Gambling
Fall is finally here. A time of changing leaves, cooler weather, pumpkin patches, and America’s favorite pastime football. Now that football season is in full swing, I think it is important to speak to the topic of how legal sports betting may change the landscape in NC.
While online sports betting was made federally legal a few years ago, NC only recently legalized the activity earlier this year. This means, of course, that this is the first football season in which sports betting has been legal in NC. Given that gambling in other forms is not recognized as legally viable in most states, many people who engage in online sports betting are not fully aware of the risks of gambling. So when does gambling become a problem? Below are some key signs that your gambling habit may be an addiction.
You spend an inordinate amount of time gambling or engaged around activities that involve gambling such as doing research about games you're betting on or being involved in several different types of gambling activities at a time. A good gauge on whether or not the time spent gambling is excessive or not is to assess whether or not other activities such as household duties, leisure pursuits, social engagements, or work demands are being placed to the side in favor of gambling.
Your spending on gambling has gotten out of control. If you are having trouble keeping up with bills or other financial responsibilities in order to gamble, that is a clear sign of a problem. Even small transactions can add up very quickly and become unmanageable over time. Another clear issue around gambling involving finances is if you are beginning to feel “stuck” in a gambling habit because you have lost money and “need to earn it back.” Be sure to be cognizant of your spending around gambling and how it may be affecting the rest of your life.
Friends, family members, and/or coworkers have expressed concern about your gambling. This is especially a sign of addiction if you feel you need to hide your gambling from others due to fears of feeling judged or upsetting them in some way.
You’ve tried to stop gambling, but can’t stop. Along with this issue, a lack of enjoyment in gambling can also arise. Typically, gambling addicts will often report a feeling of “having” to gamble rather than “wanting” to, resulting in the loss of excitement that gambling once brought them.
The above examples are pretty clear signs that a gambling habit has turned into an addiction. If you or a loved one are being affected by a gambling addiction, you can reach out for help to the North Carolina Council Problem Gambling or the National Problem Gambling Hotline for assistance. Happy football season!
