Sports Betting: Addiction & Support

 

With a steady stream of sporting events throughout the year, including football and horse racing, placing a few bets here and there can seem harmless. However, when the temptation to place bets on everything from the World Cup to the Formula One World Championships becomes an addiction, it can begin to have damaging consequences on different aspects of your life. A sports betting addiction often impacts everything from your relationships to your finances, and those who have developed this compulsive behaviour usually require a strong support network to help them overcome it.

Whether you’re trying to support a loved one through a gambling addiction or seeking help for yourself, this blog has all the information you need. Below, we’ve covered the definition of a sports betting addiction, how it can develop, potential signs and consequences, and tactics you can use to support yourself or somebody else.

What is a sports betting addiction?

A sports betting addiction is defined as a compulsive behavioural disorder which causes a persistent and often uncontrollable desire to bet on sports despite the adverse outcomes. Sports like boxing, basketball, football and horse racing are popular for placing bets.

It’s important to separate casual betting from obsessive and compulsive behaviours around placing bets on sports. While some can bet on sports every now and again without any issues, some individuals might develop problematic gambling behaviours that spiral into an addiction. Often, individuals can become addicted to betting without even realising it. This is why it’s crucial to be aware of common warning signs such as chasing losses, lying about betting habits and prioritising gambling over responsibilities.

Is sports betting addictive?

Whether you’re betting on rugby, football or ice hockey, this activity can stimulate the brain’s reward system, similar to how substances like drugs and alcohol can affect the brain. The euphoric feeling experienced when placing bets and waiting for the result can lead to compulsive behaviours and this is what causes it to become an addiction. As with other compulsive disorders, sports betting addiction involves an increasing reliance on the activity to provide bursts of satisfaction and an inability to stop despite experiencing negative consequences. The addictiveness of sports betting is heightened by the ease of accessibility with the rise of user-friendly betting apps designed to keep you playing. [Source: Science Direct]

Signs & symptoms of a sports betting addiction

When someone is addicted to sports betting they may present a wide range of symptoms, some being more difficult to pinpoint than others due to the nature of behavioural addictions. Below are some common signs that might indicate a sports gambling addiction.

Loss of control

Somebody with a sports gambling addiction might experience a loss of control over their behaviour which makes it difficult to stop or reduce their betting. This can affect different aspects of life depending on an individual’s situation, although many find themselves spending excessively without regard for other financial responsibilities.

Compulsive behaviours

When someone is compulsively betting on sports, they will often continue to place bets despite their behaviour leading to financial or relationship problems. The uncontrollable urge usually develops because of the rush of euphoria they get whenever they place a bet.

Neglecting responsibilities

One of the major signs that sports gambling has become an addiction is when the individual begins neglecting their day-to-day responsibilities. They may also miss important events or deadlines due to their gambling taking priority over other life obligations.

Higher tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

As with other addictions, somebody with a sports betting addiction can eventually gain a tolerance for it. This often leaves them feeling like they need to place more bets and spend more money to feel the same euphoria levels they did when they started. If they try to step away from betting, they might also experience withdrawal symptoms like depression and anxiety.

Potential consequences of sports betting addiction

The consequences of sports betting addictions can range in severity, although they tend to worsen over time. Getting to grips with the potential effects that gambling can have on you or your loved ones can help you understand when it’s time to seek help.

Financial difficulty

Those addicted to sports betting may experience financial struggles. This might involve spending savings on gambling, relying on credit to fund the habit, or even gambling to improve your financial situation.

Relationship issues

A sports betting addiction can isolate individuals from friends and family. In some cases, individuals may also ask loved ones for money to enable their addiction, or they might lie to those around them about their habits. These behaviours can put a strain on relationships and cause feelings of distrust or betrayal.

Health problems

An addiction to sports gambling might lead to stress-related illnesses such as depression and anxiety and can also contribute to high blood pressure. Those experiencing financial and relationship problems caused by their gambling can also experience a general decline in their mental and physical health.

Legal consequences

When somebody develops a sports gambling problem, they might turn to illegal activity to finance their habit. Stealing, fraud, embezzlement and misusing credit are all common legal consequences of this compulsive disorder.

Preventing a sports betting addiction

Taking the appropriate measures to prevent a sports betting addiction from developing can be beneficial. Tactics such as setting limits on how long you can be on a betting site or app, taking regular breaks and capping the amount of money you can spend each day, week and month are often effective preventative measures. By making sure you set and stick to these limits, it can be easier to keep sports betting casual and avoid compulsive behaviours.

Measures to take if you think you may be addicted to sports betting

If you think you could have a sports betting addiction, it’s important to take action to prevent it from affecting your life and your finances. The following measures can be taken to help you regain control:

• Avoid using lines of credit or borrowing money for gambling
• Don’t gamble while under the influence of alcohol
• Limit the time you spend gambling
• Only use money from your entertainment budget to place bets
• Never lie about your gambling habits
• Only bet what you can afford to lose
• Reach out to family and friends for support
• Seek professional help

What to do if you think someone you love has a sports gambling addiction

Addiction can be tricky to navigate, especially when it isn’t something you’ve personally experienced. If you suspect that a loved one is dealing with a sports gambling problem, we’ve got a few tips to help you support them.

The simplest solutions are often the most effective, and this definitely applies here. Talking to your loved one about their addiction can help them open up and accept that they have a problem. Take a judgment-free approach, assure them that they have your full support, and spend time asking questions to show your willingness to understand their situation. While they may resist any mention of professional help initially, it’s worth mentioning the support that’s out there if they ever want it. There are various professional treatments and resources available for those with a sports betting addiction, and this can help take the strain away from loved ones offering their support.

It’s also crucial to avoid confrontation when talking to a loved one who might be dealing with sports betting addiction. While you might be feeling hurt or angry about the situation, a calm approach is usually best. It’s common for somebody with a gambling addiction to become defensive when gambling is brought up, so you’ll need to be in a position where you can control your emotions and avoid a heated situation. If they become angry or defensive, walk away for the time being and try again.

In some cases, it can help to encourage your loved one to take part in other activities that could replace their gambling. This can be anything that provides satisfaction without being harmful, such as high-adrenaline sports, learning to play an instrument or hiking. Stay open to trying new activities alongside them since this can give them the encouragement they might need.

Resources: get sports betting addiction help

Looking for additional support for yourself or someone else? Check out the resources below for advice and support on sports betting addiction. 

Gambling Support Resources

GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is a free tool designed to help you control your gambling. The self-register service allows you to exclude yourself from all gambling websites and apps run by GB-licensed companies for a chosen period.

GambleAware

GambleAware is the leading independent charity and strategic commissioner of gambling harm education, prevention, early intervention and treatment in Great Britain. Their website contains a variety of advice guides, alongside a 24-7 helpline and live chat services to support those with gambling problems, including sports betting addiction.

GamCare

The GamCare website features support articles, a gambling recovery toolkit and various support avenues such as forums, chatrooms and the National Gambling Helpline.

National Support Network

Here at UK Debt Service, we believe that access to tailored and sensitive support is a must, which is why we’re members of the National Support Network. We work with the NSN to improve our debt support, which means we can help those who might find themselves in financial difficulties as a result of sports betting. We offer free access to our Support Hub, where you can be signposted to a variety of support resources including apps, videos and organisations.

Without support, sports gambling can have negative consequences on various aspects of your life, from ignoring your responsibilities to a loss of control over your finances. If your gambling is no longer fun or feels like it might be becoming an addiction, it’s important to seek help before it becomes unmanageable.

If you’re struggling with debt, speak to a member of our team who may be able to help you understand all options available based on your circumstances.

 

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033350620301232?via%3Dihub