Parlays, Pressure, and Addiction - The Risks of Modern Sports Betting
As the popularity of sports betting surges with the NFL playoffs, college football playoffs, and ongoing basketball and hockey seasons, experts are raising alarms about the rise in gambling-related issues.
NFL playoffs boost risks of gambling addiction, according to experts.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The convenience of mobile betting and the appeal of high-stakes wagers, such as parlays and micro-bets, are drawing more people into the world of gambling, but with increased participation comes a heightened risk of gambling addiction and related problems.
Addressing Harassment in Sports Gambling
Abdullah Mahmood, a gambling addiction specialist at Maryhaven, warns that how individuals react to losing or placing a bet can be an indicator of a larger issue:
Now more than ever, people are getting skin in the game. They're placing more and more bets and experiencing more problems associated with gambling.
Parlays, one of the most addictive forms of betting, operate similarly to playing the lottery, requiring participants to predict multiple outcomes to win. The rise of micro-betting, which allows wagers on specific plays or moments within a game, adds another layer of immediacy and risk. Mahmood notes that this trend has led to a troubling increase in aggression and harassment toward student-athletes, particularly when bets do not go as planned.
Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, highlighted these concerns during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. While mobile betting platforms offer tools for responsible gambling, such as personalized limits and self-exclusion options, the technology also amplifies risk factors. Whyte emphasized that gambling problems have grown significantly over the past six years, particularly among young male online sports bettors.
In Ohio, proactive steps are being taken to address these issues. The Casino Control Commission has banned bets on individual athletes and introduced the "More Than a Bet" campaign to provide resources for students and athletes facing gambling-related harassment. These measures aim to protect the mental health of those affected by the growing gambling culture.
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A Call for Responsibility and Awareness
Mahmood stresses that behaviors like agitation, anger, or annoyance directed at athletes due to betting losses signal deeper problems:
It’s not just about bets anymore. It’s impacting the mental health of students and athletes as well.
As playoffs approach, addiction specialists urge gamblers to remain vigilant, gamble responsibly, and watch for warning signs of addiction, including lying about losses, chasing losses, or becoming preoccupied with betting. Responsible gambling ensures that the excitement of sports remains just that—entertainment, not a harmful obsession.
RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling
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