How to Stop Sports Betting

Successful tips to understand your online sports betting problem.

As a result of new ways to bet online, Sports Betting has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Especially with the legalization of online gambling across more than 50% of US states and the rise of online gambling platforms now allowing more than 60% of Americans to gamble every year. The thrill of betting on your favorite sports team is intoxicating, but it can often lead to problem gambling behaviors and make it harder than ever to stop sports betting online. Online sports betting can even lead to financial ruin. If you or someone you know want to stop online sports betting, here are a few things to do to start your recovery.

Admit you have a problem

A first step to overcoming behavioral addiction is acknowledging that you or a loved one may have a problem worth considering. If you are looking to stop sports betting, it is often difficult to admit you have a problem. When you are struggling with something so present in life like online sports betting, taking action is necessary as the first step towards recovery. Recognize that online sports betting is not just a harmless activity but can lead to serious consequences, such as financial difficulties, strained relationships, and mental health issues.

Look to understand your unique situation by assessing and evaluating your behavior

An initial step to leaving online sports betting behind is seeking to deeply understand the specific behaviors that can trigger impulses leading to betting on sports event outcomes. As you begin to comprehend what impulses exist within your life, you, along with your network of relationships such as family, friends, colleagues, and clinical providers of gambling addiction, will be able to create support systems throughout your day to day. A great way to begin understanding your specific situation is by beginning to assess the severity of any gambling addiction or sports betting behaviors through customized problem gambling screeners. Birches Health offers a problem gambling quiz based on the gold standard clinically effective problem gambling assessment tools throughout the industry and calculated to help you or a loved one comprehend your gambling. Taking a quiz such as this assessment is quick and easy. The process is as follows:

1. Take a quick online quiz to be guided through a short sequence of questions that can assess the severity of any gambling addiction.

2. Our team will review the quiz results and recommend a customized treatment plan based on your answers

3. After you receive your results and free treatment plan, each individual can make the decision if they are ready to proceed onto next steps and have a conversation with a gambling counselor. If you do decided to proceed, our team will make sure that your course of treatment is fully reimbursed by insurance so there is no financial limits to starting and continuing gambling addiction treatment.

Seek professional help

Once you have recognized that you or a loved one may have a problem, seek professional help. Help can include counseling, therapy, peer support groups, or even residential treatment centers. A first step is having a conversation with a licensed provider who can evaluate your situation and make a clinical judgment to help you reach the best clinical outcomes. These resources can provide you or a loved one with the guidance and support you need to overcome your online sports betting addiction and regain control of your life.

Create a support system

Surround yourself with individuals who understand your struggle and can provide you with day to day and even on demand support. If a loved one is struggling with online sports betting, reach out to them. Let them know you are available to have a conversation and be supportive. Talk to friends and family about your decision to stop online sports betting, and even ask for their help in staying accountable. Joining a support group can also be beneficial, as you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Block access to online sports betting sites

If you are struggling with the temptation to place a bet, consider blocking access to online sports betting sites. Additionally, consider removing any apps or bookmarks related to online sports betting from your phone, computer, or gaming device.

Find alternative activities

One way to overcome sports betting addiction is to find alternative activities that involve non-online sports betting related actions. Pick up new hobbies that you might enjoy. Even better if they are outside such as exercising, reading, creating pottery or spending time with friends and family. It is important to find activities that give you a sense of fulfillment and happiness, and that you can continuously involve in your day to day life, rather than relying on online sports betting for entertainment.

Practice self-care

Taking care of yourself is essential when taking the first steps to stop online sports betting. Practice self-care by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation or yoga. Seek out professional help if you are struggling with mental and emotional health is always a great option and should be a result of your decision to stop online sports betting.

Track your progress by setting goals

Setting goals and tracking your progress can be a powerful tool when trying to stop online sports betting. Set achievable goals for yourself, such as going a week without placing a bet, and track your progress towards these goals. Celebrate your successes and be kind to yourself when you experience setbacks.

Online sports betting can be a dangerous and addictive pastime. But there are steps you can take to overcome your addiction. The first step is deciding to stop online sports betting, recognizing you have an online sports betting problem, and then understanding what steps need to be taken. Remember, recovery is a journey, and it is important to be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards a healthier and happier future.

Birches Health Can Help

Online Sports Betting ruins lives and quickly has disastrous consequences. It can destroy family and friend relationships as well as cause individuals to go into debt and worse. Birches Health connects sports bettors to licensed providers to ensure that gambling addicts and online sports bettors get the care they need. Reach out today to better understand how speaking with a trained gambling specialist can aid in your recovery journey.