Would you choose to play your favorite sport knowing that you would lose most games?
Would all that hard work, practice, and dedication be worth it, knowing that the odds were always in the favor of your opponent?
Now let’s take a look at some odds when it comes to sorts, and odds when it comes to gambling…
- Odds of a college player becoming a pro football player: 275:1
- Odds of winning a Powerball jackpot: 140,000,000 to 1
The odds of being successful if you stick to sports look a lot better than if you were to base your future on a gamble!
DID YOU KNOW??
Gambling can be as addictive as drugs or alcohol for some people.
Definition of Gambling: To stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance.
Types of gambling include:
- Playing slots or other games at casinos
- Buying lottery tickets
- Betting on sports
- Playing online poker or other games of chance on the internet
- Playing BINGO at church or community organizations
- Betting at the race track
- Betting on fantasy sports
Some Signs of Problem Gambling
- Being preoccupied with gambling and unable to stop
- Trying to win back what you’ve lost
- Borrowing money to gambling
- Lying about time or money spent gambling
- Losing time at work or school because of gambling
Some risks you take when you gamble:
- The most obvious risk is losing money
- Unless a certain form of gambling is allowed by specific state laws, it is illegal. Be aware of the law. You could be committing a crime.
- All gambling has a legal age. You could be breaking the law if you gamble while under-age.
- The NCAA and the NFL have policies against gambling. Gambling on sports could result in suspension and possible loss of eligibility for life.
- People with gambling addictions have a higher rate of liver disease, higher blood pressure, high heart rate and angina.
- You could develop a gambling addiction.
When making a decision about gambling… Make sure you KNOW!
Know the law
Make sure you are not gambling illegally.
Know the risks
Not only can you lose money by gambling excessively, but there are health and other risks involved.
Know how to gamble responsibly
Set a limit of time and money and stick to it!
Know the warning signs
Preoccupation, borrowing money to gamble, and lying about your time spent gambling are some signs of a gambling addiction.
Know how and where to get help
If you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction, please contact your healthcare provider to seek professional help.
How to help someone with a Gambling Addiction
Talk to them. Be simple and straightforward. Let them know that you care about them and are concerned. Be specific about their behavior that concerns you. Let them know how their behavior is affecting others. Let them know what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. Listen to their response. Let them know you are willing to help. Don’t counsel them yourself, or give them advice.
For more information on problem gambling, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling at http://www.ncpgambling.org/ or contact the confidential National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700
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Source: Content provided and maintained by the National Council on Problem Gambling