Ep. 33 - Sports Betting: When the Losses Pile Up
Have you noticed that there is A LOT more advertising for sports betting? And, A LOT more opportunities to place a bet?
It seems like betting on sports has become part of the culture of how fans watch and enjoy sports.
While sports betting is increasingly popular, the public conversation is pretty quiet when it comes to talking about gambling problems associated with sports betting. We want to talk about it.
In episode 33 of our podcast, Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems, hear my conversation with John Simmons, a former poker player and casino worker who started betting on sports after poker led him into bankruptcy. John talks openly about his experiences with sports gambling getting out of hand and what helped him to quit.
John is working on a film called Betting Your Life that looks at the legalization of sports betting in the United States and the growing industry around this.
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.
The rate of gambling problems among sports bettors is at least twice as high as with gamblers in general.
When sports gambling is conducted online, the rate of problems is even higher, with one study indicating that 16% met the criteria for a gambling disorder
Sports Betting - Different From Other Forms of Gambling?
In this episode of Fold em John Simmons talks about how he started to bet on sports after poker led him into bankruptcy. He says that there were aspects of sports betting that felt different from poker and contributed to him getting hooked. These differences were:
Sports betting is social: It’s common to watch games that you bet on with other people (maybe not in the same room, but at the same time) and to talk about the bets before and after the game. Strategizing, celebrating and commiserating before and after a bet is a collective experience - not just with people you know but in chat rooms, YouTube channels and podcasts.
Sports betting is accepted: Sports have had a long been association with betting in order to up the excitement. Whether an impromptu wager on a game of basketball with friends or a football pool at work, for many it’s part of how sports are played and watched.
Sports betting is easily available: Sports betting is almost exclusively done on line which means that if your device is within reach and a deposit available, so is sports betting. There’s always a game going on somewhere in the world and easy opportunities to bet, especially with opportunities for single event and in game betting.
Sports Betting - When the Losses Pile Up
When you notice that sports betting is:
becoming something you do on your own and more secretive
taking more time and replacing activities you used to do
increasingly impulsive - more reactive and risky
Pay attention and take a step back. Sports betting is likely getting out of control.
John talks about waking up one more morning and asking himself, “how did gambling get my life so off course?” In our conversation, he shares what helped him to get his life back on track.
In the meantime, here are his suggestions for those of you experiencing stress as a result of sports betting:
Recognize that YOU have a problem: Other people may have been telling you that your gambling is a problem, but you didn’t really buy it. A first step is to be honest with yourself about the negative impacts of gambling on you and your life AND to take ownership over addressing this.
Do something about it: For many people it’s helpful to tell someone you trust that gambling is a problem for you. But you will know what’s the best first step for you. The important thing is to start now and do something different.
Connect with people who know about gambling problems: Especially in the beginning it can be tricky to deal with gambling problems. Find people who know about these issues and be willing to listen and take suggestions.
Tune in to episode 33 of Fold em to hear John share his story about sports betting. Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of this blog. Or, tune in directly from Apple or Google podcasts by clicking on the red button below.
John is making a film about the impact of the legalization of sports betting in US states and the expansion of the sports betting industry into sporting events and our lives. Check out the trailer for his film project called Betting Your Life.
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.