Key points:

• Sports betting and online gambling may increase around the holiday season due to stress and anxiety.

• A first step to stopping sports betting and online gambling is to understand at-risk behaviors by taking a behavior assessment.

• Resources are available to help you stop gambling.

New Beginnings: Better Understanding At-Risk Gambling and Sports Betting Behaviors in 2024

2024 is quickly approaching! And with the 2024 ball drop and the new year upcoming, we often brainstorm resolutions or ways to upgrade and enhance our lives. For individuals struggling with gambling disorder, this might involve embracing wise gambling habits for some, or perhaps choosing to quit gambling altogether. Stopping sports betting or practicing responsible online gambling is about staying in command. Among the best ways is to understand boundaries, make thoughtful choices, and be cognizant of the stakes and potential outcomes. For those eager to understand their sports betting and online gambling more: the onset of the 2024 New Year presents a perfect opportunity to embark on this path to recovery!

Tips and Tricks to Stop Sports Betting in the New Year

What constitutes wise gambling varies for each individual, yet certain core principles are universally applicable.

Budgeting: Set a clear budget for gambling, an amount whose loss won’t disrupt your daily life. Upon hitting a limit you are comfortable with, you might be recommended to stop.

Time Allocation: Dedicate a specific time slot for gambling and adhere to it. Ensure it doesn’t clash with your everyday duties and social interactions.

Knowledge is Power: Get to know the odds of your chosen games. Bear in mind, gambling is more about entertainment than a revenue source.

Retain the Fun Element: It should remain an enjoyable activity. If sports betting and online gambling are becoming a coping mechanism for emotional or financial issues, speak to a professional and consider taking a break and pausing your actions.

Recognize Red Flags: Problem gambling and gambling disorder can be stealthy. Look out for symptoms like chasing losses, borrowing for gambling, or its interference with your professional and family life.

Your Next New Year’s Resolution? Choosing to Better Understand Your Gambling and Sports Betting!

If halting gambling feels like the right path for you, here's how to integrate it into your New Year’s resolutions:

Confront the Issue: Admitting that gambling might be problematic in your life is the initial step towards change.

Seek a Support Circle: There’s no need to go it alone. Open up to friends and family, join groups like Gamblers Anonymous, or seek professional counseling.

Discover New Passions: Replace gambling with activities that bring you joy. This could be a new pastime, sports, or more quality time with family and friends.

Dodge Triggers: Steer clear of situations that tempt you to gamble. This may involve avoiding certain gatherings or blocking gambling sites.

Celebrate Your Progress: Set and celebrate achieving short-term goals, like a week or a month without gambling.

From Our Family to Yours: Final Thoughts as We Draw Closer to the New Year

Deciding to either gamble and sports bet responsibly or to quit entirely as a New Year's resolution can profoundly impact your life. The new year is a great time for individuals to better understand how to be a positive influence on themselves and others in their community: family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Remember, it is perfectly fine to actively seek help or even just to begin the conversation - numerous resources from conversations with a licensed, specialized clinician to digital resources are available to assist you throughout the new year.

As we embrace the New Year, let's do so with a focus on our wellness and joy. Whether you choose to gamble in moderation or to leave it behind, make it a resolution that matters.

Committing to responsible gambling or ceasing to gamble are impactful choices leading towards a more harmonious life. As the New Year unfolds, ponder on adopting one of these as your resolution. Change is gradual, and it's alright to progress step by step. Wishing everyone a balanced and fulfilling year ahead!