The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center) is receiving more calls and texts to the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline from young adults ages 18-24 and 25-24.  From 2020 to 2023, calls from 18-24 year olds increased from 11 to 74 and calls from 25-34 year olds increased from 45 to 106 (Maryland Helpline data).  There is an increase in calls from young adults that need help with online gambling and mobile sports betting.  Over the years, problem gamblers are more likely to be males and/or from minority populations (2022 Statewide Gambling Prevalence in Maryland) Prevalence-2022_06NOV23_Updated.pdf (mdproblemgambling.com)

Maryland colleges and universities are implementing public awareness and prevention strategies to educate students on the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling help.  During March, which is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and coincides with the often gambled on March Madness Basketball tournament, many campuses will be increasing awareness and prevention strategies. Some of the strategies that will be seen on-campus include:  tabling events with problem gambling prevention literature and giveaways, problem gambling prevention social media posts, problem gambling screening events, and integration of problem gambling prevention content into courses and other programming.

The Center has also launched a social media campaign focusing on the risks of gambling for college students.   Messaging on posts include the risks of gambling leading to financial problems, relationship programs, poor academic performance, and/or increased mental health problems.

When working with the college age population, it is important to keep in mind that many college students are under the legal age to gamble.   In Maryland, casino gambling and sports betting are for those aged 21 and over.   For the lottery, fantasy sports, horse betting, and bingo, the legal age to participate is 18.

For those under 21, it is recommended to try to avoid gambling activities until age 21, because:

• Those who gamble under the age of 21 are four times more likely to become problem gamblers later in life (Felsher, et al., 2010).
• Those who gamble at a young age are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors such as alcohol and/or drug use (Emond, 2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8930883/
• The human brain is developing until age 25. The functions of the brain that are not fully developed until the early 20’s include impulse control, emotional control, and decision making (Emond, 2022).
• Young adults that gamble are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, poor academic or job performance, and poor peer and family relationships (Emond, 2022).
• Those under 21 who gamble may face legal charges such as fines and community service if caught.  For mobile betting underage, the account will be closed and winnings confiscated.   Possible charges for mobile betting underage include identity theft, tax evasion, and illegal gambling operations.

Although it is encouraged for young adults to not gamble until age 21, it is difficult to avoid all gambling activities in our society.   Some arcade games, raffles, playing bingo for money, and some video game features meet the definition of gambling, but are lower risk compared to other gambling activities.   Even playing the stock market meets the definition of gambling. 

Knowing that gambling is difficult to avoid altogether, college students should be educated on the risks and signs of a gambling problem and safe gambling tips.

Signs of a Gambling Problem:

• Preoccupation with gambling
• Unable to cut back or control gambling
• Irritable or restless when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
• Risks more money and plays for longer over time
• Gambles to escape problems or depressed mood
• “chases” losses
• Lies to family and others about gambling
• Risks or loses relationships
• Drop in grades or poor job performance
• Relies on others for financial needs caused by gambling

How will it affect your mental health:

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Not wanting to spend time with friends and family
• Distress due to feeling you can’t control gambling behavior
• Feeling irritable when you can’t gamble
• Changes in mood such as feeling lonely, depressed, anxious, and/or stuck
• Could lead to gambling addiction

Resources for Gambling Help for Young Adults and Their Friends and Families:

FREE problem gambling self assessment:  Self-Assessment | Help For Problem Gambling | Maryland (helpmygamblingproblem.org) If it shows help is needed, call, text, or chat 1-800-GAMBLER

If someone you know is sports betting on a mobile app, limits can be placed within the app.   Operators are required to do this by law.   It is best to set limits before play begins.   When you are involved in the excitement of the game, it is difficult to limit yourself at that time.

All apps allow you to:

• Set limits on daily, weekly, and monthly max amounts of money bet.
• Set loss limits on daily, weekly, and monthly amounts.  You will not be able to place new bets until a designated amount of time passes.
• Set limits on amount wagered daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Set limits on time spent.  Some apps include timers.

In general, study the odds.  Know you are still more likely to lose than to win.  Do not bet more than you can afford to lose.

List of Specific Resources for Help:

• 1-800-GAMBLER helpline operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week for calls, texts, and chats.
• Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Help seeker website:  helpmygamblingproblem.org
• Maryland Coalition of Families:  Support for family members who have loved ones with a gambling problem, https://www.mdcoalition.org/who-we-help/problem-gambling  
• Maryland Council on Problem Gambling:  Faith-based advocacy and assistance,  https://www.marylandproblemgambling.org
• Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP):  Learn about banning yourself from any form of gambling in Maryland.  For more information, go to: https://www.mdgamblinghelp.org/voluntary-exclusion-program/
• Gamban:   For a small fee, block access to gambling websites and apps worldwide.  For more information:  https://gamban.com/
• BetBlocker:  A free service to help limit or ban gambling sites.  For more information: https://betblocker.org/
• True Link:  Helps to manage financial transactions of those who may have a gambling or other problem managing finances.  For more information:  https://www.truelinkfinancial.com/
• Gamblers Anonymous:  A self-help group for those seeking gambling recovery.  For more information:  https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations
• Gam-Anon:  A self-help group for those who have family members who are problem gamblers.  For more information:  https://gam-anon.org 

Special thanks to Maryland colleges and universities:  Anne Arundel Community College, Bowie State University, Chesapeake College, College of Southern Maryland, Coppin State University, Frostburg State University, Hood College, Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Towson University, Towson University Northeastern, University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Maryland College Park, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

People experiencing gambling problems may be suicidal. For help with someone who is suicidal, call 988.

For more information or questions, please contact:

Heather Eshleman, MPH

Prevention Manager

The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling

[email protected]

667-214-2120

Effective prevention messaging plays a crucial role in shaping public health outcomes, particularly in increasing awareness, promoting healthy behaviors, and reducing substance use. Well-structured communication strategies enhance health literacy, improve risk perception, and encourage adherence to preventive measures. Clear, evidence-based messaging empowers individuals to make informed health decisions by understanding the risks associated with substance use and adopting healthier alternatives.

Trust is a fundamental factor in successful prevention messaging. People are more likely to listen to and act upon messages delivered by credible sources, such as healthcare professionals, prevention specialists, and community champions. Additionally, tailoring messages to specific audiences through relevant language and effective communication channels increases engagement and comprehension. Partnering with trusted community champions ensures prevention messaging is delivered by individuals who truly resonate with their communities, increasing credibility and effectiveness. By actively engaging community partners, prevention efforts can better reflect the lived experiences of those most affected, making interventions more effective.

Digital platforms are now key tools for disseminating health information. Social media, educational websites, and mobile applications allow for rapid updates and interactive engagement, reinforcing preventive behaviors. However, the rise of misinformation presents a challenge. Prevention campaigns must actively counteract misleading information by promoting transparent, scientifically backed messaging to ensure public trust.

Prevention messaging is most effective when it is consistent, clear, and evidence-based. By leveraging trusted messengers, digital tools, and targeted outreach strategies, public health professionals can drive proactive health behaviors and reduce the burden of preventable diseases.