With football season kicking off, the excitement around sports betting is at an all-time high. Just as a football player chases the thrill of scoring touchdowns and winning games, gamblers seek a similar feeling from their bets.  However, these emotions can quickly become obsessive, leading to a vicious cycle. It’s important to understand the risks involved and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this potential danger.

The online sports betting industry is growing rapidly, reaching a total of $3.33 billion in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2024. While the football scene is popular, it isn’t the only sport to make a gamble on. People also wager on basketball, boxing matches, racing events, and more through various websites and apps.

So, how can you tell if sports betting has become problematic? When someone is dependent on sports betting, it is known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling. This is a behavioral disorder that produces an uncontrollable urge to place bets, regardless of the consequences. Not only are finances at risk but these behaviors can lead to a decline in overall mental health, such as mood swings, anxiety, and even depression.  

Here are the signs and symptoms of gambling disorder to watch out for:

• Obsessive Thinking: This involves constant thoughts about betting, obsessively analyzing past games, and coming up with strategies for future bets. This type of focus can interfere with concentrating on anything outside of gambling.
• Increasing Bets: Once a smaller bet loses its excitement, individuals will gradually raise the amount of money wagered to achieve the same level of adrenaline rush or to recover previous losses.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing betting activities and making them a priority over personal, professional, and social duties. This could include skipping work, postponing important tasks, and sacrificing relationships with family and friends.
• Chasing Losses: Not being able to come to acceptance with a loss can result in an uncontrollable urge to place bets in an attempt to recover money that was previously lost. This cycle can lead to even greater financial losses and risky behavior.
• Decline in Mental Health: Just like substance abuse, gambling influences the brain’s reward system, triggering emotional responses from winning streaks, losses, and the frustration of being unable to place a bet.  

Be responsible and take control of your emotions while sports betting. Before placing a bet, set time and money limits, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Many popular gambling platforms like DraftKings offer tools to set budgets, limits, and cool-off periods. Make sure to utilize these resources and find a healthy balance for other activities during game season. Self-control is key to safer play—win responsibly and accept your losses, because, at the end of the day, it’s all for entertainment.  

If you or someone you know is struggling with unhealthy gambling, help is available. CADS offers prevention and treatment resources for adolescents and adults who may be dealing with a gambling disorder. Please see below for more information.

CADS Iowa Gambling Prevention and Treatment Services: (563) 823-4500

Iowa Gambling Treatment Program: 1-800-BETS OFF

The CADS Prevention Department can provide Scott County residents with the following problem gambling-related services:

• College Campus Policy Toolkits
• Social & Charitable Gaming Venue Toolkits
• 1-800 BETS OFF material distribution
• One-time presentations focused on problem gambling (Target Audience: casino employees, adults 21+)

If you or a loved one is at risk, click here to take our online assessment.

Read more from CADS:

1. Save a Life with Help from CADS

2. Practice Firework Safety with These Tips from CADS

3. How the Quad Cities Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is Making a Difference in Our Community