Surviving (& Thriving) in the Era of Digital Gambling

In 2017, a college student placed a small $10 sports bet that quickly spiraled into a life-consuming gambling addiction fueled by the rise of online betting. What started as harmless fun soon turned into skipped classes, sleepless nights, and mounting debt — all just a click away. But that same digital world that enabled his addiction also helped him find recovery through online support groups, therapy, and connection.

“For almost two full years, my entire life revolved around gambling. Full games became live bets on halves, quarters, even individual points. Classes skipped, lies told, sleep lost, money chased.

The strangest thing of all? The progression of my addiction all seemed so normal.” ~Saul Malek

Read the full story to learn how Saul Malek turned a dangerous obsession into a mission to promote gambling harm prevention — and how technology can be both the problem and the solution.

Take a minute for this private, 10 question self-assessment designed to help you decide whether you should modify or seek help for your gambling behavior. If you or someone you know is having trouble with a gambling addiction, please reach out for help.

Additional Resources: National Problem Gambling Helpline Call: 1-800-522-4700 Text: 800GAM Chat: www.ncpgambling.org/chat

For support and guidance throughout your college career as an LSU student-athlete, reach out to your resources. It’s often the hardest step, but the most rewarding.

Sport Performance & Counseling:

GeauxBeWell@lsu.edu