Ep. 37 - Sports Betting Got the Best of Me: Here’s What I Did About It
Rob was a fan of American football. With more free time during COVID and feeling on edge as he stopped drinking, he decided to focus on sports betting. The ads encouraged him to give it a try and there were lots of expert opinions to help develop his strategy.
Initially he rode an exciting wave from early wins. Overtime, the research, placing bets and watching games took up every waking hour. Rob found himself with a negative balance in his bank accounts, applying for loans, drinking again and avoiding contact with family and friends.
Rob was caught in a cycle: believing that if he bet smarter he would eventually win big and pay off the debt. But, when the wins came, he convinced himself to risk it all for a bigger win. Then, it would start again with planning for the next bet.
Tune in to episode 37 of our podcast, Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems. Hear Rob talk about:
why he initially didn’t see gambling as a problem, even when he was losing
what happened when his family got involved
how he solved his debt problem
what helped him to get to 10-months without a bet
what he thinks about the industry around sports betting
his suggestions for others who have had betting take over their life
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of the blog.
If you prefer to tune in directly from Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts, click on the red “Listen and Subscribe” button below.
At first, sports betting adds excitement to the game and maybe a win
For some, it becomes all consuming and has serious impacts
Why is it Hard to Step Back From Sports Betting When You’re Losing?
Everyone has their limits - the point at which you say, “enough is enough.” But for some, gambling becomes all consuming and pulls you away from your limits. Even if you are close to rock bottom, you still focus on how to gamble your way out of the situation.
In this episode of Fold em, Rob talks about why it was hard for him to step away from sports betting even when he and his accounts were in a negative place.
When Sports Betting Gets Out of Hand : What Makes it Hard to Step Back
Chasing the next win: believing that the way out of your troubles is to gamble more AND that a win will come, particularly if you work harder/bet smarter. Ignoring all the times that winnings just got put back into gambling.
The Sunk Cost Fallacy: as human we have a tendency to follow through on endeavors if we have already invested time, energy and money - even if the costs outweigh the benefits.
Isolation: as gambling becomes more consuming, you will pull back from people who would normally notice that something is wrong and say something.
Stress, anxiety and depression: these show up when losses mount and you are making less time for the people and activities that normally keep you well. Under the influence of stress, depression and anxiety, we’re more likely to keep doing the same things, even if it’s not helpful.
What To Do If Sports Betting is Creating Stress for You
In episode 37 of Fold em, Rob shares what worked for him to take a step away from sports betting. Here’s some of his key points.
What can help if YOU are in over your head with sports betting:
Talk to someone you trust: even though it feels like the hardest thing to do, reach out and talk openly
Be open to suggestions and feedback: particularly from people who have experience with gambling problems
Be willing to take a longer road with debt and money problems: quick financial fixes are usually risky or involve someone else paying for a problem you created. There are many options for dealing with debt. Although they can take time, they work.
Make lifestyle changes: this might mean not hanging out with friends that gamble, moving in with family to bring down expenses or getting back to exercise. Do what is needed to feel like yourself again.
What To Do If Sports Betting is a Creating Stress for a Family Member or Friend
In episode 37 of Fold em, Rob shares that his family stepped in to help after he told them about his problem with sports betting. He offers suggestions for family members who are wanting to offer support to a loved one who is struggling with gambling.
What can help if SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT is in over their head with sports betting:
Remember that it’s complicated to stop gambling: telling someone that they should stop or pointing out all the problems it has created, usually isn’t enough to bring about a stop. It’s a process for someone to acknowledge that gambling is a problem and then be ready to try something different.
Be present, patient and supportive: help that person see how the gambling has impacted them and others, remembering that they are likely in a confusing place that makes it hard to step away. Be mindful that the gambler is feeling badly about themselves.
Offer alternative solutions: counter the idea that the only way forward is to bet your way out. Offer different options for dealing with debt, getting guidance about gambling issues, and deal with cravings.
Hear more about Rob and how his family helped him to get into a better place and 10-months away from his last bet. Listen to the full interview in episode 37 of Fold em.
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of this blog or the red “Listen and Subscribe to Fold em” button below.
If you would like to hear another interview with John - who overcame both a casino gambling and sports betting problem, tune in to episode 33 below.
Check out other episodes of Fold em and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out when new ones are released.
Want to Connect With Support and Counselling in British Columbia?
If you live in British Columbia and would like to learn more about free, confidential support and counselling services from Gambling Support BC, click on the red “Connect with Support in BC” button below. Or, go to the Gambling Support BC website. You can also access our services through the Gambling Support Line. It is available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111.
Gambling Support BC services are available to residents of British Columbia who are concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling.
Fold em is a podcast hosted by Adrienne Cossom and her colleagues at Gambling Support BC. Whether you are looking at stopping or scaling back your own gambling or supporting a family member with a problem, this podcast will help you take back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it and get tips from counsellors. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.
To learn more about gambling concerns and how to access resources and support, go to the home page of this website, click on the red “Learn More” button below, or connect with us through Facebook.