Super Bowl Gambling Addiction
The Super Bowl, the most-watched sporting event in the United States and a growing spectacle internationally, is also an immensely popular gambling event.
Each year, millions of people place bets on the game, from the final score to the coin toss and many different wagers in between. For some people, betting can be interesting. However, for a great many others, it can become a problem or trigger a gambling addiction.
The Super Bowl, while so-called entertainment, can be a perilous time for those dealing with addiction. Widespread access to betting apps, aggressive marketing, existing emotional investment in NFL football and the cultural normalization of gambling create a risky mix.
Around 30-40% of online sports bettors experience problems, according to recent studies.
According to the gambling industry, 68 million Americans staked $23.1 billion on the 2024 Super Bowl, the first time the event was held in Las Vegas. Both figures were big increases over 2023.
At the time of the 2024 Super Bowl, about two-thirds of the U.S. population lived in a state that sanctioned and authorized the aggressive commercial promotion of sports gambling.
Most of those 68 million people gamble through state-sanctioned online gambling apps, which have many addictive features (such as push notifications). Many Super Bowl fans only bet with friends or through a pool or squares contest. As the online betting industry continues to grow, more of those so-called casual bettors will find online gambling apps.
Per a 2024 survey, two-thirds of NFL bettors have experienced losing more than intended.
Let’s dive into some of the serious issues with Super Bowl betting.
Glamorization of Super Bowl Gambling
The Super Bowl is not just a sporting event; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends football, drawing in both die-hard fans and casual viewers. The temptation to place a bet can be intense.
The proliferation of online betting mobile apps has made gambling more accessible. This easy access, coupled with aggressive marketing from sportsbooks, often glamorizes betting and downplays the addiction risks involved. Many celebrities promote gambling on the Big Game.
NBA legend LeBron James announced a partnership with an online gambling platform ahead of the 2024 Super Bowl, raising many eyebrows.
During the Super Bowl, the barrage of advertisements and promotions urging viewers to place bets can be overwhelming, particularly for those vulnerable to betting problems.
Dangers of Super Bowl Props
One unique aspect of Super Bowl betting that exacerbates the risk of addiction is the sheer variety of prop bets, many of which are branded as “fun” by media and influencers.
Unlike traditional bets that focus on the outcome of the game, prop bets can be placed on almost any aspect of the event, from the length of the national anthem to the color of the Gatorade poured on the winning coach. These bets can lure people into gambling who otherwise wouldn’t be interested in betting on the game.
These seemingly harmless bets can quickly prove costly, encouraging bettors to place numerous wagers, each feeding into potentially compulsive behavior that defines addiction.
The casual nature of prop bets can make them appear less risky, but they often serve as a gateway to more serious gambling.
The Super Bowl’s Psychological Toll
For someone battling gambling addiction, the Super Bowl can trigger intense psychological stress. The anticipation of the event, combined with the potential for winning money, creates a dopamine-driven high similar to that experienced in substance addiction.
This excitement is often followed by crushing lows if the bets don’t pan out, leading to feelings of shame, guilt and depression. The emotional rollercoaster can reinforce the cycle of addiction, as individuals may attempt to chase their losses by placing even more bets during the Super Bowl.
Losing money can lead some people to withdraw socially during a Super Bowl gathering.
For those in recovery from a gambling addiction, the Super Bowl can trigger an urge to bet again. A sports betting addiction can reduce the ability to watch sports games.
Super Bowl Safety
For those struggling with gambling addiction, acknowledging the problem is the first step toward recovery. During events like the Super Bowl, it’s crucial for problem gamblers to set boundaries, avoid triggers and seek support to navigate the social pressures of the occasion.
For people attending a Super Bowl gathering, it can be a good idea to let friends and family know that you’re struggling with betting problems.
The effects of gambling addiction stemming from the Super Bowl can ripple far beyond the individual, so people in your support network should appreciate your openness. Families often bear the brunt of the financial and emotional toll of gambling addiction.
Research has found that online sports betting states see a decline in resident financial health. In some cases, gambling addiction can lead to job loss, legal issues and even homelessness, also placing a significant burden on communities and social services.
If you’re concerned about gambling, surround yourself with people while watching the Super Bowl who will have empathy about problem gambling and the challenges that go with it. Don’t hang out with people who stigmatize betting addiction or don’t care about your triggers.
Also consider stepping away from the gathering during the Super Bowl commercials, as there will be gambling advertisements that could be triggers. Avoid alcohol as well.
Image via Wikipedia.