Expert Gambler
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Gamblers served since 2014
Author: Jeff Knight
Pro Gambler
Jeff Knight

Managing Addiction And Dependence

If you are an avid soccer fan, you enjoy a bit of horse racing or are a fan of any sport, and the chances are you know quite a lot about your chosen sport. It may be that you are an all-round sports buff or maybe you just like betting on sports. If you like your sports, the chances are you enjoy a bit of betting on the outcomes of games, matches, tournaments or races.

Many people now use a sports betting site to place their bets. It's easy to do on the go, it's instant, and the payouts are almost immediate as well. If you get it right, you can win big and the fact that you can bet on the outcome of multiple events, make it a much bigger attraction and thrill for some.

While most people will just bet on what they know about or a big national event, others will use it to make a regular income on the side and are frequent betters. They will place a wager every weekend or whenever there is a sports event on. In these cases, gambling can become a problem as they seek any old game, match or race to bet on.

In this guide, you will learn:

  • How betting on sports can become a problem
  • About staying in control of your money
  • Where to go for any help with your issues

How Can I Stay in Control

Many people now use a sports betting site to place their bets. It's easy to do on the go, it's instant, and the payouts are almost immediate as well. If you get it right, you can win big and the fact that you can bet on the outcome of multiple events, make it a much bigger attraction and thrill for some.

Choose Your Sportsbook Carefully

There are many sportsbooks available, and some are better known than others. Nearly all of them offer welcome bonuses and the promise of big wins, but it is essential to distinguish what you are getting for your money and be familiar with the terms and conditions.

Don't Spend More Than You Can

Being able to afford to lose anything is a luxury for many but if you are going to have a flutter on the outcome of the game this weekend for instance, then make sure you don't bet more than you can afford to lose.

Watch Out For Favourable Odds

Just because the odds are favourable, remember that anything can happen and nothing is guaranteed. Betting your entire monthly budget because you believe it is a dead cert is no good if a horse falls, or your favourite team gives away a penalty. You could find yourself heavily out of pocket betting on the next game to try and recoup your losses.

What Signs Should I Look For

Responsible Gambling

If you only bet when your team are playing or if there is a sporting event that you bet on annually, the chances are that you are not going to have a problem. It is when you lose big on a game, or you tell yourself that you can't lose, and you do, that you may want to heed the warning signs. One game can become another, the odds get longer and longer and desperation sets in.

Before you know it, you are looking for absolutely anything that you can bet on to try and win back your losses as you double up your bets to try and win. What started as a harmless bet on a game that you usually win on, can soon turn into something that becomes a downward spiral and that ends up costing you more than you can afford to lose.

How to Prevent Problem Gambling

To prevent problem Sports Betting, there are many steps you can take. Firstly, make sure you only bet with what you can afford to lose. Limit your betting to events that you know a lot about. If you don't know anything about cricket, how can you expect to win? Don't bet on the underdog just because the odds are more favourable.

When it comes to horse racing, if you bet on a 3-legged donkey at 100-1 just because the odds are long, there is one sure-fire outcome. If you are going to bet, do so because you know enough about it. Don't think it is a quick way to make some money to pay for your weekend.

Know when to walk away. If you lose, don't bet again to try and win. Reversing your fortunes is not that easy. An accumulator is an excellent way to make your money go further but ensure that you only bet small amounts as the odds are longer for a reason. When you find yourself going outside of the realms of what you would usually bet then it is time to stop.

Where Can I Seek Help

Recognising or admitting that you have a problem is the first step in the road to getting help with a problem with sports betting. Once you have done that you can get the necessary support. If you feel that you don't want to discuss it with friends or family and want to seek more professional help then there are sites that you can turn to:

Problem gambling is hard to discuss as it can bring with it some feelings of guilt, shame and often worse. It is essential to address these issues and get help as soon as possible however you choose to do so. It can also lead to debt and financial difficulty, so it is vital to seek the right advice for your particular situation.

We are not saying that all gambling will lead to a problem, just that you should gamble responsibly and only play with what you can afford to lose to ensure that you get the most enjoyment out of your experience.

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