Responsible Gambling
While the hobby of sports betting can be very exciting and rewarding, many people are unable to stop once they have started. Responsible gambling is an important topic, as sports betting addiction is an issue that affects under 1% of all actively-gambling adults. Our goal is to provide readers with as much information as possible, though we never want to see a life or social well-being in jeopardy.
We’re dedicated to maintaining the fact that all readers of USAOnlineSportsbooks are aware of their betting habits and can find safe and welcoming resources to combat their compulsive gambling. Don’t ever feel that help is not available, as this page will explain many outlets for avoiding problems associated with excessive gambling.
Compulsive Gambling
Betting on sports is meant to be a hobby and not a way of life. Though many famous sports bettors are in the media, this only portrays a small percentage of all gamblers. Instead, many people begin betting on sports as their main source of income or to supplement their income, but if it was easy, everyone would do it. This is not something that people are meant to do full time. The margins are razor-thin, and you have to be willing to not only put in the work in terms of analytics but get a little lucky if you want to make it to the ranks of the professionals. It is much much safer to just make sure you are doing this as a hobby only. We have written up some advice that is generally pretty good to follow if you’re just starting out as far as gambling goes.
- Never bet money that is set aside for bills, family events, or food costs.
- Always set a limit on your daily/weekly/monthly/yearly sports betting budget.
- Refrain from betting with emotions. (ie. use your head not your heart).
- Don’t throw a larger wager down after losing a previous wager in order to chase your loss.
- Always gamble with a coherent mind - don’t take drugs and gamble.
- Don’t use gambling as a way to escape reality.
- Consider sports betting as a hobby or entertainment rather than a second job, and allocate your money accordingly.
- Keep your sports betting finances separate from your personal finances.
- Be sure to pay your taxes accordingly regardless of the method you used to attain the money.
- Understand that, if you need help, there are many options available through a variety of means.
How To Know If You’re A Problem Gambler
While some bettors can go on streaks of winning many wagers in a row, the opposite is also true. However, there is a large difference between being a bad sports bettor and being a problem gambler. The key difference is how much it impacts you as well as the people around you and how negatively those impacts are felt - you can be bad at sports betting, most people are, but if your sports betting losses are hurting you or your loved ones, you might want to take a step back and analyze the situation. If you are unsure where you fall, consider these questions listed below. If you find yourself saying yes (or thinking about the question too long) for some or all of them, we advise that you seek help from a qualified expert, when you are ready to.
- Do you gamble until you have no money left?
- Has gambling ever impacted the state of being in your household?
- Do you use gambling as a way to escape reality?
- Have you ever borrowed money so that you could gamble more after a big loss?
- Have you considered stealing money in order to keep betting?
- Do you have friends who are treating you differently since you have started gambling?
- Is there ever a moment of regret before or after placing a wager?
- Do you find yourself awake late at night or early in the morning thinking solely about sports betting?
- Have you lost money on gambling that was set aside for utilities, rent, or other bills?
- Do you feel the need to place a bet on sports every day (or every game)?
- Do you find yourself betting on teams, leagues, or games you know nothing about and don’t enjoy, just because they are available?
- Have you noticed a change in your personal hygiene or moral compass after a big win or loss?
- Has gambling ever caused you to miss out on an event (work, school, family emergency, etc.)?
- Do you take a certain percentage out of every (or most) paycheck to gamble?
- Has gambling ever caused you to self-harm?
Outlets And Resources To Combat Problem Gambling
Whether you answered yes to one, seven, or all fifteen questions, help is readily available for those who are willing. Often times, we need an external voice or force to push us towards help, though some people will push back. Listen to your friends, family, and coworkers in these situations and take their advice to heart. If you yourself know that you need help, then you are already ahead of the game – just be sure to reach out to these outlets whenever you are ready:
This resource has helped over 13,000 problem gamblers since the year 2000. They are accredited and have associates standing by 24/7 to assist you in every way possible. If you or they feel that treatment is necessary, they can also connect you to one of their 70 therapists.
These in-person meetings are sometimes the best outlet for your problem. Formatted like Alcoholics Anonymous, these closed meetings, modified closed meetings, or open meetings give you every opportunity to gather information and help. Whether you want to discuss your problem with those in a similar situation (closed), with your peers, other addictive persons, and health professionals (modified), or just your family (open), there are meetings for you all around the country.
National Council on Problem Gambling
Through a phone call, chat, or texts, use the NCPG at any time for confidential help. With trained and certified experts to help you through every step of the way, they provide resources as well as an individual counselor to get you back on your feet. Peruse their list of programs to discover the amount of help this organization provides for problem gamblers.
This outlet is more of a support group and is free for all involved. The advice, support, and information is solely online and with peers from all around the world. These peers have been free from gambling for many years and can provide a refreshing outlook on your situation. Support can come in a variety of ways at Gambling Therapy, so be sure to choose which option is best for you.