Finding Joy and Balance: Reducing Gambling Harm During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a time to celebrate, connect, and make lasting memories with the people we care about most. However, the added pressures of the holidays can also bring stress and anxiety. Finances, family expectations, and busy schedules can all contribute to this stress. Some people may turn to gambling as a way to cope or escape during these moments.
There are many positive and exciting ways to manage holiday stress while reducing the risk of gambling harm, or avoiding gambling altogether.
How Holiday Stress Can Increase Risk
The holidays often bring joy, but they can also bring unique challenges. Gift shopping, travel, family gatherings, and financial worries can cause stress and overwhelm. Frequent gamblers report higher rates of psychological distress compared to non-frequent gamblers (Winters & Derevensky, 2019). The holiday stress on top of already existing psychological distress can potentially leading to increased gambling harm.
For some, gambling may seem like an easy distraction or a way to unwind, but that momentary relief can lead to more harm later. The excitement of gambling can temporarily mask anxiety, but it often increases stress when losses add up or relationships become strained. This can lead to gambling harms.
Understanding Gambling Harm
Gambling harm can happen when gambling starts to negatively affect relationships and/or finances. It can lead to emotional distress, money problems, and conflict with loved ones. What might begin as entertainment can quickly become a harmful behavior, especially during high-stress times like the holidays. Recognizing these risks is an important first step toward making healthier choices.
Healthy and Fun Alternatives
The good news? There are plenty of ways to enjoy the season, reduce stress, and avoid gambling harm. Most important, this can keep the holidays fun and meaningful, and safe from gambling harms.
- Start new traditions. Host a family game night, bake holiday treats together, or take part in local winter events. Creating new traditions can strengthen social connections and bring lasting joy.
- Move your body. Physical activity helps manage stress. Go for a winter walk, take a dance class, or try a fun indoor workout. Exercise releases endorphins that lift your mood naturally.
- Practice mindfulness. Deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can calm your mind and help you stay present. Apps or online videos can guide you through short mindfulness exercises.
- Volunteer your time. Helping others by donating food, wrapping gifts, or spending time at a community event creates a sense of purpose and connection that gambling can’t match.
- Connect with others. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Sharing your thoughts and challenges can make stress feel lighter and help you stay focused on your goals.
Recognizing When to Reach Out
This holiday season, choose to focus on what truly matters—connection, kindness, and well-being. By embracing healthy habits and avoiding gambling harm, you give yourself the gift of peace, confidence, and joy. With support and positive choices, the holidays can be a time of growth and happiness—for you and everyone around you.
If you notice yourself thinking about gambling often, spending more time or money than you planned, or using gambling to escape stress, it may be time to reach out for support. Recognizing these warning signs is a courageous and empowering step toward positive change.
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.