Did you fill out your basketball brackets in time? According to the NCAA, between 60
to 100 million brackets are filled out heading into the men’s and women’s national tournaments. At times, the
NCAA has been made aware of office pools that have been organized with winnings above $100,000.
“Gambling can be an enjoyable experience,” says Brien Gleeson, a psychotherapist specializing in addictions at
Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire. “Essentially, it’s a technology that was developed to entertain. If you
say, ‘This is a designated number of dollars I am going to spend on entertainment and stick to that amount,’ have
fun and enjoy.”
Gleeson says that’s where the line between entertainment and the potential for addiction can be drawn.
“If you start borrowing money for this type of entertainment or an individual starts thinking of gambling as a
retirement plan, then that person is headed in the wrong direction,” says Gleeson. “You need to keep your
rational mind about you, or your finances could slip away gradually.”
Signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling (gambling disorder) can include:
Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning gambling activities and how to get more
gambling money.
Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill.
Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success.
Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling.
Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.
Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses).
Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling.
Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling.
If you see gambling as the answer to your problems or think you’ve got a system to beat whatever tiniest of
chances are of winning, unless you’re like the character in the movie Rain Man, it isn’t going to happen,” says
Gleeson.
It’s expected that more than $2.72 billion will be wagered on this year’s men’s and women’s national
tournaments using legalized sportsbooks, according to the American Gaming Association.
“There’s a proliferation to it,” explains Gleeson. “Especially those who are most vulnerable to addictions, we’re
going to see more people in trouble with compulsive gambling disorders.”
Although there’s no proven way to prevent a gambling problem, educational programs that target individuals
and groups at increased risk may be helpful. If you notice someone who has the risk factors for compulsive
gambling, consider seeking treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent the gambling addiction
from becoming worse.
No responses yet