Sports has the potential to be such a healthy experience for people, bringing them together and creating lasting memories. However, when it comes to gambling on sports games, there are significant dangers that often go unnoticed, particularly during high-stakes events like the World Series.
The World Series: A Prime Target for Gambling
The World Series is about to begin, and excitement is building for baseball fans everywhere. Players on both the New York Yankees and the LA Dodgers are playing the best they ever have in their careers, making every game a must-watch event.
However, during a big event like this, people will start checking the odds and placing their bets on who they think will win. It’s exciting but very harmful at the same time because if you’ve had issues with self-control in the past, this is a situation where vulnerability is at a high. This means you might really believe that a player will perform a certain way or a team will come out on top, which could lead you to completely forget about your responsibilities in life.
Triggers & Ease of Betting During the World Series
The rush of watching a high-stakes game can trigger powerful emotional and psychological responses, particularly during a major event like the World Series. Studies show that placing bets stimulates dopamine, the brain’s "feel-good" chemical, making the experience even more thrilling. However, this excitement can cloud judgment and encourage risky behavior, such as betting more to recover losses.
Additionally, it’s easier now than ever for someone to bet on games. You can download an app, load it with money and start betting. These apps make gambling feel more accessible and less harmful. Also, sports betting companies aggressively market "risk-free" promotions, especially around big events like the World Series, enticing even casual viewers to place bets on the "big-game."
If you prepare yourself, knowing these temptations will be present, you put yourself in a much better position and will not base your decisions on old habits.
Remember the big picture and what is important
The World Series is temporary, it only lasts a few weeks. Your life goes on once baseball is over, once the excitement and emotions fade away. It doesn’t really matter if Yoshi Tsutsugo pitches the game of his life or if Aaron Judge hits a home-run. Sure, you can get excited in the moment - that’s completely natural. But when you put money down because of a fantasy of what the future might be, that’s when you get yourself in trouble.
The voice inside your head might be saying, “It’s okay do it this one-time, it’s the World Series, this only happens once a year…"
That's a clear sign you’re on dangerous ground. This could lead you on a downward spiral that feels like it’s too hard to get out of. That is the voice which takes you too far. That's when you need to stop.
What is important is who you are after all the hype is gone. And who you are depends on the choices you make in the toughest of times. When you get that urge, make the call. You don’t need to succumb to the temptation - you are stronger than that.
Enjoy your sports, but make sure you do so in a healthy way for you and your family. Remember, don't let the excitement of a game cloud your judgment—stay grounded in what really matters: your life, your family, and your well-being.
At Algamus, we understand the toll that gambling addiction can take, especially during high-stakes games like the World Series. With over 27 years of dedicated service in gambling addiction treatment, we are here to help you navigate through these challenges. If you or a loved one needs support contact us today for a free consultation.
At Algamus, we understand the toll that gambling addiction can take, especially during high-stakes games like the World Series. With over 27 years of dedicated service in gambling addiction treatment, we are here to help you navigate through these challenges. If you or a loved one needs support contact us today for a free consultation.