Finding Joy Without the Bets

 Since Covid, football season wasn’t just about the game for me — it was about the bets. I’d be glued to my phone, running through lines, chasing parlays, and calculating what every touchdown or turnover meant for my wallet. Even when I was physically at a game, I wasn’t really there. My eyes were on the screen, my thoughts consumed by the numbers, and the stress was constant.

This weekend, something was different. I went to my first football game since starting my recovery from sports gambling addiction. For the first time in years, I was able to enjoy it for what it truly was: the atmosphere, the energy of the crowd, the excitement of the plays, and simply being present in the moment. No bets. No stress. Just joy.

Recovery Doesn’t Mean Avoiding Life

When I first stopped gambling, I thought I’d have to give up sports altogether. I worried the stadiums, the broadcasts, even casual conversations about the game would always be too much of a trigger. In early recovery, avoiding those environments was the right move. But as I’ve grown stronger, I’ve realized recovery doesn’t mean hiding from life.

It’s about rebuilding a new relationship with the things you once tied to gambling. Today, football feels fun again — not because of the money on the line, but because of the connections, the traditions, and the memories I get to make without that heavy burden.

Steps for Those Just Starting Out

If you’re early in your recovery and can’t imagine watching a game without gambling, I want you to know it is possible. It takes time and work, but freedom is waiting. Here are some steps that helped me get here:

1. Cut off access to gambling money.
Separate yourself from temptation by handing over control of finances, closing accounts, or setting up safeguards that make it harder to act on impulses.

2. Build a strong support system.
Recovery groups, therapy, and trusted friends who understand your journey are lifelines. You don’t have to go through this alone.

3. Create new traditions.
Instead of making game day about bets, make it about food, friends, family, or simply enjoying the atmosphere. Reframe the experience.

4. Celebrate small wins.
Every day you stay gamble-free is a victory. It’s easy to downplay progress, but those days add up to weeks, months, and eventually, life-changing milestones.

What Recovery Gives Back

Walking into that stadium, I realized something powerful: recovery doesn’t just take gambling out of your life — it gives you life back. It gives you peace, the ability to focus on what matters, and the joy of experiencing moments fully.

I used to think I couldn’t enjoy football without gambling. Now I know the truth: I can enjoy it more. Because when you’re not chained to bets, you’re free to actually live.

If you’re struggling right now, I hope my story encourages you. Sports are still fun. Life is still exciting. And you don’t need gambling to make it meaningful. Recovery is proof of that.

Building New Traditions on Football Sundays Without Gambling

For years, my Sundays looked the same. I’d wake up, pour some coffee, and immediately dive into my sportsbook apps. I wasn’t just casually browsing—I was hunting. Hunting for the “best” lines, scrolling endlessly, comparing odds across multiple books, and convincing myself that if I researched hard enough, I could find an edge. My version of “research” often included listening to podcasts about spreads, parlays, and gambling jargon that made me feel like I was part of an insider’s club.

On the surface, Sundays looked like quality time. I’d go out for coffee or breakfast with my partner, but if I’m being honest, my head was never really there. My mind was busy calculating bets, anticipating outcomes, and mentally preparing myself for wins or losses before kickoff even began. That pressure, that anxious energy, was the backdrop of what should have been a peaceful morning.

Today, Sundays look very different.

No, I don’t have the same routine of going out for breakfast with my partner—something I miss, and something I hope to rebuild one day. But what I do have now is peace. The stress of handicapping games and the weight of trying to outsmart sportsbooks are gone. Instead of sitting with my phone in hand before sunrise, I get a decent workout in first thing. A jog, a session at the gym, or even a simple bodyweight circuit at home sets the tone for my day. It gives me a natural rush of dopamine, something gambling only faked.

Afterward, I like to slow things down. A walk outside, especially in the crisp fall air, clears my head. I’ll listen to music, call a friend, or sometimes just enjoy the silence. Little things—like brewing my own coffee at home, journaling, or cooking a hearty breakfast—have become grounding rituals. These activities may sound simple, but they bring a sense of presence that I never felt while glued to betting apps.

Other “dopamine-boosting” activities I’ve woven into Sundays include:

• Reading a few chapters of a book instead of scrolling lines.

• Practicing gratitude journaling to set the tone for the week.

• Spending time with pets—walking, playing, or just being with them.

• Exploring new hobbies like trying out a new recipe or doing some light photography outdoors.

• Connecting with people who matter, whether it’s a phone call, a coffee meetup, or simply being available instead of distracted.

Football Sundays don’t have to vanish in recovery—but gambling does. I can still enjoy the game, but now it’s on my terms. No money is on the line, no stress about “bad beats,” and no disappointment when my “locks” inevitably lose. I can just sit down, watch if I want to, and genuinely enjoy the sport again—or choose to skip it entirely without feeling like I’m missing out.

For anyone struggling right now: it’s possible to rebuild Sundays. They won’t look exactly like they used to, and yes, you might miss some things. But what you gain—peace, health, and freedom—is worth so much more.

This Sunday, and most Sundays throughout the Football season, I will be live on my Discord server (click the link to join) at Noon CST (the time most NFL games are playing) for those struggling and need to talk. I call them “Weekly Check ins” . No agenda just talk/venting and even just making new friends and connections. We have all been in similar situations before and can benefit from each others lived experiences. This will not follow any kind of GA or other small groups. Open to talking about anything and everything on your mind. 

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