You can simply visit betting sites not on GamStop and place bets on local and international sporting events.You can do this on your computer or even on your mobile phone. However, some people should completely avoid betting online. This article explains what sports betting addiction is and how to recognise its signs.
Sports betting addiction is when someone gets really hooked on betting on sports, to the point where they just can’t stop, even if it’s causing them problems that can really mess with their mental health and overall well-being.
Each day, the addicted person becomes more deeply involved, and eventually they completely lose control. They may end up losing everything they have—and even what they don’t have—on bets.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
It can be really hard for someone to see the symptoms in themselves, but it’s usually much easier for others to notice. For example, if someone close to you is always betting on games, there are some clear signs to watch out for:
- Constant Desire to Bet - A strong urge to always place bets, predict outcomes, and analyse even when a person has no money for betting.
- Neglect of Other Life Tasks - A lack of time for other important life activities, as all time is consumed by betting.
- Strong Desire to Win Back Losses - A strong drive to recover losses after an unsuccessful bet, which sooner or later leads to even greater losses.
- A Sense of Misery Due to Constant Failures and Lost Money - This can affect loved ones, as the addicted person may become aggressive, irritable, and spend excessive amounts of time and money on their habit.
- Loan or Credit - A person with gambling addiction may take out a loan or credit for the first time in order to place a sports bet.
- Insomnia - Difficulty sleeping due to a failed prediction or thoughts about an upcoming match during the night.
Stages of Gambling Addiction in Sports Betting
We’ve covered the symptoms, so now let’s look at the stages of gambling addiction:
- Euphoria: Pure enjoyment from the game, with positive emotions, even if there’s no win.
- Losses: This is where the addiction starts to take hold. The euphoria fades, and the mind begins to calculate the losses. There’s a strong urge to win back the lost money as quickly as possible.
- Disappointment: The gambler begins to realise that betting isn’t a way to make money,, but they still can’t stop, clinging to the hope of recovering what’s been lost.
- Despair: At this stage, the person has lost all other interests in life. All they want is to feel that euphoria again.
When you start betting, keep an eye on yourself. If you notice excessive emotional reactions in your behaviour, it’s better to avoid this form of entertainment. If a gambler reaches the third stage of addiction, they will likely need professional help to overcome the condition.
Why Do People Get Addicted to Sports Betting?
People often don’t realise when they’ve become addicted to betting. They keep playing, increasing their bets in the hope that a big win will cover all their losses. Instead of stopping after a loss, they try to win back what they’ve lost. Gambling becomes their main source of income and joy.
The pull of gambling comes from the rush of adrenaline and endorphins that a person feels after placing a bet. It creates a brief sense of happiness that lasts for minutes or even hours. This effect is similar to a drug addiction. When certain factors are present, vulnerable individuals can quickly become dependent on this "dose." What might start as a simple interest can easily turn into a serious addiction, destroying families and careers. It’s only later that people begin to think about how to quit sports betting.
The development of gambling addiction is usually linked to psychological factors. Here are the main causes:
- The addiction often affects lonely people with a weak mental state, who are unhappy with their life and social standing.
- Some people are more genetically inclined to develop addictions.
- The addiction can be triggered by other harmful habits, such as drug addiction or alcoholism.
- A strong urge to make quick easy money without putting in much effort. Bookmakers exacerbate the situation by exploiting this desire for easy money, advertising high odds and promising “quick cash.
- Some people have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which makes them more prone to repetitive behaviours, including betting.
- Changes in hormone levels can also play a role.
- Life changes or a sense of dissatisfaction can drive people to seek comfort in betting.
- Growing up around people who gamble can influence behaviour too.
- People without a clear goal in life may turn to gambling as a form of escape.
Treatment of Gambling Addiction
Overcoming addiction often requires medical intervention, and doctors use various methods in their work.
The first step is to completely stop betting. It's important not to deceive yourself or others by merely reducing the "dose." You have to avoid betting completely. Psychotherapy may help in combating psychological dependence.
During psychotherapy, one of the doctor's tasks is to build the patient’s trust in both the treatment and the doctor themselves. If the patient doesn’t agree or isn’t willing to address the problem, the treatment becomes significantly more challenging. The patient's trust in the doctor is one of the key factors in successfully treating addiction.
However, since the urge to bet on sports and gambling addiction often develop alongside other psychological issues, the doctor must address the underlying cause. This may involve medications such as antidepressants, sleep aids, mood stabilisers, and other therapeutic treatments. The specific course of medication is determined by the doctor.
Rehabilitation centres employ professionals who develop a step-by-step treatment plan and closely monitor the patient's condition. With their help, gambling addiction can be overcome quickly and safely. However, no medical centre can guarantee that the patient will quit the addiction forever after treatment. The future of the individual depends on their own efforts.