Gambling and gaming are more similar than you think. This page takes a closer look at these activities, including how to get support.
There's no doubt that gambling and gaming are seen as a fun and relaxing way to unwind. But drill down to what's really going on and the reality is that both offer a distraction from academic or financial stress by playing into aspirations of wealth or, for the price of an add-in or loot box, the chance of becoming a superhero who can magically overcome life's challenges. They can also have a debilitating affect on your studies and your emotional wellbeing, not to mention your finances. When taken to extremes, they can also result in addiction. Read on for useful advice and information.
With the cost of living and inflation spiralling, it won't surprise you to know that student gambling, like gambling in the general population, is on the rise. In addition to more traditional gambling venues such as betting shops, slot machines and bingo halls, there has also been an unprecedented rise in online gambling, now classed as a digital harm, i.e. a harm that comes from using an app on your phone or the internet.
There are hundreds of apps offering easy ways to gamble, such as sports betting and mobile casino games, to name a few. Apps are available 24/7 and there’s usually no-one monitoring your spending, like parents or flatmates, so you can spend as much as you want without being accountable to anyone.
Conversely, students may be actively encouraged to gamble by their peers. According to a Censuswide survey of 2,000 students, 71% had gambled in the past year. Of these:
Added to these stark figures is the normalisation of gambling through celebrity endorsements, and premier league and university e-sports team sponsorship by betting firms. Not forgetting TV adverts between big games such as the World Cup and Match of the Day, and reality TV shows. All of these offer sign-up bonuses, refund/stake back offers and free spins to entice you to spend money on gambling and make your dreams a reality. Worryingly, AI is also spreading into E-Sports and other types of betting. As this tech is able to generate more tailored, personalised betting, it will only increase the likelihood of gambling harm amongst young people.
The truth is many gamblers suffer serious losses. Gambling support organisations have identified four stages: winning, losing, desperation and hopelessness. According to YGam, more than 19% of problem gamblers have considered suicide, and more than 50% of student gamblers have considered dropping out of their course.
Signs of gambling harm include:
If you are worried about your gambling, see below for details of where to get support. You can also ask your bank to set spending limits on payments you make to gambling organisations.
Gamers can be tempted by so-called micro transactions, down loadable content or loot boxes– offers to acquire extras or virtual items with real money, such as weapons or tools, many of which require luck, and have odds comparable to gambling. Like an old school sticker collection, the more items you have, the better.
The invitations to upgrade and buy items often flash up during a game, when you’re high on adrenalin and not likely to make a rational decision as to whether you can actually afford to spend the money. Or, you might be tempted to 'treat yourself' late at night after a stressful day when one last game before sleep will help you forget all about the exam you need to revise for or the assignment you're struggling with. Like gambling, the reality is gaming can have serious consequences and a debilitating affect on your life:
Signs of gaming-related harm include:
The World Health Authority classifies Gaming Disorder as an addictive behaviour.
According to YGam's 'She plays, He says' report, there is also growing evidence of online sexual harassment and misogyny from male players towards female gamers.
The easiest thing to do about gambling or gaming issues is to ignore them, or think you can spend your way out of them. Unfortunately, this only ensures things get worse.
The good news is there are many organisations you can contact for support. Call the National Gambling Helpline for free on 0808 8020 133 or visit: YGam, Gamcare, Gordon Moody, and Gamblers’ Anonymous . These organisations can all offer you confidential, non-judgemental support.
The YGam Student Hub has lots of useful information you can look at.
For help managing debts including specialist debt organisations you can contact, see our debt advice web page.
You can also contact a welfare adviser if you need help planning your finances or you'd like to apply to Queen Mary's Financial Assistance Fund.
If your emotional wellbeing and engagement with studies has been negatively impacted by gambling or gaming issues, you can also contact a Wellbeing Adviser at Queen Mary for support.