Gambling is more common than you may realize, and it can impact your health and well-being as well as your academic success. For some, gambling starts casually but can become harmful over time. Many don’t see gambling as a problem until grades or well-being suffer.
So, why are you, as a student more at risk? You're leaning into your independence, meaning less family supervision and fewer check-ins, increased time on your phone and being exposed to online ads and sometimes it's to cope with academic stress or financial pressures.
Gambling and mental health:
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Gambling triggers dopamine, the brain’s “reward” chemical
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This can make gambling addictive, similar to alcohol or drugs
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Problem gambling is linked to:
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Low self-esteem
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Anxiety and depression
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High stress and sleep problems
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Trouble concentrating and attending classes
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(Mental Health Foundation, 2021)
Common types of gambling among students
- Dares or challenges
- Scratch tickets
- Games of skill (pool, darts)
- Sports pools and sports betting
- Card games (poker, blackjack)
(Mental Health Foundation, 2021)
Gambling you might not realize is gambling:
- Loot boxes in video games
- Mystery boxes (eg. toys, cosmetics, card packs)
These involve paying money for a chance-based outcome. Because you risk money hoping for a higher value item without knowing the result, they are considered gambling.
(YMCA of Greater Toronto1,2, 2023)
Safer Gambling Tips (If You Choose to Gamble)
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Set a budget and time limit before you start
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Only use money you can afford to lose
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Never borrow money or use funds meant for rent, food, or tuition
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Don’t chase losses
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Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money
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Avoid gambling when stressed, upset, or using substances
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Be aware of how gambling alone vs. with friends affects your behaviour
(YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program and Responsible Gambling Council)
It's okay to ask for help
Especially if gambling is impacting your mental health, finances or your academics. Talk to someone you trust, reach out to online support and book an appointment with Campus Wellness for on-campus support for gambling, addiction and coping strategies for stress.
Find alternative ways to spend your time
- Try new activities to break away from routine gambling
- Meet new people, and reduce social pressure to gamble
Community & Provincial resources
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OLG PlaySmart: 1-833-888-2306 (11 am–7 pm, daily)
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ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7)
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Good2Talk: Call 1-866-925-5454
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Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
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Here 24/7 (Waterloo-Wellington): 1-844-437-3247
Interactive Risk Assessment Tool
Use the Interactive Risk Assessment Tool to help assess your gambling choices compared to those recommended by the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines and determine your overall risk.
References
- Centre for Additional and Mental Health (CAMH). (March 30, 2016). Teens are gambling online at a significantly higher rate than previously reported, CAMH study finds.
- Duran, S., Demirci, Ö. & Akgenç, F. (May 2024). Investigation of Gambling Behavior, Self-Confidence and Psychological Resilience Levels of University Students. J Gambl Stud 40, 1937–1949.
- Haris, N. (2010). Factors associated with internet gambling in university students. Lakehead University.
- Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines1 (LRGG). (n.d.). Harms of Gambling.
- Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines2 (LRGG). (n.d.). Safer Gambling Tips.
- Mental Health Foundation. (August 2021). Gambling and Mental Health.
- YMCA of Greater Toronto1. (June 2023). How gambling is being driven by influencers.
- YMCA of Greater Toronto2. (April 2023). Healthy boundaries around gaming and gambling.