Gambling Awareness Month highlights risks of betting it all as March Madness nears

"If you find yourself in a position where you're thinking about gambling-type behaviors more often or needing to borrow money because of gambling losses. If you feel the need to either hide or lie about gambling behaviors, that would be an indication that it's gone beyond more of a recreational thing and into something that's more concerning," Mueller said.  

Mueller compares problem gambling to substance abuse; gamblers are chasing a high they would get from winning bets. Several emotional triggers cause people to gamble beyond their limits. 

"Some folks are triggered on payday, for example. Getting extra funds in your accounts. Grief can be one of them. Anxiety or depression, gambling behaviors, especially folks who struggle with some of those more problematic gambling behaviors," Mueller said.  

There are some preventative measures gamblers can take before going all in. 

"If you were wanting to exercise some limitations with these behaviors, I think an accountability plan is really helpful," Mueller said.  

Adults aren't the only ones at risk for problem gambling. 

"Potentially young kids, teenagers, people who are of that age where maybe biologically they don't have that impulse control that an adult may have," Mueller said.  

If you or someone else experiences issues setting boundaries when gambling, you can call your local Heritage Behavioral Health.