Sports Betting: How to Know If You've Crossed the Line

What happens in the brain when someone gambles and scores a big win?

Gambling can impact the area of our brain that releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical that is related to pleasure and reward. Research studies have linked gambling disorders to variations in brain regions, specifically the striatum and prefrontal cortex, both of which are involved in reward processing, stress, and social and emotional problems. 

How are problem gambling and gambling disorder similar to other addictions?

Similar to substance-use disorders, gambling disorder involves growing impairment in one’s life, preoccupation with the addictive behavior, increased tolerance, withdrawal and continuing the behavior despite problems that are caused by the continued gambling. Gambling also involves stimulating the brain’s reward system, as does substance use.

Are gambling apps more addictive than traditional forms of gambling?

I can’t say definitively that this is true, however we do know that access to gambling has increased rapidly with many gambling apps and all the marketing being done for sports betting and video game-based betting. We also know that being on our phones and scrolling gives us dopamine surges and can be addictive without gambling. So, add in gambling on the phone, and I could see a potential for increased issues with problem gambling.

Are there ways to “safely” experience the highs of gambling without developing compulsive gambling behavior?

Many people will be able to gamble casually, and this won’t lead to an addiction or problematic behavior. Most casual gamblers will stop when they are losing or set a limit on how much they are willing to lose. However, people who are predisposed to addiction, impulsive behavior, or may have underlying conditions (e.g., trauma, mental illness, substance-use disorder, etc.), may be more vulnerable to developing problematic gambling. 

This is not to say that if you fall into one of those categories, you can’t gamble. However, being more vulnerable to developing problematic gambling might mean that it is worth it to find other alternatives to seeking the highs of gambling. For example, instead of seeking excitement and adrenaline from gambling, engage in a sport or hobby like rock climbing. Instead of using gambling to be more social, volunteer or join a support group to foster connection. To seek relief from unpleasant emotions, loneliness or boredom, seek out counseling or find out what you’re passionate about and do that, or learn something new!

What are the signs of problematic gambling to look for?

• Preoccupation with gambling (e.g., planning or scheduling your day around when you can gamble; constant planning of gambling activities; constant planning of how to get more money for gambling; etc.);

• Needing to increase the frequency of gambling and/or needing to increase the amount of money to get the same thrill/high;

• Trying to decrease or control gambling, without success;

• Feeling irritable or restless if you try to cut down your gambling;

• Using gambling as an escape from life and difficult emotions;

• Gambling more and more to try to get back lost money (“chasing losses”);

• Losing relationships or having the gambling impact your relationships and/or job in negative ways;

• Asking others for money or for help bailing you out of financial trouble because of gambling;

• Lying to loved ones or being secretive about your gambling in order to hide the extent of your gambling;

• Gambling even when you don’t have the money; and

• Stealing or selling things for gambling money.

What are helpful next steps if you or someone you care about is struggling with problematic gambling or a gambling disorder?

I recommend seeing a mental health professional and/or joining a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous.

It’s important for people struggling with problematic gambling to address the underlying causes of the behavior. What are the triggers? Are you gambling to numb out or avoid unpleasant feelings? Does it happen when you feel lonely or you’re looking for a way to self-soothe? 

Working with a therapist to address problematic gambling and the function it serves will be a meaningful step toward regaining your life. Skills you might work on in therapy include healing relationships, stress management, putting finances in order, emotional regulation, building distress tolerance and incorporating mindfulness and other relaxation tools into your daily routine. 

Other tools for decreasing problem gambling might involve setting an alarm or timer to remind you of how long you’ve been gambling, or not gambling alone/having someone to hold you accountable.

Ultimately, involve family and friends. You don’t have to go through this alone. Addiction thrives in secrecy, so talking about it and getting support are the biggest steps.