Sports betting addiction, also known as “sports gambling addiction”, is a compulsive
need to wager on sports despite repeated negative consequences. It is a behavioral
addiction - not a substance addiction - that shares many similarities with substance use
disorders, as it activates the brain’s reward system and causes a pleasant hormone
rush, reinforcing the desire to continue betting.
Many people initially engage in gambling in sports for lighthearted fun, but for some, it
spirals into an uncontrollable and damaging habit. The accessibility of online platforms,
mobile apps, and legal sportsbooks has unfortunately made it easier than ever to
develop an addiction to sports betting.
Signs and Symptoms of Sports Betting Addiction
Recognizing the telltale signs of a sports gambling problem is truly important for early
intervention and treatment.
The most common symptoms of sports betting addiction include:
- Constant preoccupation with sports betting and gambling
- Steadily increasing bet sizes to achieve the same thrill
- Lying to family and friends about gambling habits
- “Chasing losses” by placing more bets to recover lost money
- Borrowing money or experiencing financial issues due to gambling
- Neglecting work, relationships, or important responsibilities because of betting
If you or a loved one is exhibiting some of these signs, it may indicate an addiction to
sports betting.
How Sports Betting Turns into an Addiction
Sports betting addiction develops over time as the brain becomes dependent on the
excitement and fun of wagering. Some key factors contributing to addiction include:
- The illusion of control: Unlike other forms of gambling, sports betting gives
bettors a false sense that their knowledge and skill can influence outcomes - Immediate rewards: Quick payouts and frequent betting opportunities reinforce
negative and compulsive behavior - Emotional highs and lows: The cycle of winning and losing can create a
powerful, addictive rush of brain chemicals - Accessibility: With convenient mobile apps and online platforms, betting can
occur just about anywhere, anytime.
The JAMA Study: The Rise of People Searching for Gambling Help
A groundbreaking study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association
(JAMA) on February 17 th , 2025, highlights the direct correlation between the legalization
of sports betting and the surge in individuals seeking help for gambling addiction. The
study analyzed data from 2018 to the present, covering the period after the landmark
May 14, 2018, Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic
Association, which struck down the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to
regulate it individually. Since then, legal sportsbooks have expanded from just one state
to 38, leading to an unprecedented increase in sports betting activity.
Key Findings of the JAMA Study:
Here are some of the key findings of the JAMA study:
- Surge in Sports Betting Addiction Help Searches: States that legalized sports
betting saw a significant increase in online searches for sports gambling
addiction help. - Younger Demographics at Higher Risk: The majority of individuals seeking
assistance for gambling in sports were aged 18-34. - In-Game Betting Exacerbates Addiction: The rise of real-time, in-game betting
has fueled widespread impulsive gambling behaviors. - Mental Health and Financial Struggles: Those addicted to sports betting
reported notably higher rates of depression, anxiety, and financial struggles.
Why Does the JAMA Study Matter?
The JAMA study is significant because it provides empirical evidence that legalizing
sports betting has far-reaching consequences on public health.
Additionally, with sports betting advertisements becoming ubiquitous—airing during
prime-time sporting events, flooding social media, and even being endorsed by
celebrities—the temptation to gamble is stronger than ever. This level of exposure,
merged with the convenience of mobile gambling apps, has created an environment
highly conducive to sports betting addiction.
The JAMA study also reveals that sports gambling addiction is not limited to
experienced gamblers. Many individuals seeking help are first-time bettors who were
drawn in by promotions such as risk-free bets or matched deposit bonuses. The data
suggests that these coy marketing tactics play a significant role in accelerating gambling
problems, particularly among young adults who may not fully understand the risks
associated with compulsive betting.
The Need For Responsible Gambling Measures
The findings of the Jama study stress the need for improved responsible gambling measures,
including:
- Stricter advertising regulations to limit exposure to vulnerable populations
- Better self-exclusion programs to help problem gamblers regain control
- Increased funding for gambling addiction treatment and education initiatives
- Mandatory warnings on betting platforms about the risks of addiction
As the sports betting industry continues to grow, experts warn that without immediate
intervention, sports betting addiction statistics will only continue to rise. The JAMA study
serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and mental health professionals to address
the urgent need for comprehensive gambling addiction resources.
How Sports Betting Affects Mental Health
Sports betting addiction is more than just a financial issue; it has significant mental
health consequences, including:
- Depression and Anxiety: The stress of gambling losses and financial instability
can lead to real emotional distress. - Suicidal Ideation: Studies have shown that problem gamblers have higher rates
of suicidal thoughts compared to non-gamblers. - Relationship Struggles: Lying, secrecy, and financial problems caused by
addiction often lead to broken relationships and isolation. - Compulsive Behavior: Similar to substance addiction, sports betting addiction rewires the brain to prioritize gambling over essential life responsibilities.
Dangers, Effects, and Consequences of Sports Betting Addiction
Sports betting addiction carries a number of inherent dangers and consequences, such
as:
Financial Consequences
Accumulating debt from continuous losses, losing savings and financial security, and
even engaging in illegal activities to fund gambling
Social and Personal Consequences
Isolation from family and friends, job loss or decreased work productivity, and legal
troubles related to gambling debts
Psychological and Emotional Consequences
Increased stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, decreased self-esteem, and loss
of interest in hobbies and daily activities
How to Stop Sports Betting: Treatment Options
Recovering from a sports betting addiction needs more than just treatment for the
addiction itself, but a holistic care plan that identifies and targets the cause of the
addiction. Once the root of addiction is discovered and addressed, individuals can begin
to heal from the inside out.
There are several effective strategies and resources available to help individuals
overcome a sports gambling problem.
These include:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change harmful
thought patterns related to betting. It teaches gamblers how to develop healthier coping
mechanisms and resist urges to gamble.
2. Support Groups
Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA) offer peer support and a structured
recovery program for individuals addicted to sports betting.
3. Financial Counseling
Since gambling in sports often leads to severe financial consequences, professional
financial counseling can help individuals regain financial stability and manage debt.
4. Self-Exclusion Programs
Many states with legalized sports betting offer self-exclusion programs, allowing people
to voluntarily ban themselves from sportsbooks and online gambling sites.
5. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Some people can benefit from medication that helps regulate impulse control and
reduce gambling cravings. Naltrexone, for example, has shown promise in reducing
gambling urges.
6. Family Therapy
Because addiction to sports betting affects loved ones, family therapy can help repair
relationships and build a supportive family environment for recovery.
7. Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques
Self-care practices like meditation, exercise, yoga and mindfulness therapy can help
reduce stress and prevent relapse.
Final Thoughts
The rise of legalized sports betting has led to an unprecedented increase in sports
betting addiction statistics, proving the urgent need for public awareness and
intervention.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a sports gambling problem, know that help is
available and there is always hope. Avenues Recovery Center provides expert
treatment and support to help individuals overcome sports betting addiction and regain
control of their lives. Contact us today to learn more about how to stop sports betting
and begin your recovery journey.
You can find your way home today.