It’s Super Bowl weekend – millions of people are getting ready for the game. And getting ready to place a bet.
It is estimated that over $10 Billion dollars worldwide is bet on the Super Bowl. The bets aren’t just placed on a winning team or a winning spread, but on every detail of the game, from the length of the national anthem, the winner of the coin toss, or who has the best commercial. The Super Bowl is the single biggest betting event of the year, with an estimated 200 hundred million people making wagers.
Placing a bet in your office pool or at a friend’s party can be fun. But for some, it’s part of an addictive cycle. The gambling triggers and temptations around the Super Bowl for those coping with a gambling problem can make this Super Bowl Sunday a most difficult day.
In the state of Maryland, problem gambling affects approximately 150,000 adults and 50,000 youth (12-17).
If you are going to gamble, keep it safe:
- Do it for entertainment and don’t expect to win.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- If you lose, don’t place a higher bet next time to make up for it – never chase losses.
- Limit your time to gamble.
- Don’t mix drinking and gambling
Avoid gambling at high risk situations:
- Coping with grief, loneliness, anger or depression.
- Under financial pressure and stress.
- Recovering from mental health or substance use disorders.
- Using alcohol or other drugs.
- Under legal age to gamble.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with gambling, call us. Problem Gambling is a treatable addiction. We can help.
1-800-522-4700 24/7 confidential
