Building a Stronger Community: Real Talk About Supporting Each Other

Building a Stronger Community: Real Talk About Supporting Each Other

Let's talk about something that matters: looking out for each other. College is about building connections and growing together. When it comes to gambling, that community support can make all the difference. Here's how we can be there for ourselves and others – no judgment, just real support.

Think about it: when someone’s drunk or stoned, the signs are usually obvious—you know when to step in and help. But with gambling, the signs are silent. Someone could be struggling and you’d never know until it’s too late. That silence actually makes it more dangerous, not less, which is why looking out for each other matters even more in these situations.

Recognizing Changes That Matter

We all change and grow a lot during college – that's kind of the point. But some changes might signal that a friend (or you) needs support:

In Friends

Notice patterns like:

• Constantly checking betting apps during hangouts

• Missing classes to watch games they've bet on

• Borrowing money more than usual

• Getting defensive about betting habits

• Seeming more stressed about money

"I realized something was up when my roommate started skipping our study groups to watch random Tuesday night games. Turned out he had bets on all of them."

- Miguel, Junior, Psychology major

In Yourself

Real talk – sometimes it's harder to spot changes in ourselves:

• Betting larger amounts to feel the same excitement

• Hiding betting activity from friends and family

• Feeling restless when not betting

• Distracted checking odds when you should be focused on  school

• Using betting to escape stress or anxiety

When Gaming Becomes Gambling

The line between gaming and gambling isn't always clear. Watch for these shifts:

Red Flags in Gaming

• Spending more money on loot boxes than planned

• Trading in-game items for real money

• Feeling pressured to buy to compete

• Getting anxious about missing limited-time offers

Digital Addiction Patterns

Your brain doesn't really care if it's:

• Sports betting apps

• Day trading platforms

• Gaming microtransactions

• Crypto trading 

The dopamine hit is the same.

Having Real Conversations

The hardest part? Usually it's starting the conversation. Here's how to make it less awkward:

Starting the Talk

Instead of: "I think you have a gambling problem." Try: "Hey, I noticed you seem stressed about betting lately. Want to talk about it?"

Using "I" Statements

Instead of: "You're betting too much." Try: "I care about you and I'm concerned."

Sharing Without Preaching

Instead of: "You need to stop gambling." Try: "I've learned some interesting stuff about how betting affects our brains. Want to hear about it?"

Supporting Without Enabling

There's a fine line between helping and enabling. Here's how to navigate it:

Building a Safer Campus Culture

Want to make a real difference? Here's how we can create positive change:

Individual Level

• Be open about your own challenges

• Share what you've learned about gambling

• Challenge gambling myths when you hear them

• Look out for predatory betting promotions

Remember, these are the things that positive players do:

1. Honesty-Control: They’re truthful about how much time and money they spend gambling. They don’t chase losses or let their bets spiral out of control.

2. Pre-Commitment: Positive players decide in advance how much money and time they’ll gamble. Once they’ve set their limits, they stick to them.

3. Personal Responsibility: They take ownership of their gambling behavior. If they’re uncomfortable with how gambling shows up in their lives, they make changes.

4. Gambling Literacy: Positive players understand the odds. They know about the house edge and that in the long run, they’re more likely to lose than win. This knowledge helps them approach gambling with realistic expectations.

Group Level

• Create gambling-free social activities

• Talk about financial wellness in your circles

• Support friends making healthy changes

• Share campus resources

For Gonzaga Students - Campus Resources That Can Help

You're not in this alone. Here's where to find real support:

Student Support at Gonzaga consists of a number of service elements, including Advising Services, Health & Counseling Services, Campus Safety and Preparedness and many others. Here are some of the key resources available to you:

OUR House at Recovery@gonzaga.edu- to connect with like-minded peers who have lived experience in making changes to improve their overall well-being. This can be with substance use or other harmful behaviors like disordered eating, gambling, pornography, self-harm, other mental illness, etc. 

OHP, located in Crosby 206 - is where you can opt into one-on-one meetings for individualized non-clinical conversations. Staff are available to meet with students to discuss their experiences and goals.

Center for Cura Personalis (CCP) located in Crosby 216 - Non-clinical case managers that can link to all sorts of resources, both internal to GU and external, including students experiencing financial insecurity. You can also submit Student Outreach and Support referrals (anonymous for student reports) through CCP if you are concerned about another student. 

BetterMynd offers free, confidential mental health support for students—anytime, anywhere. Students can schedule free 50-minute counseling sessions, access a 24/7 support line, and join unlimited live wellness workshops designed specifically for college life. Students can access BetterMynd services through this link: https://app.bettermynd.com/?idp=GonzagaUniversity, as a tile on their My GU page, or by using the 24/7 support line: 1-844-287-6963.

Finally, Gonzaga Health and Counseling has clinical counselors (including licensed addiction counselors). 

HEALTH AND COUNSELING SERVICES

704 E. Sharpe
Spokane, WA 99258
Phone: (509) 313-4052

Looking Forward

Remember:

• You're part of something bigger

• Your actions influence others

• Small changes create big impacts

• Supporting others helps everyone

This isn't about policing each other's behavior. It's about creating a community where we can:

• Talk openly about gambling

• Support each other's choices

• Find help when needed

• Create positive change together

Thanks for being part of the solution.