DeKALB | Gambling is a problem that most college students encounter during the course of their educational journey.

The gambling industry makes up to $40 billion a year; between 1974 and 1994 gambling increased by 2,800 percent, according to PBS.

There are two different types of gambling problems: gambling addiction (also known as compulsive gambling) and problem gambling. Compulsive gambling is an impulse-controlled disorder, while problem gambling is any gambling behavior that disrupts the person’s everyday life.

According to helpguide.org, gambling addiction signs can range from, someone feeling the need to be secretive about gambling, feeling there is a need to gamble even if there is no money left and feeling there is any trouble controlling gambling.

“When it’s more in a casino, it’s easier to stop. When it comes to more fantasy football, horse racing, it’s all about the big payoff,” said Joy Mutinda, a counselor from Counseling and Student Development. “A gambling addiction is someone who engages in risk-taking behaviors. When it starts to impact their life, then it becomes a problem.”

Mutinda said to help a friend with an addiction, it’s always better to confront them in a caring matter.

“Start by letting them know that you are concerned by their behavior. When telling someone about their behavior, people tend to feel that it’s their responsibility. But when starting a conversation, do it in a caring way,” Mutinda said.

To receive help with a gambling addiction, NIU offers counseling services at the Counseling and Student Development Center in the Campus Life Building Room 200; in order to reach them call 815-753-1206. The National Council on Problem Gambling has a 24-hour confidential hotline at 800-522-4700.

“For any addictive behavior, we offer counseling. There is behavior therapy, which helps you find different ways to distract yourself, and we also try to help with uncovering why [you have this addiction],” Mutinda said.

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