You might have friends or family who gamble on March Madness, but you’re not interested in it. How do you say “no” to what could be peer pressure?
Communicating assertively is an important skill for declining offers to gamble or for avoiding social situations in which others are gambling.
Psychologist Dr. Sam Peter, based in North Carolina, teaches this core skill to his patients in one-on-one and group therapy sessions.
“Assertive communication is the kind of thing that can make sense at the 5,000-foot intellectual level, and people can say they get it, and people can say they’re good at it, and then when you actually have people practicing communicating assertively, there is just so much room for improvement,” Peter said during a recent presentation with the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG).
Saul Malek, a prominent public speaker on problem gambling, told GamblingHarm.org that a healthy friendship involves more than gambling.
“If you have a deeper friendship with someone that transcends the gambling experience, then I would think those would also be people that would support you if you chose not to gamble,” Malek said.
Make Direct Eye Contact
When speaking in person or on a video call, maintain direct eye contact when declining March Madness betting offers.
Eye contact helps you appear more confident.
You can practice in the mirror if you need to work on this skill.
Don’t Use Vague Excuses
Avoid rejecting March Madness betting invitations with vague or insincere excuses like, “Not right now, I’m not feeling well, maybe another time.”
Don’t lie about being busy with something else.
Also, avoid ignoring invitations, for example, if they come via text message.
These comments and behaviors invite future invitations to gamble on March Madness.
Keep it Short and Simple
Speak clearly and confidently. For example, say, “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested in betting on March Madness.”
If they persist, calmly repeat that betting on March Madness does not interest you.
You don’t have to give detailed reasons for declining to bet on March Madness. If you wish to discuss any challenges with gambling, do so on your own terms. You’re not obligated to share your reasons for declining an invitation.
Suggest Alternative Activities
If you want to spend time with them, suggest another activity.
This clearly states that you don’t want to watch or gamble on March Madness, but you still want to spend time with the person.
Bottom Line
A person who respects you will accept your assertive “no” answer to gambling on March Madness. If you have struggled being assertive in the past, the person may try to talk you out of your decision.
Stay firm and decline. If they persist, consider limiting contact during March Madness.
True friends will respect you.