Do You Have a Gambling Problem?

Sports bettors are a varied bunch with varying levels of success.  Some bettors take a very systematic, cautious approach to gambling, and succeed at winning more than they lose as a result.  Others bet more randomly, without regard to rules, and blow account after account.  There is nothing wrong with betting on sports for fun instead of for profit.  Entertainment is a perfectly reasonable motive.  But there is a point where entertainment can cross the line over into addiction.  Are you a fun-loving sports bettor who is gambling responsibly, or are you a sports betting addict engaging in dangerous gambling behavior?  Here are a few signs you may be in dangerous territory:

• Chasing losses.  When you lose a bet, do you feel a need to try and “win it all back,” and immediately find yourself betting on something else?  Do you bet a large amount of money in the hopes that you can make back your loss right away?  Does this lead to loss after loss?  Chasing losses is one common type of addictive betting behavior.  Note that some addicts also chase wins.  When they are on a winning streak, they start betting increasingly large amounts of money arbitrarily, believing that they are invincible. 

• Betting money you cannot afford to lose.  Spending your entertainment or venture capital budget on betting is one thing—but are you breaking into accounts you need for other expenses?  Are you pulling money away from groceries, rent, and bills?  What about money you want to save for the future?  In other words, are you losing track of your priorities?  Remember, your basic living expenses are always more important than your betting. 

• Betting random amounts of money.  Wildly varying your bet sizes is a really bad idea.  By itself it may not constitute an addictive behavior, but it is irresponsible, and it can result in serious consequences in conjunction with the other behaviors on this list.  If you are a serious bettor, this is definitely a mistake.

• Breaking betting system rules.  Again, if you are a serious bettor with a system in place, you are in trouble when you start arbitrarily breaking your own rules and ignoring your own strategies.  At this point you are losing control of yourself.  You will start entering into bets you never would have considered in a sounder state of mind.  As a result, you will begin losing money.

• Avoiding accountability.  Do you have a spouse or children who you are responsible for?  If so, you are accountable to your family.  If you find yourself avoiding talking about betting and money, it is a strong sign that you are developing a gambling problem.  If you find yourself feeling guilty whenever someone brings up betting to you, that is another indication that you probably are guilty.

The moment you start noticing these addictive behavioral patterns, it is time to stop betting and take a good, hard look in the mirror.  Betting can be fun and even profitable, but only if you make smart choices and keep betting in balance with the rest of your life and priorities.  Once betting starts getting out of hand, it turns into a harmful addiction.  So check yourself before you wreck yourself.  Bet responsibly, stay safe, and have fun!