While it may only happen every four years, don’t go beyond your normal betting routines during this time. You may end up causing financial harm to yourself and others around you, as well as increase your depression and put a crux on your relationships.
Access to sports betting online, via both the internet and mobile, is only continuing to get easier and simpler. But, unfortunately, this convenience may have those who never considered placing a sports wager simply give it a try without knowing that it can affect your financials and mental well-being.
It’s also been noted that those that place bets online are placing them in higher amounts than those who place them in person. This as an overindulgence comes from how simple it is to click or tap a button. It will not only cripple your finances but also lead you to a downward mental spiral that can affect your relationships and work.
For those of you who are weighing up how this can be, it’s because, in 2018, the ban was finally lifted on sports betting by the Supreme Court. It has since been left to the States to decide, and so far, Washington D.C. and 32 states are operating legally.
Yet it was made legal in these states without thinking about the consequences, which made me take note of the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, a center which I am in charge of, and that helps combat gambling addiction.
The stories I hear are heartbreaking and easily avoidable
I had one gambler tell me that he won big once back in the day. It gave him that false confidence that another big win was only a matter of bets away. His losses continued to compound and get bigger; chasing them didn’t help. He even tried to negotiate and make a promise to himself that if he could recoup the losses, he would be able to have more power to stop. That day never came, and his suicidal thoughts almost ended his life before he sought help.
Another story is where a college student used credit cards to their limit, wasted all of his money, and got into serious debt. Again with this false sense of confidence, he would lie to himself that there was no problem, yet eventually, he was in financial ruin and needed to let his parents know what had happened.
So far, the statistics hover between 1 and 6 percent of those adults with some type of gambling issue, whether it’s a casino, lottery tickets, races, or sports betting, both online and offline.
Yet the biggest concern is the rapid growth of sports betting and its overall popularity skyrocketing. That’s also because of how fast the majority of States have found a path to legalization and allowed online operators to obtain licensing and allow for betting anywhere with an internet connection within the state. For example, Maryland just recently hit the legal territory status.
It’s also offline as well with sports betting easily accessible right in the stadiums. For example, in Maryland alone, you can place bets at FedEx Field, M&T Bank Stadium, and Oriole Park.
With such accessibility, the World Cup is bound to attract everyone who has considered gambling into placing that first wager. Which is ok, but do take a quick check if you see any of these signs.
Is gambling taking a big chunk of your time?
I will lead this with an example of a young man who contacted us. He just finished college and should have been searching for a position. Yet he found himself watching matches he had placed sports bets on.
If gambling seems to be a constant thought throughout your day, and you feel the urge to place a bet, that is not a good sign. Likewise, revolving your activities around gambling and placing wagers is also not a good thought process. And finally, if you’re looking for fresh funding as a motivation to gamble more, that’s a major red flag.
Do you suffer when you don’t place a bet for a while?
Just like quitting any addictive habit, you’re going to get frustrated easily and irritated. If you feel that way about gambling and even feel depressed, you may suffer from gambling withdrawal. You may also suffer from physical issues such as elevated blood pressure, sweating, and headaches.
Being secretive about your gambling actions
Another example I want to share is from a man who was in his 30s and was already broke from gambling. He continued trying to get more money but wouldn’t tell people why. In the end, he broke many relationships between friends and family, all for the fact of this irrational behavior. If you’re hiding it, you may be ashamed for whatever reason, but it’s best to get ahead of it and seek help.
Help is closer than you think
Many states are offering free treatments and counseling. There’s even a national hotline to get yourself started at 1-800-522-4700. But, of course, if you prefer to go online, that’s not an issue either.
If you find yourself in Maryland suffering from a gambling problem, then you can reach out at 1-800-GAMBLER. The help is 24/7 and is staffed by your peers who know what you’re going through.
When you’re not ready yet to seek outside help
Be aware of your situation and know you’re ready to move forward. Visualize the harm of gambling in your life. Put yourself in a position where gambling is your total life and how it affects everything around you as well as your financial stability. This is a great first monumental step you’re taking to let yourself know you’re doing this and work towards breaking this bad habit.
Reach out to your loved ones. They will be there for you when they realize that it’s a gambling addiction. Or you may feel it’s best to attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. Whatever you do, don’t internalize it or be alone.
Those urges to gamble can be combatted by starting to tell yourself to wait. Wait five minutes, an hour; it doesn’t matter. You are fighting a craving or an urge for whatever the reason is. You also want to get your body and brain to resist and manage impulse control.
Do something else. Sit down to watch a movie, preferably not about sports betting or gambling. Try some relaxing workouts or meditation. Go out and enjoy a nice meal with friends. All you need to do is devise a different plan that’s not gambling.
