When the Stakes Are High: What to Know About the Risks of Sports Betting
Published: December 30, 2024
Emotions ride high while watching sports already – an action-packed, emotional game can keep you on the edge of your seat. And when you add the stakes and pace of sports betting, people are more likely to bet without planning or considering the risks involved.
That’s according to a recent survey from the Siena College Research Institute and St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication, which found that sports betting has a significant impact on people.
The study found that, of those who place bets with an online sportsbook, 37 percent have felt bad or ashamed after losing a bet, 38 percent have felt that they bet more than they should have, 19 percent have lied to someone about the extent of their betting, and 18 percent have bet and lost money that was meant for meeting their financial obligations.
With college football bowl games ramping up and the Super Bowl about a month away, committing to a betting game plan can help ensure you enjoy your time and keep it fun. If you frequently feel angry, out of control, or even harass the players over a bet, it could be a sign of a gambling disorder. Other warning signs include:
- Borrowing money for gambling
- Hiding how much time or money is spent on gambling
- Withdrawing from relationships or hobbies
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Spending a lot of time gambling, thinking about, or planning to gamble
- Exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
If you think you might be at risk for developing a gambling disorder, consider taking the free two-minute quiz to gauge your risk. Pause Before You Play also has an entire toolkit dedicated to raising awareness about sports betting and the risks that can come with it, as well as a list of various resources and anonymous support groups for individuals who might need help.
Lastly, trained and understanding operators at the completely confidential Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline are available to answer calls from individuals experiencing gambling-related harms. Call the free, 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741. Ohio also now offers virtual telehealth services at no cost through the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network.