VIDEO – YOU CAN’T LOSE, IF YOU DON’T BET –
Feb. 7, 2024 – Brian Meister once gambled and lost a year’s salary in one night of sports betting. He is a recovering sports gambling addict who now shares his story in the hopes of helping others avoid a similar fate. “It wasn’t about winning or losing,” Meister said. “It’s about being in action.”
Meister’s gambling career was before the onset of casino sports books and 24-hour-a-day internet sports gambling options.
Therapists said the opportunities for sports betting these days have led to a huge increase in gambling addictions.
“We’ve seen a big increase in people reaching out for help with sports betting,” Nicasa certified gambling counselor Elizabeth Thielen said. “Now we’re upwards of 40% of our practice is sports bettors.”
The American Gaming Association estimates Americans gambled about $16 billion on the Super Bowl last year. They predict this year’s number will be $23 billion, a 35% increase, and much of it will come from online betting sites.
