Sports betting can cause and exacerbate anger issues in sports fans.
Verbal abuse of athletes, whether online or in person, is one manifestation of anger issues.
Sometimes the abuse rises to the level of death threats, as was the case with the recent retirement of an MLB manager. In some cases, bettors face criminal charges for the threats and lifetime bans from online sportsbooks.
In July 2025, a U.S. News survey found that at least 21% of sports bettors admitted to “verbally abusing” an athlete, whether on the internet or while they were at a sports event.
Just The Tip of Iceberg
The 21% figure represents only sports bettors who admit to verbal abuse. The percentage also didn’t include people who scream or use profanities toward athletes in private settings.
The real percentage of bettors who, in some way, issue verbal abuse toward athletes could be significantly higher. Still, 21% of gamblers is a disturbing admission from the sports bettor user base.
The sports betting survey did not ask about verbal abuse directed at friends or family. It also didn’t ask about threats against betting industry executives.
Why Sports Betting Triggers Anger
Losing money can be extremely unpleasant. Not all bettors have the same tolerance for monetary losses, but in general, no one likes to lose money.
Watching sports can be an emotional rollercoaster, whether or not money is on the line. Add in gambling, and you might have the toxic stew of emotions that causes anger.
Gambling involves ups and downs. Sometimes you go on hot or cold streaks.
The classic gambler’s fallacy is believing that a past outcome affects the odds of an independent outcome. Sports betting is also insidious because it encourages an overestimation of one’s skill in making predictions.
Sports outcomes can depend on human error. For example, a referee or umpire might make a bad call that ruins your bet. You’re not in control of what happens on the field or court.
Related: Is Sports Gambling Bad For Your Heart Health?
Domestic Violence High Among Gamblers
A 2024 study by University of Oregon economists Kyutaro Matsuzawa and Emily Arnesen analyzed FBI NIBRS data from 2011 to 2022.
They found that in states with legal sports betting, losses by a fan’s home NFL team led to about a 10% rise in intimate partner violence compared with states without legalized betting.
This research was the first known to establish a causal link between sports betting legalization and increased rates of domestic violence.
Sports betting can lead to emotionally volatile effects, including financial loss, on personal relationships. Very few sports bettors win money over the long run.
A recent New Zealand study also found that people struggling with problem gambling are more likely to abuse their children than people without a gambling addiction.
In extreme cases, bettors have threatened violence against casino executives.
Related: How Many Marriages End Because Of Gambling?
Anger Management Tips for Betting
At Gambling Harm, we always recommend avoiding sports betting if you can. Betting apps like DraftKings and FanDuel are designed to be addictive, which can cause you harm.
However, if you are betting, here are some general tips to help you manage your anger issues.
- Stay off social media following lost bets
- Don’t bet when you’re already upset, have had a bad day, etc.
- Set strict loss limits and time limits, and tell people close to you about them
- Practice breathing exercises before, during and after betting
- If you are inside, go outside, take a walk and get some fresh air.
- Seek support from therapy, a gambling coach, or help lines
That said, there may be little you can do to prevent flare-ups of your anger issues while you gamble on sports. Sports betting is habit-forming and addictive. Abstinence is the best solution if you can control your betting.
Bottom Line
If you are having thoughts of harming anyone, including yourself, because of gambling, you should seek immediate help. Don’t feel ashamed for needing help.
You can call 1-800-GAMBLER for 24/7/365 support.
You can also call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
The sooner you address your anger issues related to sports betting, the better your chances are of successfully stopping the behavior and recovering from the harm you’ve experienced.
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