GET SUPPORT TODAY

CHAT WITH AN EXPERT

GET SUPPORT TODAY

CHAT WITH AN EXPERT

March Madness: How to Participate Responsibly

On March 13th, 68 collegiate basketball teams will compete for the NCAA championship. Throngs of basketball fans across the country will participate in March Madness by joining betting pools and filling out brackets. Collectively, they will wager billions of dollars on the outcome of each game in the tournament. Last year, the American Gaming Association estimated that Americans placed over $10.4 billion in bets.

What may be an enjoyable pastime for some can be dangerous for others, however. For example, someone who struggles with alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcohol “addiction”) in Monmouth County is more susceptible to disordered gambling than the average individual. If such people take part in activities like filling out March Madness brackets, they may develop a dependency on the rush of adrenaline they feel while betting.

Do you suspect that you or a friend, family, or co-worker may have a tendency towards problem gambling? Learning to identify a number of warning signs and intervening appropriately can help prevent the severe consequences that may result from this behavior.

Preoccupation

In 2017, Forbes reported that businesses may have wasted over $2.1 billion in wages paid to unproductive or distracted workers because of March Madness. Although many basketball fans enjoy tracking the outcomes of these games and comparing them to their bracket predictions, some people become consumed by the activity. They may find it increasingly difficult to focus on other matters. If you, an acquaintance, or a loved one seem to think and talk about sports betting almost constantly, they may have a gambling problem.

Health Problems

Disordered gamblers also tend to develop mood disorders like anxiety and depression. When someone finds that they cannot seem to control their gambling behavior, they may develop a sense of shame or guilt. Because of these feelings, they may try to hide their sports betting activities or even lie about it, leading to further stress. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions, like hypertension and sleep deprivation, may likely be a sign of disordered gambling.

Intervention

If you suspect that you or someone else in your life may have a gambling problem, you should voice your concerns in an appropriate manner. Programs and resources like those we provide at the Council have helped countless disordered gamblers transform their lives for the better. For support with recovery from problem gambling and the issues this behavior can cause with mental health in Freehold and elsewhere in New Jersey, call our confidential hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER.

RECOVER TOGETHER: IN PERSON & VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Translate »