Responsible Sports Gambling: Tips for This Football Season

As someone who has navigated the rocky road of sports gambling, I know firsthand how quickly things can spiral out of control. For those who choose to gamble on football this season, it's important to keep things in perspective. Here are a few personal tips to help you stay responsible while enjoying the game.

1. Set a Budget — And Stick to It

Decide in advance how much money you can afford to lose without affecting your daily life. Make sure it's an amount that, if lost, won't cause you financial stress or impact other areas of your life. Once you've set this budget, stick to it, no matter how tempting it might be to chase a loss.

2. Treat Gambling as Entertainment, Not Income

It's crucial to remember that sports gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Set realistic expectations and understand that the odds are often against you. If you're going into it thinking you'll "win big," you may be setting yourself up for disappointment and potential financial trouble.

3. Know When to Walk Away

Sometimes, the most responsible decision is to step back and walk away. If you find yourself getting frustrated, chasing losses, or feeling like you need to place one more bet, take a break. It's okay to pause, regroup, and come back when you're in a better frame of mind.

4. Set Time Limits

It's easy to lose track of time while betting on football games. Set a specific amount of time you plan to spend gambling and stick to it. When that time is up, walk away, regardless of whether you're winning or losing. This helps prevent gambling from taking over your schedule and ensures it remains just one part of your life.

5. Be Aware of Emotional Gambling

Football is an emotional sport. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement, especially when your favorite team is playing. Be aware of when you're making decisions based on emotion rather than logic. Emotional betting often leads to chasing losses or making impulsive bets. Take a step back and ensure your decisions are grounded in reason.

6. Use Betting Tools and Limits

Most sportsbooks offer tools to help manage your gambling activity, such as deposit limits, time alerts, and self-exclusion options. Utilize these tools to keep your habits in check. They can serve as great reminders to take a break and reflect on your gambling behavior.

7. Stay Connected to Support Networks

Whether it's friends, family, or a support group, stay connected to people who can offer perspective and support. If you find yourself struggling, don't hesitate to reach out. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help if you feel your gambling is getting out of hand.

8. Educate Yourself About Gambling Risks

Understanding the risks associated with sports gambling can help you make more informed decisions. Learn about the odds, the house edge, and how gambling addiction can develop. Knowledge is a powerful tool that can help you maintain control.

9. Keep Track of Your Gambling Activity

It's easy to lose track of how much you're spending or how often you're betting. Keep a journal or use an app to track your bets, wins, losses, and time spent gambling. This will help you see patterns and make necessary adjustments before things escalate.

10. Celebrate the Game, Not the Bet

Lastly, remember why you love football in the first place. Celebrate the thrill of the game, the community, and the excitement of the sport itself. Your passion for the game should never be overshadowed by a bet.

Responsible sports gambling isn't about avoiding the fun; it's about keeping things in balance. By following these tips, you can enjoy the football season without letting gambling take over your life. Stay grinding, stop gambling. Life gets better. One day at a time. 

Understanding Triggers: How to Recognize and Avoid Sports Gambling Urges

 I will be completely honest. The past few days I have had quite a few urges to gamble. Football season is here, baseball is finishing up, and other fall sports are starting in the next couple months. I do not sit and watch sports anymore unless I am physically at the game. Even then, while there, I try to stay in the moment, mindfully watching the game unfold and not worry about what bets I would have placed had I still been gambling. This summer alone, I have gone to three baseball games, never once did I think about gambling on it. 

This past weekend, and most weekends that I usually spend alone and to myself. I get bored so, of course, I check out old websites from my past life, such as ESPN and check out the scores. Seeing those scores have been somewhat triggering to me recently. I am 100 percent sure its due to boredom, but that is why I always preach about finding alternatives for your time. You have to find other activities to keep your mind and body occupied. Sitting around on the couch, staring at a computer or phone screen will not cut it. 

One of the most critical aspects of recovery is understanding the triggers that lead to gambling urges. By recognizing and managing these triggers, you can significantly reduce the chances of relapse and build a more resilient path to recovery.

What Are Gambling Triggers?

A trigger is anything that sparks the urge to gamble. These can be external, like an advertisement for a betting site, or internal, like feelings of boredom or stress. Triggers are highly individual, meaning what sets off an urge in one person might not affect another. Understanding your personal triggers is key to developing effective strategies to avoid or cope with them.

Common Triggers for Sports Gambling

1. Emotional States: Negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, or depression often serve as powerful triggers. Gambling can offer a temporary escape or distraction from these feelings.

2. Boredom: For many, gambling fills a void. When you’re bored or have unstructured time, the temptation to place a bet can feel overwhelming.

3. Social Situations: Being around friends or in environments where sports betting is common can easily lead to gambling. This includes watching a game at a bar where bets are being placed or engaging in conversations about betting odds.

4. Financial Pressure: The idea of winning big to solve financial problems is a dangerous trigger. When money is tight, the allure of a quick financial fix through gambling can be strong.

5. Promotions and Advertisements: Constant exposure to betting promotions, online ads, and emails from betting companies can serve as powerful triggers, reminding you of the potential thrill of placing a bet.

6. Sporting Events: Simply watching a game or event that you used to bet on can trigger the desire to gamble. The excitement of the event, combined with memories of past bets, can create a strong urge to place a wager.

How to Recognize Your Triggers

1. Self-Reflection: Take some time to reflect on the situations, emotions, and environments that have led you to gamble in the past. Keep a journal to track your feelings and behaviors when the urge to gamble arises.

2. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness exercises to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. This awareness can help you catch triggers early before they lead to action.

3. Talk to Others: Sometimes, those close to you can see patterns you might miss. Speak with trusted friends, family, or a therapist about your behaviors to gain new insights into your triggers.

Strategies to Avoid Gambling Triggers

1. Create New Routines: Structure your time to avoid boredom, which is a common trigger. Engage in hobbies, exercise, or other fulfilling activities that keep your mind and body occupied.

2. Limit Exposure to Sports Betting Content: Reduce or eliminate your exposure to betting ads, apps, and websites. Consider installing blockers on your devices to prevent access to gambling sites.

3. Set Boundaries with Friends: If social situations are a trigger, set clear boundaries with friends who gamble. Let them know about your recovery and ask for their support in avoiding gambling-related conversations.

4. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Find healthier ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. This might include meditation, talking to a friend, or engaging in physical activity.

5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to manage triggers on your own, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in changing the thought patterns that lead to gambling.

Building a Support System

Overcoming a sports gambling addiction is a challenging process, and it’s not something you have to face alone. One of the most powerful tools in your recovery arsenal is a strong support system. A well-rounded support network can provide encouragement, accountability, and practical advice as you navigate the ups and downs of recovery.

Why a Support System Matters

Gambling addiction thrives in isolation. When you’re struggling alone, it’s easy to fall back into old habits and thought patterns. A support system disrupts this cycle by providing connection and understanding from people who know what you’re going through. Whether it’s friends, family, or fellow recovering gamblers, having people in your corner can make all the difference.

How to Build Your Support System

1. Reach Out: Don’t wait for others to come to you—take the initiative to reach out. Start by talking to trusted friends and family members about your recovery. Let them know how they can support you.

2. Join Online Communities: If you’re not already part of an online support community, consider joining one. The "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" Discord server is a great place to start. It’s easy to join, and you’ll immediately have access to a community of like-minded individuals who are ready to support you.

3. Attend Meetings: Whether virtual or in-person, regular attendance at support group meetings can reinforce your commitment to recovery. These meetings provide a structured environment where you can share your experiences and hear from others who are also on the path to recovery.

4. Engage with Professionals: If you’re not already seeing a therapist or counselor, now is the time to start. Professional help can provide you with the tools and insights you need to understand your addiction and develop strategies to overcome it.

5. Be Open and Honest: Building a support system requires vulnerability. Be open about your struggles and honest about your needs. The more transparent you are with your support network, the more effectively they can help you.

Understanding and managing your triggers is a critical component of overcoming sports gambling addiction. By recognizing what leads to the urge to gamble and taking proactive steps to avoid or cope with those triggers, you can regain control over your life. Recovery is a journey, but with the right strategies and support, it’s entirely possible to break free from the grip of sports gambling.

If you’re struggling with gambling addiction, remember that help is available. Reach out to a professional or join a support group to take the next step in your recovery journey.

Guide to (stop) sports gambling

 Football season is a few weeks away, which is one of the most bet on and most popular sports in the United States. It’s so easy to sit on the couch, put your feet up and just stare at Fan Kings or Draft Duel or whatever those apps are called nowadays, blindly placing lotto parlays that will never hit. Some of you are smart and do not gamble on sports you know next to nothing about or how to bet. If you fall under that, congrats, you have control over your gambling and know when to stop. I am talking to the guy (or gal) who just placed a bet at 3:00 AM chasing some Japanese baseball team because all their MLB picks lost the night before. Or the person staying up until 12:00 AM placing a bet on New Zealand Soccer because they lost all their corners and goals scored on Premier League soccer. Or the person who put a lot of money on a heavy favorite in darts but lost to a last second comeback by the dawg. Or someone who bet on Cricket (Can you tell that happened to the writer of this guide?)

 

Sports gambling has been the fastest growing form of gambling over the past 4 years since it was legalized. Also, probably the most easily accessible as it fits right in our pockets. Probably another reason there are more and more people realizing they have an addiction or lost their relationship because they hid it from their significant other for some time. Over the last 450 plus days of being away from the bet, there’s a lot I learned, not just about myself, but mostly how to stop gambling on sports. 

 

Point of this guide is to help those who knowingly have a gambling problem and want to stop gambling, specifically sports gambling. If you fall under those who know how to control themselves but are still looking to quit sports betting, you can keep reading too. It might cost you…. just 10 mins of your time to read this guide and reflect. 

1. Self-Exclusion

 

Self-exclusion is basically telling the sportsbooks you do not want to keep giving them your money. You have a problem and want to stop gambling. Whether that's short term or for life. When you self-exclude, they'll ask if you want anywhere from one to five years. Some might ask if you want lifetime ban, or something along those lines. I always tell others to be excluded for a lifetime. If you choose the shorter term, after the ban has been lifted, you’ll just end right back where you were trying to leave. Sure, one to five years away from gambling could be great as long as you’re really trying to recover from the addiction. Maybe even love your life too much, gambling has no room to fit in. Which is really the goal in our recovery. Live a life where gambling does not fit in anymore. 

 

The more barriers set in place to make it harder to use your mobile device to gamble, the better. There are other apps out there that can help with that. One is gamban. It’s an app to help block the use of gambling apps. There's a small fee but let's face it, you would’ve used that money to put down on some 10 leg TD parlay anyways. Use that money to help your future by placing more barriers in place to help stop from gambling.  Another app you can use to block these betting sites is betblocker.org . Like Gamban, except its free. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and both should be investigated equally.

       

 

2.          Support 

 

This addiction makes us feel alone. Maybe our friends and family know we are gambling, but not to the extent we are. So, we sit in our dark, lonely office/living room/ bedroom watching sports, staring at our phones placing these demonic bets. The best thing you can do is find a community of people going through similar struggles whether that is a Gamblers Anonymous meetings, Smart Recovery, r/problemgambling on reddit, or facebook groups. You’ve used mobile applications to fuel your addiction, now use them to fuel your recovery. 

 

It’s my baby, so of course I am going to drop my discord server that I created to reach other humans (and I say human because we are human, we make mistakes. We can also get ourselves out of said mistake and live a healthier, more sustainable life).

Founded with the mission to provide a safe and understanding space for those struggling with compulsive gambling, this online community has become a beacon of hope for individuals seeking support and solidarity on their journey to overcome addiction.

Within the virtual halls of this Discord server, members find a sense of camaraderie and understanding that is often lacking in their day-to-day lives. Here, individuals from all walks of life come together to share their experiences, offer advice, and lend a listening ear to those in need.

One of the most powerful aspects of the "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" Discord server is its emphasis on empathy and non-judgment. Regardless of how dire our situations may seem; members are met with compassion and encouragement rather than condemnation. This culture of acceptance fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, empowering individuals to confront their addiction head-on.

Moreover, the server provides practical resources and tools to aid in recovery efforts. From tips on managing triggers to information about local support groups and therapy options, members have access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help them navigate the challenges of overcoming compulsive gambling.

But perhaps the most valuable aspect of this community is the shared journey towards recovery. By connecting with others who understand their struggles intimately, members gain a sense of hope and determination that fuels their commitment to change. Through shared victories and setbacks, they learn that they are not alone in their fight and that recovery is possible with the right support system in place.

As the stigma surrounding addiction continues to diminish, online communities like "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" play an increasingly vital role in providing accessible and inclusive support for those in need. By harnessing the power of technology to connect individuals from across the globe, these communities offer a lifeline to those who may otherwise feel isolated and hopeless.

The "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" Discord server stands as a testament to the transformative power of community in overcoming addiction. Through empathy, support, and shared experiences, this virtual space serves as a beacon of hope for individuals on their journey towards a brighter, gambling-free future.

If you're ready to take the next steps in getting help, check out the “Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery” Discord server.

3.          Alternatives for your time 

 

Finding alternatives for your time is incredibly important when you're trying to stop sports betting and recover from a gambling addiction. One of the biggest challenges in quitting gambling is figuring out what to do with the time and energy that used to be consumed by placing bets, researching teams, and watching games. Without healthy alternatives, there's a risk of falling back into old habits simply out of boredom or a sense of emptiness.

By discovering new activities and hobbies, you can fill that void with something positive and rewarding. Engaging in activities that interest you—whether it’s picking up a new sport, learning a musical instrument, volunteering, or pursuing creative projects—can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy that gambling never truly delivers. These new pursuits can help you build self-esteem, form new social connections, and develop skills that enhance your life in meaningful ways.

Moreover, finding alternatives for your time helps create a new routine and structure in your daily life, which is crucial for maintaining long-term recovery. Establishing a balanced schedule filled with activities you enjoy reduces the temptation to return to sports betting and reinforces a lifestyle that supports your well-being. It's about creating a life that feels fulfilling and worthwhile, making it easier to stay committed to your recovery journey. By investing your time in positive and enriching experiences, you can move forward with a sense of purpose and joy, leaving the destructive patterns of gambling behind.

4.          Physical and mental health matters

 

When it comes to stopping sports betting and recovering from a gambling addiction, taking care of both our physical and mental health is crucial. Gambling can take a significant toll on our bodies and minds, often leading to sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, and chronic stress. These physical health issues can, in turn, make it even harder to break free from the cycle of addiction. By focusing on our physical well-being—getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and incorporating regular exercise—we can build the strength and resilience needed to face the challenges of recovery head-on.

Mental health is equally important in this journey. The emotional rollercoaster of sports betting, marked by intense highs and crushing lows, can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. Addressing these mental health issues is vital for a successful recovery. Therapy, whether individual or group-based, can provide a safe space to explore the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques can also help manage cravings and reduce the emotional triggers that often lead to relapse. By nurturing our mental health, we create a more stable and positive mindset, making it easier to stay committed to our recovery goals and rebuild our lives with purpose and clarity.

5.          Educate yourself 

 

Educating ourselves on gambling addiction, especially when it comes to sports betting, is incredibly important if we want to overcome and recover from this challenging habit. Sports betting can sneakily pull us in, often seeming like a fun and socially acceptable activity. The excitement of placing a bet and the hope of a quick win can quickly turn into a cycle of compulsive behavior. This can lead to serious consequences like financial problems, damaged relationships, and overwhelming stress. By learning about how gambling addiction works, we can start to recognize the warning signs in ourselves and take steps to regain control.

Understanding gambling addiction gives us the tools we need to break free. When we know how sports betting addiction develops, including the psychological triggers and how our brains respond, we can better identify our weak spots and find healthier ways to cope. Education also helps us see through the myths that often keep us trapped, like believing in "luck" or thinking we're on a "hot streak." Knowing about the support that's out there—like therapy, support groups, and financial advice—can make a big difference. It's about taking a well-rounded approach to recovery, tackling the emotional, mental, and financial aspects of addiction. By educating ourselves, we can build a solid foundation for a healthier, happier future.

 

6.          Stop watching sports 

For us compulsive sports gamblers, we don't need to stop watching sports forever. We just need to decide that sports aren’t for us right now. We must reestablish a new relationship with sports. Most of us have a sport and sport team we love regardless of if we gambled on them or not. It is okay to still feel connected to them but when you feel an urge while watching, take a step back. In its place, we need to find alternatives to gambling. Change up your habits. Both of which I have already written blogs on, so check them out. Stepping back will allow us to regain control of our mental and physical health’s as well as re-evaluate our priorities:

1. Reducing Triggers:

• Watching sports events often acts as a trigger for compulsive sports gamblers. The excitement, unpredictability, and emotional highs and lows can intensify the urge to place bets. By taking a break from watching sports, individuals can create a space for themselves to break the cycle of compulsive behavior and reduce the triggers that lead to unhealthy gambling habits.

2.              Preserving Mental Health:

• Compulsive gambling can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Watching sports with the constant temptation to place bets can exacerbate these issues. Taking time away allows individuals to focus on their mental well-being, seek support, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

3.              Financial Stability:

• Sports gambling can quickly escalate, leading to significant financial losses. By abstaining from watching sports, individuals can avoid the temptation to place impulsive bets and regain control over their finances. This break provides an opportunity to assess and address any existing financial challenges without the added pressure of ongoing sports events.

4.              Reevaluating Priorities:

• Stepping away from sports allows compulsive gamblers to reevaluate their priorities and interests. It opens the door to discovering new hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, and pursuing personal growth. Breaking free from the constant cycle of sports gambling provides a chance to rediscover other aspects of life that may have been overshadowed by the addiction.

5.              Breaking Patterns:

• Habits and addictions often thrive on routine and repetition. Taking a break from watching sports disrupts the patterns associated with compulsive gambling. This interruption can serve as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and the initiation of positive changes in behavior.

 

While the love for sports is universal, it's important to recognize when the enjoyment of the game transforms into a harmful compulsion. For us compulsive sports gamblers, taking a hiatus from watching sports can be a crucial step towards regaining control over their lives. It's a chance to prioritize mental and financial well-being, break free from destructive patterns, and rediscover a healthier and more fulfilling way of living.

 

Recovery from a gambling addiction is not one size fits all, nor most. Everyone’s recovery looks different. The important thing to remember is that you want to live a better life than what gambling brought. Some of these steps towards abstaining from sports might work for you, some of it might not. Figure out what works best for you and do it. 

 

Stay grinding, stop gambling. Life gets better. One day at a time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Playing the Lottery Is Still Gambling: A Caution for Compulsive Gamblers

 For many, the lottery might seem harmless—a fun and exciting way to dream big with minimal financial commitment. However, for those battling a gambling addiction, the lottery can be a dangerous gateway back into the depths of compulsive behavior. While it might not have the immediate thrill of a slot machine or the strategic allure of sports betting, the lottery is still very much a form of gambling. Here's why it's essential to recognize it as such and understand its potential risks, especially for those in recovery.

The Allure of the "Small Bet"

One of the most insidious aspects of the lottery is its affordability. For a few dollars, anyone can buy a ticket and hold onto the hope of a life-changing win. This "small bet" might seem harmless, but it's a slippery slope. For compulsive gamblers, the act of buying a lottery ticket can reignite the gambling mindset, where the focus shifts back to the possibility of winning rather than the importance of staying in recovery. The excitement of "what if" can quickly lead to more frequent purchases, and before you know it, those few dollars have added up, both financially and psychologically.

The Illusion of Control

Gambling addiction often thrives on the illusion of control—the belief that with enough knowledge, strategy, or luck, one can influence the outcome. While the lottery is a game of pure chance, it can still tap into this dangerous mindset. Scratch-off tickets and daily numbers games can create a false sense of control, where compulsive gamblers believe they can "feel" a winning streak or "choose" lucky numbers. This illusion can be just as damaging as believing in a winning sports bet, leading to a cycle of repeated plays and growing frustration when the expected win doesn’t materialize.

Chasing the Dream

Lotteries are often marketed with the promise of a dream lifestyle—luxury cars, mansions, financial freedom. For someone with a gambling addiction, this dream can be particularly intoxicating. The fantasy of escaping financial troubles or past mistakes through a big win can overshadow the reality of recovery. It’s easy to justify the purchase of a lottery ticket when you believe it could solve all your problems. However, this mindset is dangerous because it pulls focus away from the hard work of recovery and back onto the impossible odds of a life-changing win.

Financial Impact

Even though the lottery might seem like a small financial commitment, those small amounts can quickly add up, especially for someone with a compulsive gambling history. The habit of purchasing tickets can become routine, leading to a significant financial drain over time. For those in recovery, managing finances is often a critical part of rebuilding stability, and any form of gambling, including the lottery, can jeopardize that progress.

Emotional and Psychological Triggers

Playing the lottery can trigger the same emotional highs and lows as other forms of gambling. The anticipation of the draw, the rush of checking numbers, and the disappointment of losing can all stir up old compulsions. For someone in recovery, these emotional triggers can be particularly dangerous, potentially leading to a relapse into more severe forms of gambling.

A Risk Not Worth Taking

For those in recovery from a gambling addiction, it’s crucial to recognize that the lottery is still gambling. The same behaviors, thoughts, and risks that accompany other forms of gambling are present with lottery play. While it might seem harmless on the surface, the potential for relapse and the financial and emotional toll make it a risk not worth taking. Recovery is about making choices that support long-term well-being and avoiding the triggers that can lead back to compulsive behavior. In the end, the best bet is on yourself—investing in your recovery, your health, and your future, rather than risking it all on a game of chance.