Now is a Dangerous Time in the Sports Betting Calendar

As the NBA and NHL playoffs have come to a close, and the college football and NFL seasons remain a couple of months away, many sports bettors find themselves searching for new sports to satiate their cravings for the regular rush of sports betting action. Some therefore turn to sports with which they are less familiar. Whether it’s baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, or this year’s summer Olympics, the experimentation of betting on new sports can be risky and potentially lead to gambling problems.

Here, we’ll cover why the “dog days of summer” can be a dangerous time to bet, how to avoid dangerous betting behaviors the next couple of months, responsible gaming tips to keep in mind during this period and where to find problem gambling support if you or someone you know ever needs them. 

Why is this a dangerous time for sports bettors?

When the NBA and NHL seasons end, avid sports bettors often look for other sports to fill the void. Baseball, with its daily games, myriad of betting options and daily promos becomes an attractive alternative for many, as they prefer to focus on the one “big-four” sport in season. However, the unfamiliarity with the intricacies and nuances of baseball and other summer sports can lead to ill-advised betting decisions and larger losses than thought possible.

• Lack of Knowledge: Many bettors may not have the same level of understanding or expertise in baseball (MLB) as they do with NFL, NBA, NHL or college football. This can result in poor betting choices and increased losses. 

For instance, unlike other sports, baseball has a different starting pitcher every game. So, just because two teams have vastly different records, a particular pitching matchup can tip the scales in the favor of a worse overall team on any given day. Additionally, the run line (baseball’s version of the spread) will almost always be 1.5, due to the nature of the sport, and the team who is favored by 1.5 will almost always be at plus-money (+) odds to cover the run line. Betting the run line in baseball can be much trickier than betting a spread in football or basketball, but much more similar to betting a hockey spread. 

Baseball is also a sport of major variance. No matter how star-studded a team is, they aren’t going to go 162-0 over the course of the season. Every team loses, and any team can beat any other on any given day. So even if, for example, the Dodgers are a heavy -325 favorite on the money line, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be victorious. 

• Increased Frequency: Baseball's daily schedule through a 162-game season offers countless betting opportunities, at times tempting bettors to place more frequent wagers, often without adequate research.

• Chasing Losses: With more games available daily across multiple time zones, bettors have additional chances to “chase losses” by placing additional or larger bets in hopes of recovering previous losses, which can lead to a dangerous cycle and compounding losses.

• Emotional Betting: The absence of familiar sports can lead to emotional or impulsive betting, rather than selective, strategic and informed decisions.

How to avoid dangerous betting behaviors in the summer

To mitigate the risks associated with betting on unfamiliar sports, consider the following strategies:

• Limit Betting Frequency: Set a cap on the number of bets you place each week to avoid overindulgence.

• Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the sports you plan to bet on. Baseball, golf, tennis and many Summer Olympics events have nuances and betting markets that require careful studying. Research is likely needed to understand the rules, strategies and key considerations before placing a bet on one of these sports.

• Set a Budget: Determine a specific amount of money you're willing to risk and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.

• Take Breaks: Give yourself regular breaks from betting to maintain a clear and focused mindset. There needs to be a balance between gambling and other activities.

• Avoid Chasing Losses: Accept losses as part of the betting process and resist the urge to try to win them back with additional wagers.

Responsible Gaming tips for this time of year

Here are some tailored responsible gaming tips for the summer, when MLB is the primary big-4 sport being played:

• Stay Informed: Follow MLB news and updates to make more informed betting decisions. Injuries to star players, rest days, weather, trades, pitching matchups and so many more factors can influence betting strategy for a given game.

• Diversify Your Activities: Get outside and be present! Engage in other hobbies and interests to prevent over-focusing on betting.

• Use Betting Tools: Utilize betting aids such as odds comparison websites (example: OddsJam), and betting calculators to make sure you’re getting the best odds available. It may not seem like a notable difference to bet -115 odds instead of -110, but those differences add up in the long term.

• Monitor Your Behavior: Keep track of your betting patterns and be aware of any signs of Problem Gambling.

• Seek Support: If you feel your betting is becoming problematic, talk to friends or family or seek professional help.

How to find Gambling Addiction treatment

If you or someone you know is struggling with Gambling Addiction, it’s important to seek help immediately. Treatment options like Birches Health are available and can provide the necessary support to help overcome problematic gambling behaviors.

• Professional Counseling: Seek out therapists or counselors who specialize in Gambling Addiction. Birches has a dedicated team of counselors with decades of experience. Once you take the BH self-assessment and determine the need for care, you will get set up with a plan tailored to your unique situation. Birches delivers services online, so patients can enjoy treatment from the comfort of home.

• Support Groups: You could also attend group sessions like Gamblers Anonymous for peer support and hearing about shared experiences.

• Hotlines: Utilize national or local gambling helplines for immediate assistance and guidance.

• Online Resources: Many websites offer resources, self-help tools and forums for individuals seeking help with Gambling Addiction. The Birches Blog is updated daily with helpful articles full of expert advice.

If you believe you or someone you know could benefit from learning more about the Birches Health offerings, you can call (833) 483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com.