harm Reduction

Participating in leisure activities for money, such as betting on the outcome of a game or going to a casino – in person or online – to gamble, is often seen as a form of entertainment. While for many, it doesn't lead to negative consequences, better understanding your relationship with gambling can help you make thoughtful choices and support friends or loved ones. Especially now, when you can make a bet on your phone 24/7 or have pop-up ads even when you’re not intending to bet. And we know it can be enticing to cheer for your favorite team in the hopes of a win, or just sit in your room and play a seemingly innocent game of poker. But gambling should never be used as a strategy for income. The likelihood of winning a bet is low, and the risk of negative impact is high. 

While you’ll hear many things about the ever-evolving betting culture, it’s important to find credible sources. Below you’ll find strategies and resources to help you get the most out of your experience. After all, the best bet you can make is on your well-being!

Continuum of experiences

Gambling doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Understanding where you or someone you care about falls on this spectrum can be the first step toward making informed decisions about receiving support.

Gambling spectrum of experiences, from no exposure or experience all the way to high levels of exposure or experience.
No exposure or experience
  • Have little to no exposure to gambling.
  • Not aware of sports betting apps, or aren’t part of social circles where gambling is discussed.
     
Minimal exposure or experience
  • Know gambling exists, but aren’t familiar with how it works.
  • They may have seen ads or heard friends talk about betting, but haven’t participated themselves.
Some exposure or experience
  • Gambling only happens in group settings or during major events (e.g., championship games, March Madness, Super Bowl).
  • It may feel like a harmless bonding activity or a way to make games “more fun.”
More than average exposure or experience
  • Gambling becomes frequent or emotional and is used to cope with challenges or to recoup losses.
  • Feel irritable when not gambling, try to hide their behavior, or find themselves “chasing losses.”
High levels of exposure or experience
  • Gambling is a regular and central part of daily life.
  • They gamble alone as well as in groups, often across multiple platforms or apps, and may plan their schedules, finances, or social interactions around gambling opportunities.
  • Wins and losses strongly affect their mood, and gambling continues despite financial strain, relationship problems, or declining performance at work or school.

Strategies for less risky play

If you choose to bet, consider these tips to minimize the risk of mental, financial, and other harm.

  • Set a budget. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never use funds meant for essentials like rent, food, or tuition.
  • Consider the odds. Sports betting may seem like a game of skill, and the odds are designed so that the house always has the advantage.
  • Reflect on the experience. Before, during, and after choosing to bet, ask yourself if betting is truly adding to your enjoyment of the game or if it’s becoming something you feel obligated to do. If gambling is causing stress, affecting your mood, or interfering with school, friendships, or finances, it may be time to reassess your relationship with it.
  • Enjoy the game. Watch the competition unfold, cheer for your team, and fill out a bracket for fun — without the stress of the bet!
  • Set a time limit before you gamble (daily, weekly, and/or monthly).
  • Track time spent on online gambling platforms.
  • Use a screen time tool to limit digital exposure.

Understanding federal, state, and local laws

The University of Michigan is committed to supporting the health and well-being of the campus community and aims to reduce risk from gambling, educate, inform, and provide resources. 

Identification and early intervention

U-M offers screening tools and early interventions to help students recognize problematic gambling behaviors before they escalate.

  • Wellness checks during routine appointments at University Health & Counseling (UHC)

There are also self-assessments you can take to see where you fall on the behavior spectrum.

Common warning signs of problematic behavior include: 

  • Preoccupation with gambling
  • Chasing losses
  • Irritability when trying to stop
  • Hiding betting habits
  • Continued gambling despite negative consequences

Treatment and support

There are many options to choose from; which one you go to depends on the type of help and support you need.

On-campus resources

Local resources

  • Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline: 24/7 helpline available for crisis intervention, gambling disorder screening, and treatment referral.
    • Call: 1-800-270-7117
    • Text: 877-535-1199
  • Michigan Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: Connect with other individuals to share experiences and hope related to gambling disorder recovery.
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 24/7 helpline offering general information, gambling behavior self-assessment, treatment info, and more.
    • Call: 1-800-426-2537
    • Text: 800GAM
  • Gam-Anon Helpline: Resources and meetings for family members and friends adversely affected by a loved one’s gambling.
Fast facts
  • Sports betting was legalized in Michigan in 2019, and its rapid growth has been linked to financial distress and addiction.
  • Every $1 spent on sports betting results in an estimated $2.13 loss in net investments.
  • The unpredictable pattern of wins and losses activates brain reward systems in a way that reinforces addiction, making gambling especially difficult to quit.
  • Google searches related to gambling addiction (e.g., “Am I a gambling addict?”) have increased 23% nationwide since legalization — higher in states like Michigan where sports betting is legal.
  • Gambling goes beyond sports; it now extends into prediction markets on everything from celebrity deaths to religious elections.
  • Gambling platforms exploit young men’s overconfidence in sports and knowledge, impulse behavior, and desire to prove themselves with slogans like “never waste a hunch.” 
  • 26.4% of adolescents who play online casinos and slots get addicted.
  • Mobile apps can increase the risk of addiction by:
    • Using push notifications
    • Featuring social competition
    • Delivering constant exposure through ads

What others are saying

Sometimes reading a webpage isn’t that engaging, we get it. So we’ve gathered some of the best podcasts, videos, and books around to show you some real-life examples of how sports betting is impacting people just like you.

  • The NCAA launched a video to inform the community about the impact sports betting can have on athletes — how you show up matters! Be a part of the team that supports personal and community well-being.