Sports gambling is often compared to the stock market. Like the stock market, there is a get-rich-quick myth associated with sports betting. And while it's fun to dream big, the reality, of course, is much less rosy.
For virtually all sports gamblers, as for virtually all stock market speculators, financial gains are almost always small, slow, and long term. Sports gambling is a high-risk activity, and is not for everyone. Painstaking research and careful planning can and often do mean nothing in the face of a streak of simple bad luck. The gains and losses, ups and downs of gambling are simply a fact of life, and those downs have to be dealt with.
Many people are able to gamble regularly, as a hobby or as a career, with no difficulty. By controlling both the amount of money and the amount of time they spend at it, they keep their gambling activities from affecting other areas of their life. They ensure that they can afford to lose the money they are risking before they place their bet.
Others, however, find that the rush and pleasure they get from gambling makes it difficult to know when to stop. They find they are often betting more than they should, and they start to rely on a future "big win" to make up for present losses.
When this behavior becomes a pattern that continues for any length of time, that person is at serious risk of being or becoming a compulsive gambler.
A compulsive gambler is described as a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any aspect of his or her life. Some of the warning signals include:
An inability to stop gambling whether winning or losing.
Constant vows to abstain.
Impatience with loved ones.
Fantasies of "this week's win" to overcome "last week's loss".
Neglecting responsibilities to concentrate on gambling.
Wide mood swings.
Lack of interest in social situations.
Suffering from a gambling problem or addiction is nothing to be ashamed of. Some people are more vulnerable to addictive behavior than others, in the same way that some people are prone to depression. In fact, recognizing that you have a problem and taking steps to deal with it is something to be proud of.
If you think you may be a compulsive gambler, you should speak to your family doctor or a community health organization as soon as possible. They can help you find the help you need. If you prefer, another very good idea is to contact your local chapter of Gamblers Anonymous. If you don't know where the nearest chapter is, check their Web page: Gamblers Anonymous.
The only requirement for joining Gamblers Anonymous is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership; they are self-supporting through their own contributions. Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political party, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Their primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.
Remember: You can't win if you're not in control.
For virtually all sports gamblers, as for virtually all stock market speculators, financial gains are almost always small, slow, and long term. Sports gambling is a high-risk activity, and is not for everyone. Painstaking research and careful planning can and often do mean nothing in the face of a streak of simple bad luck. The gains and losses, ups and downs of gambling are simply a fact of life, and those downs have to be dealt with.
Many people are able to gamble regularly, as a hobby or as a career, with no difficulty. By controlling both the amount of money and the amount of time they spend at it, they keep their gambling activities from affecting other areas of their life. They ensure that they can afford to lose the money they are risking before they place their bet.
Others, however, find that the rush and pleasure they get from gambling makes it difficult to know when to stop. They find they are often betting more than they should, and they start to rely on a future "big win" to make up for present losses.
When this behavior becomes a pattern that continues for any length of time, that person is at serious risk of being or becoming a compulsive gambler.
A compulsive gambler is described as a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any aspect of his or her life. Some of the warning signals include:
An inability to stop gambling whether winning or losing.
Constant vows to abstain.
Impatience with loved ones.
Fantasies of "this week's win" to overcome "last week's loss".
Neglecting responsibilities to concentrate on gambling.
Wide mood swings.
Lack of interest in social situations.
Suffering from a gambling problem or addiction is nothing to be ashamed of. Some people are more vulnerable to addictive behavior than others, in the same way that some people are prone to depression. In fact, recognizing that you have a problem and taking steps to deal with it is something to be proud of.
If you think you may be a compulsive gambler, you should speak to your family doctor or a community health organization as soon as possible. They can help you find the help you need. If you prefer, another very good idea is to contact your local chapter of Gamblers Anonymous. If you don't know where the nearest chapter is, check their Web page: Gamblers Anonymous.
The only requirement for joining Gamblers Anonymous is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership; they are self-supporting through their own contributions. Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political party, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Their primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.
Remember: You can't win if you're not in control.
