Gambling addiction is often only associated with casino games: after all, casino games are “pure” games of chance. Unfortunately, however, betting on sports can also take on pathological, sick forms. You can become psychologically dependent on sports betting, and you should always keep this risk in mind. Yes, as fun as betting on sports at bookmakers or at cozy local betting shops can be, gambling addiction can be just as dangerous and uncompromising. It knows no pity and makes no distinction between people. I will also list the tips that can be used as preventive methods against pathological sports betting.
Adhere to strict bankroll management
This term, which came from the financial sector, means managing the betting budget (bankroll). You must definitely set a certain betting budget that you cannot exceed under any circumstances. Strict bankroll management is the most important basis for financial discipline in sports betting.
In addition to a bankroll, you should definitely use a system for calculating individual bets, e.g. calculating with staking units (1/3, 2/3, 3/3). Or you can also use the dynamic bet method, as well as the Kelly formula, Martingale, Oscar Grind strategy, etc. The only important thing is that you stick to limits and follow the system.
Set stop-loss limits and other limits
Several online bookmakers already offer this option: when you log in to a bookmaker, you can activate automatic notifications and stop-loss limits. These options prevent you from spending more than planned on one bet or several bets.
The limits must be set in advance on the account page. Stop-loss means that you are automatically logged out if you exceed a certain limit (spend more). Or the system works in such a way that you can’t pay a cent more. Google sports betting providers that offer this function to players. Such measures are very successful in preventing gambling addiction.
Control your own gambling behavior
As a bettor, you should always be aware that there is a risk of gambling addiction. Analyze your own betting behavior and regularly ask yourself whether betting on sports is not becoming an addiction for you. The sign of addiction is constantly thinking about betting: you only think about sports betting and nothing else. Other symptoms are lies and social isolation.
It is also bad if you look for comfort in betting on sports. Real life presents us with more and more challenges, but real life is much more interesting than gambling. And if you avoid problems by gambling, it will not make the problems go away anyway. If you generally tend to escape from reality by means of addictions, it is also a bad sign that you have a tendency to become addicted to gambling.
Lead a varied life
The best strategy against gambling addiction is to lead a varied and interesting life. It is important to be busy with other tasks and to live a fulfilling life. If you are happy or at least more or less satisfied with your life, there is no reason for you to delve into the world of sports betting or casino games.
Summary
Gambling addiction is a very big problem for gamblers. As a bettor, you are also in a risk group. And you must be able to effectively overcome gambling addiction.