Is Horse Racing Addictive? 

There are mixed feelings on whether horse racing is addicting. Betting on horse races has exploded due to the popularity of the Kentucky Derby and online gambling apps. Fans closely follow these races and bet throughout the season. 

Sports betting is similar to gambling except that betting is about placing a wager on the game with predetermined outcomes and chances. Gambling is a term that refers to casinos, slot machines, and table games. Gambling apps have also boomed in popularity over the past few years. 

Jay Cronley shared his thoughts on horse racing in an op-ed for ESPN.com. He shared a story about a friend who visited a clinical psychologist. That man’s addiction to horse racing led to his financial issues and problem gambling. 

However, not all gamblers behave the same. Some individuals who are horse racing are more conservative and methodical with their approaches, while others get depressed after losing. 

The clinical psychologist found something similar about these individuals. They all have an issue with losing. Their only desire is to win. But Cronley claimed these people aren’t problem gamblers, they’re just “stupid.” But you’re not stupid and gambling is a serious issue.

This is a common misconception that most people have about gamblers. They don’t understand the severity of this addiction. This line of thinking makes it hard for someone to admit they have a problem and get the help they need. 

All in all, betting on horse racing can be a fun activity when it's done in a sustainable, healthy way. However, it can develop into a gambling problem when some can’t control the urge to bet.

Causes of Horse Racing Gambling Problem

Excessively betting on horse races is a compulsive problem. It can wreak havoc on your emotional, mental, and financial health. It can also lead to other negative consequences in your life. It might even lead to a fallout in your career and social life.  

Several factors can cause a gambling problem. That’s because it affects everyone differently. At first, the individual might be allured by the thrill of winning money. They experience highs and lows during their experience. 

The Kentucky Derby established a status symbol with horse racers and gamblers. It’s commonly associated with professional gamblers. Most of them aren’t problem gamblers because they take this profession seriously. 

Unfortunately, that’s not the case for everyone. Once the gambling addiction develops, it can be hard to break. Triggers can occur when the individual is desperate to recoup what they lost. 

Win they win, they accumulate money from that win. However, they will use that money to bet on future horse races. Most problem gamblers don’t do it to fix their financial situation. Instead, they end up in dire straights. 

There are also several reasons as to why someone would continue gambling. They rely on this activity to escape the stress and pressures of daily life. Also, society normalized sports betting and gambling. 

This makes it hard for addicts to get the help they need. Problem gamblers have chemical changes in their brains similar to those addicted to drugs and alcohol. They become dependent on sports betting or gambling to fulfill their emotional or psychological needs. 

Signs & Symptoms of Horse Racing Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is similar to other behavioral addictions like gaming addiction and internet addiction. It’s not the addiction itself that’s the problem. Rather, it’s the behavior. Common signs include the following:

• Struggling to control horse racing betting

• Feeling secretive about gambling habits

• Placing bets on horse races even when you can’t afford to

• Your friends and family are concerned about your addiction

• Feeling frustrated or angry whenever you attempt to control or quit horse races

The biggest sign of a gambling addiction is the inability to stop. You might think it’s okay to bet on one more race. Or, you might feel anxious about not gambling again. If you think this way, you might have a gambling problem. 

If someone you know has a gambling addiction, address these signs with them. Don’t use this time to judge them or scold them. Let them know how their addiction has impacted your life. You can also contact us to get started on recovery. 

Consequences

At first, betting on horse races may seem fun and innocent. But if you’re addicted to gambling, you could face serious consequences. Some of those consequences include: 

• Bankruptcy 

• Destruction of personal relationships 

• Financial issues

• Homelessness 

• Job loss 

• Mental health problems

• Substance abuse

Excessive gambling can lead to emotional distress. You might develop mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Losing everything is so embarrassing and devastating that it could lead to feelings of hopelessness. 

Help for Horse Racing Problem

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly suggested for someone with a horse racing problem. It allows you to change your thoughts and beliefs with gambling. Psychotherapy and similar treatments can also help address root trauma or the underlying problem. 

Gambling isn’t treatable with medication. But it can help treat the anxiety and depression that result from the addiction. Treating these disorders allows individuals to end their problems and return to a normal lifestyle.

Treatment can also take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. This depends on the severity of the addiction, and whether you suffer from substance abuse or co-occurring mental health problems. 

You can also get treatment at home. Birches Health has expert licensed professionals who are knowledgeable in horse racing gambling problems. You can schedule appointments around your schedule, from the comfort of your home. Take a free and confidential assessment today. 

Sources:

Betting vs Gambling

Horse Racing - Are we sick or just stupid?

Compulsive gambling - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic

Gambling Addiction