Sports Betting Responsibly

Legalizing sports betting allows individuals of legal age to engage in sports betting activities in over 34
States and DC. The increased participation prompts a new normalized attitude toward this form of
entertainment among social groups, and those with social groups that participate see it as an even more
normal entertainment activity. Understanding the potential risks and complications that can arise in
someone's life due to gambling addiction gives those who choose to participate more information to make
educated, responsible decisions surrounding their gambling behavior.

Sports bettors face a higher risk of developing problem gambling, which makes it even more critical for
those who sport bet to understand what boundaries help to mitigate these risks. Those in their early adult
life appear more susceptible to developing disordered gambling symptoms. However, creating boundaries
around these activities can help the participant engage more safely and responsibly. It can also help to
know your limits, so you know when to seek additional help, with a plan if things start to take a negative
turn.

Examples of Responsible Gambling Habits

● Never borrow money from others or through credit such as cash advances to gamble.
● Only bet what you can afford to lose and stick to it.
● Use money from finances allocated for entertainment purposes.
● Avoid ATMs and gambling on credit.
● Limit the amount of time and money spent gambling- follow this rule consistently, both when
you're winning or losing.
● Don't drink and gamble.
● Avoid chasing losses- the more you try to recover the losses, the higher the probability of more
significant losses.
● Never lie about your gambling habit or your number of wins and losses.
● Don't use gambling to cope with physical or psychological pain.
● Never gamble when stressed, depressed, or in recovery from a condition.
● Understand the risks associated and where to seek help when needed.

While everyone's behavior and relationship with gambling differs, there are some steps you can put in
place to help limit the associated risks. One more straightforward way to start setting boundaries around
your gambling habits is to limit the amount of money you gamble with and the amount of time you
engage in the activity. Making sure you consistently follow this limit you set will help encourage more
healthy gambling behavior. Additionally, when participating in this activity, it's best to avoid drinking
alcohol as this may increase negative consequences associated with both activities, especially amongst
young adults.

Following this rule, walking away from losses becomes another significant rule: don't chase your losses.
When someone continues to gamble to win back the money they lost, it can lead to more substantial
losses. So, if you don't want to lose more than you already have, walk away. Knowing how much you
plan to bet and how much you are comfortable losing can also help you know when to walk away and not
chase losses.
Just as you should not chase your losses, you should not lie about how much money you lose, your bet,
the frequency, and anything regarding your gambling habits. As a prominent sign of problem gambling,
this action limits the help you can receive from family members and friends, as they don't know the
severity of the problem. One study found that sports bettors were seven times as likely to have lied about
their gambling many times, making it more crucial for these types of bettors to talk about their gambling
habits openly and to seek help when they feel embarrassed or the need to hide this behavior. While there
are many ways to engage in responsible gambling, ensuring that gambling comes as a form of
entertainment rather than a way to cope with psychological or physical pain. This approach can help
distinguish the activity as enjoyable rather than mandatory.

As with any form of gambling or other entertainment, understanding the potential risks and consequences
involved may encourage making educated choices. Knowing when to seek help and where to find support
may ease searching for a treatment that works for you. No two gamblers are the same, which makes it
essential to work with a counselor who can specialize in treatment to work for your specific
circumstances. You can find treatment wherever, whenever. Below is a list of some common signs of
problem gambling. However, someone may have only some of these symptoms or all. To determine
whether your gambling habits might have become a bigger problem, you can take a free assessment to
establish your next steps toward a healthier relationship with sports betting.

Symptoms of Problem Gambling

● Preoccupied with gambling, constantly thinking about it, planning gambling activities, and
planning how to get money for gambling.
● Needing to gamble higher amounts of money to achieve the desired thrill.
● Experiencing difficulties when trying to cut back on gambling, such as restlessness and
irritability.
● Inability to stop engaging in gambling.
● Gambling to escape problems or to relieve negative feelings.
● Chasing losses by trying to win back lost money.
● Lying to hide gambling habits from friends, family, and others.
● Risking or losing relationships, a job, school, or work.
● Asking others for financial help due to gambling money away.
Sources

Arizona Office of Problem Gambling. (n.d.-b). Responsible Gambling Guidelines.

https://problemgambling.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/RespGamingTips.pdf

Brien Gleeson, L. P. C. (2022, September 7). Don’t bet on it: Sports gambling. Mayo Clinic Health
System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/dont-bet-
on-it

Cronce, J. M., & Corbin, W. R. (2010, April). Effects of alcohol and initial gambling outcomes on
within-session gambling behavior. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039524/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.). Compulsive gambling. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/symptoms-causes/syc-
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National Detail Report National Survey on gambling attitudes and ... (n.d.-c).
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Public.pdf

A review of sports wagering: Prevalence, characteristics of sports ... (n.d.-a).

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