Most people have a favorite sport – soccer, football, baseball, or basketball (among others). Many choose to participate in watching sports as entertainment or an excuse to get together with friends and family for some healthy competition. 

What is unhealthy, however, is when one’s love and dedication to a harmless form of entertainment becomes obsessive and money gets involved. Betting on sports and gambling on games can turn what used to be fun competition into problematic spending and even addictive behavior.

What is the problem with sports gambling?

Problem gambling is a serious issue that affects men, women, and their families and may have substantial consequences, including financial problems and emotional distress. It is characterized by an inability to control gambling behavior despite these adverse effects. 

In the United States, sports betting has become a popular form of gambling, particularly with the recent legalization of sports betting in many states. In Maryland, sports betting was legalized in November 2020 through a ballot measure approved by voters. This allowed for the expansion of sports betting in the state, including online and in-person options. 

According to statistics, Maryland residents have shown a strong interest in sports betting, with a significant amount of money being wagered on various sports events. In fact, in the first month of legal sports betting in Maryland, over $250 million was wagered on sports events.

“Maryland sports bettors wagered $384,687,982 in June, according to a report released on July 10 by Maryland Lottery and Gaming. While that was down 10.9 percent from May’s handle of $431,528,137 in a month-over-month comparison, it was a 51.1 percent increase from the $254,476,790 total in June 2023.”

While sports betting can be fun and exciting for many, knowing the risks of problem gambling is crucial.

What are the signs of problem sports betting?

Problem sports betting can have severe consequences for individuals and their loved ones. It is important to be aware of the signs of problems with sports betting to address the issue early on. 

Some common signs of problem sports betting include:

• Preoccupation with betting, including constantly thinking about past bets, upcoming games and/or strategies to win
• Chasing losses – Trying to recoup losses by placing more bets or increasing the amount of money wagered
• Lying about betting habits, including withholding information from friends and family about one’s gambling habits or being dishonest about where time/money is being spent
• Neglecting responsibilities as a result of prioritizing gambling over work, school or family/social obligations
• Borrowing money to gamble, including taking out loans or borrowing money from others to fund betting activities
• Irritability or restlessness when unable to place bets
• Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences like accumulating debt, experiencing relationship problems or engaging in additional unhealthy behaviors like increased drinking or substance abuse

Individuals who exhibit these signs need to seek help and support from loved ones, mental health professionals or gambling support groups. Problem sports betting can have serious financial, emotional and psychological consequences, but with the proper support, individuals can overcome their gambling issues and lead healthier lives.

Where in Maryland can I find gambling recovery programs?

Rehabilitation centers and residential treatment facilities are available in Baltimore and the surrounding area to provide intensive, round-the-clock care for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. At Pyramid Healthcare, we are pleased to provide two treatment facilities in California, MA: 

• California, MA Outpatient Treatment – Offering programs for men and women seeking treatment for alcohol use, opioid use disorder, methamphetamine use, problem gambling and co-occurring disorders
• California, MD Drug & Alcohol Residential Treatment Center – A long-term residential treatment and detox program for men, treating alcohol use disorder, opioid and other drug use, co-occurring disorders and problem gambling

Additionally, consider reaching out to the national hotline for problem gambling to speak to someone to help you discuss recovery options. The National Problem Gambling Helpline “serves as a one-stop hub connecting people looking for assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.” They can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER through text, call and even online through their chat services.

You may also want to consider the benefits of a support group to help feel supported and encouraged during this journey. Gamblers Anonymous holds routine meetings that provide peer support, gives a sense of community via like-minded men and women with similar goals and provides a sense of accountability and strength when times get challenging. 

Ready to get started?

If you are feeling the urge to conquer problems with gambling, Pyramid Healthcare is here to help. Contact us online anytime or by calling 301-997-1300 to learn more about our programs. By working with a counselor to craft a recovery program that is right for you, you will be on your way to wellness and healthy habits in no time.