Mobile sports betting is here, gamble responsibly

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Whether its a parlay of some sort, just a moneyline or a point spread, your best bet is to do some research before diving in.

Sports betting is live in Kentucky and now you can do it on your phone through things like FanDuel or DraftKings, but doing so responsibly is just as important as having fun. Though it is enjoyable, you can let it get away from you if you’re not careful. Concerning this new fad in the Commonwealth, News 40 spoke to a professor of neuroscience and a sports betting analyst.

Dr. Patrick Ledwidge an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Western Kentucky University sat down with News 40 to talk a little bit about gambling who said it’s much like drugs of abuse. Ledwidge said dopamine is the chemical is the brain responsible for making you “feel good” whether it be a hug or a drug, and when something triggers your reward centers, you’re more apt to repeat that behavior.

The doctor said the biggest problem comes when there’s a mix of reward and consequences, making it a dangerous game for those who enjoy it a little too much, especially if they feel they’re on a streak.

The station talked to Steve Bittenbender who writes for http://betkentucky.com, gave some advice to those interested, saying research is important. According to the writer, a lot of big sports bettors bet around 1 to 3 percent of their bankroll, and that you need to set limits for yourself.