Sports betting has become a popular pastime, but for many, it spirals into addiction with devastating consequences. From financial ruin to broken relationships, the risks are real. Here’s what to know about the signs, causes, consequences, and ways to prevent or recover from sports betting addiction.

Sports used to be just fun and cheering for your team. But now, many people also place bets while they watch. You pick a team, place a bet and hope to win. Sports betting can be exciting, but it can also become addictive. What starts as entertainment can quickly turn into something they can’t control. And when there’s addiction, there’s a problem.

What is sport betting addiction?

Sports betting addiction is a behavioural disorder marked by a continuous urge to bet despite negative outcomes. It happens when someone can’t stop, even if it harms their well-being, relationships, and responsibilities.

Signs you might be addicted

Betting with money you can’t afford to lose is a red flag. Some borrow, sell possessions or even steal to keep betting. Many also “chase losses,” wagering larger sums to recover what they’ve lost.

Emotional signs include guilt, shame, irritability, or depression after losses, and lying to loved ones about habits. Behavioural signs include secrecy, neglecting responsibilities, and prioritising betting over relationships or work. At its core, addiction shows when gambling takes priority over everyday life.

What can cause this addiction?

Though triggers may vary from one individual to another, potential causes of sport betting addiction include:

Easy access to betting: Readily accessible betting apps and websites make it easy to bet anytime and anywhere.

Excitement and thrill: The rush of fast-paced betting and potential wins makes people crave more.

Peer pressure: Friends or associates normalise betting and encourage others, even if they don’t fully understand the risks associated with it.
Belief in quick money: Many see betting as a “get-rich-quick” scheme, especially when they hear stories of big wins. This hope keeps them betting, even after many losses.

Chasing losses: Refusing to accept loss often deepens addiction, making some keep betting to try to win it back. This often leads to more losses and worsens addiction.

Lack of awareness: Many think betting is just fun or harmless until it becomes a habit they can’t stop.

Aggressive advertising: Betting companies use flashy ads, celebrity endorsements, bonuses and free bets to attract users, especially young people, making it hard to resist.

The consequences

Sports betting addiction can lead to serious and severe consequences.

Financial ruin. Many lose large amounts of money, incur heavy debts, lose assets and possessions, or resort to borrowing or theft. This affects their ability to pay for important things like food, rent, and other basic needs.

Mental health depreciation. Addicted gamblers often feel anxious, depressed, guilty, or hopeless. In severe cases, this can lead to thoughts of self-harm.

Relationships suffer. Friends and family may feel hurt, especially if the person lies, borrows money, or becomes distant. Trust is broken, and arguments become common. Some marriages or friendships collapse entirely.

Future opportunities. Addiction can damage careers, school performance, and reputations. What started as a fun game can turn into a serious problem that controls every part of life.

How to prevent it

To avoid sports betting addiction, prevention is key. Watch for early signs like constant betting, chasing losses, or neglecting other duties. Set limits on time and money spent. Seek healthy alternatives to manage stress, such as exercise or hobbies. Most importantly, seek professional help if you notice gambling habits becoming difficult to control.

Possible treatment options

Lagos-based psychologist Miracle Ihuoma recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which corrects unhealthy behaviours by challenging self-sabotaging thoughts.

Motivational interviewing is also effective, as it measures and strengthens a person’s willingness to quit. Professional support is vital for recovery.

Self-help techniques to combat the addiction

Overcoming a sports betting addiction can be challenging but achievable. What is vital is to take active steps to change your habit.
Practical steps include:

Have a budget and set limits. Decide what you can realistically afford to lose and stick to it. Some online betting platforms have features that allow you to set time and money limits.

Remove your card details from online betting sites and apps to reduce temptation.

Delegate finances. Consider temporarily handing control of your finances to a trusted family member or friend.

Avoid triggers like environments, social groups, venues, or apps linked to sports betting.

Challenge false beliefs. Acknowledge that gambling is based purely on luck/chance, not skill. Stop believing in “lucky streaks” and trying to win back your losses.

Delay the urge. When you feel the urge to bet, distract yourself with another activity until the craving passes.

Journal. Write down your feelings, triggers and the consequences of your betting. This can help you identify patterns and reinforce the negative impact gambling has on your life.

Talk to someone you trust. Confiding in a trustworthy and nonjudgmental friend or family member can relieve pressure and provide a foundation for building a recovery plan.

Find new hobbies. Replace betting with new and rewarding activities like sports, reading, or educational classes.

Join a support group. Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous or online forums provide a safe space to share experiences with others facing similar problems.

Tips for healthy sports betting

• Never chase your losses.
• Stake only what you can afford to lose.
• Don’t borrow to gamble; it often doesn’t end well.
• Don’t bet with someone else’s money.
• You don’t have to bet every time; it’s not a do or die affair.
• Remember: betting is not a source of income. Get a job if you don’t have one.