Sports Betting & Drug Use, Misuse
For sports fans, sports betting can add some extra excitement to a big game. A national survey found that nearly 20% of Americans had bet on sports within the past 12 months. Sports betting can be a way for fans to root for a favorite team or socialize with family and friends. While it can be a fun and harmless recreational activity, sports betting can also lead to problems if it spirals out of control. When sports betting becomes difficult to manage, it can resemble the signs of substance misuse and turn self-destructive.
Research has shown a link between dealing with gambling problems and illicit drug use, including marijuana use. Because sports betting can be a stressful activity, people may choose to use drugs to manage their stress. Additionally, prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use can impair decision making, which could lead to making riskier bets. This is important information for Service members because they tend to have higher rates of gambling when compared to the public. One study of active-duty Service members found they were almost twice as likely to have a gambling addiction when compared to civilians.
Similarities Between Gambling Disorder and Drug Use and Misuse
As a Service member, it’s important to know the signs of a gambling disorder so you can stop and get help when you need it. Some signs of a sports betting addiction share similarities with signs of prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use. These include:
- Engaging in betting more frequently than planned
- Experiencing anxiety or irritability when unable to bet
- Lying about betting activities
- Facing financial problems due to betting
- Neglecting work or relationship responsibilities to bet
And if you’re looking for tips to bet on sports more responsibly, check out the table below.
| Tips | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Set a budget | Set a budget for yourself before you start. Once you have reached that amount, stop betting. |
| Don’t chase losses | If you are losing money, don’t try to win back the money you lost. This may result in an even bigger loss. |
| Don’t bet if you have a history of addiction | If you have previously had issues with addiction or drug use/misuse, betting is not a good idea. |
| Know the odds | Know the odds of you winning and losing. This can help you decide how much money you are willing to risk and when it is time to stop. |
| Let betting apps work for you | Many apps have useful tools like betting history, time-out features and notifications to help you stay aware of your habits. Use these to keep yourself in check and help you maintain healthy practices. |
| Pre-plan your bets | Many apps allow you to preplace bets, prior to the event. Do this to avoid potentially making in-play bets, which can often be based on emotional response or impulse. |
| Keep your love for sporting events separate from gambling | Don’t let your love for the game mix with your betting tendencies. This will help you avoid blending your passion with gambling. |
| Create balance | Don’t overload your device with multiple betting apps. By limiting the number of gambling platforms, you reduce accessibility, minimize temptation, and allow yourself time to focus on other important parts of life. |
| Seek help, as needed | If sports betting interferes with your day-to-day activities, or impacts your work or personal relationships, it is time to seek help. |
For more information on the health and wellness impacts of sports betting, visit the Warfighter Wellness website .