Sports betting raises concerns for addiction

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A new and exciting source of entertainment could bode harmful for some.

It’s legal to bet on sports now in the Commonwealth, which will generate over 20 million dollars for the state but it could be bad news for some who struggle with addiction or have more addictive personalities. News 40 spoke to two therapists from Fuller Life Counseling about the troubles of addiction and how this could affect some Kentuckians.

Emily Kline and Lacie Martinez said “concurrence” is a problem that many addicts run into, where one addiction can lead to another. Gambling could be a budding addiction for some now that betting on sporting events is more accessible.

Martinez said it’s important to try and recognize warning signs such as higher levels of anxiety and prioritizing your vice over day to day responsibilities. Martinez added “are you trying to hide it or spending more money than you planned?”, which very well could be the cementing of some bad habits.