Understanding the Risks of Sports Gambling/Betting
Sports betting has become increasingly accessible and popular, especially among men. What often starts as a harmless pastime can evolve into a problematic behaviour. In my ten years as a therapist in downtown Hamilton, I’ve seen more and more people whose sports betting or sports gambling habits are beginning to negatively affect their mental health, relationships, and financial stability. If you're noticing troubling changes in yourself or a loved one related to sports betting, you're not alone—and there are steps you can take to address it.
The (Troubling) Growing Presence of Sports Gambling
If you compared a sports game on tv 10 or 20 years ago to one on tv today, I’d guess one of the biggest differences you would see is the increased advertising of sports gambling.
As I remember it, there was always some promotion of gambling during commercials, but now it seems like almost every commercial is promoting gambling, and many of the ads plastered in the arenas themselves promote it too. It’s also become much easier to gamble on sports. To bet on sports ten or twenty years ago, you would have to go to a casino with a sports book, or find an illegal bookie, and place your bet. Many people still bet on sports this way today. However, betting on sports is even easier nowadays, all thanks to that little box in your pocket: Your smart phone. Which is connected to your credit card.
Research shows that the more we are able to access sports betting, the more likely we are going to gamble problematically. When you compare rates of gambling across countries, a country like Australia, that has historically had fairly loose rules and regulations around sports betting, has consistently had twice the gambling losses per capita compared to the United States (1).
On top of all of that, think about how well social media has been designed to hook us into scrolling mindlessly. The same logic of mindless engagement is being applied to gambling apps, meaning people are betting their money on sports much more casually than ever before.
When Sports Betting Becomes a Problem
I get the appeal of sports betting and can see how it may add an extra element of fun to watching an exciting sports game. However, the line between casual betting and a more serious gambling habit can be difficult to spot, especially with how easy it is to place a bet.
Some indicators of concern in sports gambling can include:
Increasing bet sizes
Gambling to “deal with” uncomfortable emotions
Finding more reasons to make bets on sports
Responding impulsively to push notifications from gambling apps
Some red flags in sports gambling can include:
Gambling secretively
Rejecting other important life priorities (i.e. missing work, family events) to gamble
Experiencing extreme highs and lows from wins or losses, which can affect personal or professional relationships
Hiding losses from a partner
Betting more to make up for a loss that feels really terrible
Surprisingly, Losses May Come With Relief
When gambling becomes addictive, there may even be a sense of relief in the losses. Bet you weren’t expecting to hear that, were you? It works like this: The emotional tension and suspense of gambling can be overwhelming, and a loss provides a clear end point to that cycle, offering temporary calm. For some, the loss aligns with feelings of guilt or shame, serving as a form of self-punishment that feels deserved. It can also remove the burden of decision-making that might come with a win, allowing the person to avoid responsibility or consequences. In this way, a loss can feel like a mental reset: a clean slate that momentarily soothes the chaos of addiction.
The Impact on Mental Health and Relationships
When gambling becomes a problem, it can cause significant emotional and psychological distress, not just for the individual betting, but also for their loved ones. The unpredictable nature of gambling—alternating between the excitement of winning and the disappointment of losing—can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of instability.
In relationships, gambling can foster feelings of frustration, betrayal, or emotional exhaustion. Trust can erode if one partner feels like the other is hiding things or failing to take responsibility for their actions. For those involved in a relationship with someone who is struggling with gambling, it can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear, making it difficult to know what to expect or how to handle the situation. As the losses or secrecy grow, the sense of isolation increases as telling about the losses becomes more necessary but also feels more impossible.
How to Approach Sports Betting in a Safer Way
If you or a loved one is engaging with sports betting, there are ways to do so more responsibly:
Set clear limits on time, money, and frequency of betting
Use only discretionary income—never bet money needed for essential expenses
Avoid betting when emotional—stress, frustration, or boredom can all lead to risky decisions
Take regular breaks from betting, especially if it’s starting to feel compulsive or like an escape. A month of can be a good cooler
Seek support—talk to a friend, partner, or therapist about any concerns you may have
The goal is to keep sports betting in a healthy, controlled place, where it remains a fun activity rather than something that interferes with everyday life.
The Role of Therapy
If you find that sports gambling is affecting your mental health or relationships, therapy can provide valuable support. Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore the emotional triggers behind gambling behaviors, understand how it’s impacting your life, and develop healthier coping strategies.
There is also great help out there through Gamblers Anonymous. It’s not necessarily for everyone but I have seen great results for some.
Whether you’re the one struggling with gambling or you're concerned about a loved one, therapy can help provide clarity and support as you work through the challenges. Together, we can develop ways to regain balance and control.
Taking the First Step
Acknowledging the impact of gambling on your life or relationship can be difficult, but it’s the first step toward positive change. If you're ready to seek help or need support in navigating this issue, I’m here to assist you. Contact me to set up a 15 minute consultation, and I’ll let you know how I can help.
- Scott
