Building a Stronger Community: Real Talk About Supporting Each Other

Let's talk about something that matters: looking out for each other. College is about building connections and growing together. When it comes to gambling, that community support can make all the difference. Here's how we can be there for ourselves and others – no judgment, just real support.

Think about it: when someone’s drunk or stoned, the signs are usually obvious—you know when to step in and help. But with gambling, the signs are silent. Someone could be struggling and you’d never know until it’s too late. That silence actually makes it more dangerous, not less, which is why looking out for each other matters even more in these situations.

Recognizing Changes That Matter

We all change and grow a lot during college – that's kind of the point. But some changes might signal that a friend (or you) needs support:

In Friends

Notice patterns like:

  • Constantly checking betting apps during hangouts

  • Missing classes to watch games they've bet on

  • Borrowing money more than usual

  • Getting defensive about betting habits

  • Seeming more stressed about money

I realized something was up when my roommate started skipping our study groups to watch random Tuesday night games. Turned out he had bets on all of them.

-Miguel, Junior, Psychology major

In Yourself

Notice patterns like:

  • Constantly checking betting apps during hangouts

  • Missing classes to watch games they've bet on

  • Borrowing money more than usual

  • Getting defensive about betting habits

  • Seeming more stressed about money

When Gaming Becomes Gambling

The line between gaming and gambling isn't always clear. Watch for these shifts:

Red Flags in Gaming

  • Spending more money on loot boxes than planned

  • Set smart limits on time and money spent gambling

  • Trading in-game items for real money

  • Trading in-game items for real money

  • Feeling pressured to buy to compete

  • Feeling pressured to buy to compete

  • Getting anxious about missing limited-time offers

  • Getting anxious about missing limited-time offers

Digital Addiction Patterns

Your brain doesn't really care if it's:

  • Set smart limits on time and money spent gambling

  • Sports betting apps

  • Day trading platforms

  • Day trading platforms

  • Crypto trading 

  • Crypto trading 

The dopamine hit is the same.

Having Real Conversations

The hardest part? Usually it's starting the conversation. Here's how to make it less awkward:

Starting the Conversation

Instead of: "I think you have a gambling problem." Try: "Hey, I noticed you seem stressed about betting lately. Want to talk about it?"

Starting the Conversation

Instead of: "I think you have a gambling problem." Try: "Hey, I noticed you seem stressed about betting lately. Want to talk about it?"

Using "I" Statements

Instead of: "You're betting too much." Try: "I care about you and I'm concerned.

Using "I" Statements

Instead of: "You're betting too much." Try: "I care about you and I'm concerned.

Sharing Without Preaching

Instead of: "You need to stop gambling." Try: "I've learned some interesting stuff about how betting affects our brains. Want to hear about it?"

Sharing Without Preaching

Instead of: "You need to stop gambling." Try: "I've learned some interesting stuff about how betting affects our brains. Want to hear about it?"

Supporting Without Enabling

There's a fine line between helping and enabling. Here's how to navigate it:

Do:

  • Listen without judgment

  • Set smart limits on time and money spent gambling

  • Share resources and information

  • Share resources and information

  • Set healthy boundaries

  • Set healthy boundaries

  • Encourage professional help when needed

  • Encourage professional help when needed

Don't:

  • Lend money for gambling

  • Make excuses for betting behavior

  • Make excuses for betting behavior

  • Keep concerns to yourself

  • Keep concerns to yourself

  • Try to be someone's therapist

  • Try to be someone's therapist

Building a Safer Campus Culture

Want to make a real difference? Here's how we can create positive change:

Individual Level

  • Be open about your own challenges

  • Share what you've learned about gambling

  • Challenge gambling myths when you hear them

  • Look out for predatory betting promotions

Group Level

  • Create gambling-free social activities

  • Talk about financial wellness in your circles

  • Support friends making healthy changes

  • Share campus resources

Campus Resources That Can Help

You're not in this alone. Here's where to find real support:

On Campus

  • Student Counseling Services

  • Financial Wellness Center

  • Peer Support Programs

  • Student Health Services

Beyond Campus

  • Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

  • Online Self-Help Tools

  • Local Support Groups

  • Financial Counseling Services

Creating Change Together

Small actions can make a big difference:

Be the Friend You'd Want to Have

  • Check in regularly

  • Listen without fixing

  • Share information without pushing

  • Respect boundaries

Build Community Awareness

  • Challenge gambling stereotypes

  • Share accurate information

  • Support responsible policies

  • Create safe spaces for discussion

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. Evive, Inc.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. Evive, Inc.