It doesn't have to be strip poker to lose your shirt.
Pre-Game Talk
Putting Sports Betting
into Context
Sitting on the edge of your seat, the final play of the game, adrenaline rushing through your veins, the intensity heightens knowing you have some skin in the game.
For many people, gambling is a form of entertainment and can be managed safely, but for others, this is where the fun might end. It may seem harmless, but healthy boundaries can erode and begin to feel like you are on a roller coaster – the highs of a win make you feel invincible, but the lows have you chasing the losses in hopes of some redemption.
If any of this sounds familiar, you might want to ask yourself:
What is it really costing me?
Understanding the Game
-
Availability
-
Normalization
-
Advertising
-
Features
-
Dopamine Boosts
Sports betting is widely available (it’s like having a casino in your back pocket), and it is easier than ever before to place a bet. It’s not enough to only watch sports, but now sports betting is normalized as an integral part of the game.
Broadcasters include commentary that directly relates to wagering on the game, while advertising is heavily promoted and shapes our interests, underscoring the normalization and it’s rise to popularity. The gambling industry leverages AI, big data, and digital surveillance to keep players entertained and ready to place the next bet.
Single event sports betting offers ways to place bets and has expanded to include prop bets and features such as live or in-game betting, increasing risk and potential harm.
Gambling impacts the area of our brain that releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical that is related to pleasure and reward. So, basically, when we gamble, we feel good, and thus desire more gambling. Research studies have linked gambling disorders to variations in brain regions that are involved in reward processing, stress, and social and emotional problems.
Just like an athlete that watches film to improve their game, it might be good for you to review your sports betting action. After all, you want it to remain fun and exciting.
“I am not that into Sports Betting, but all my friends are. I do it because I don’t want to miss out on the fun and all that goes with it.”
“I place bets on a certain player or team because they are my favourite.”
“When watching sports, I am not always enjoying the game but feel distracted and anxious as a result of the bets I’ve placed on the game.”
“I feel I have unique insights, extensive knowledge of the game, and/or know the stats, to be more in control of my betting. ”
Game Plan
Executing Your Game
Chances are your sports betting is within a safe range, but sometimes it’s difficult to know. If some of your responses to the above have left you feeling unsure, or if you simply want to learn more, explore our website to find out about gambling in Saskatchewan, warning signs, tips, and community supports if you are experiencing gambling related harms.
Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline
Gambling addiction help, support & information available 24/7.
FREE & CONFIDENTIAL
Call toll free any time
1-800-306-6789
Text 7 days a week, 12:30 to 17:30
306-400-2785
Pre-Game Talk
Putting Sports Betting
into Context
Sitting on the edge of your seat, the final play of the game, adrenaline rushing through your veins, the intensity heightens knowing you have some skin in the game.
For many people, gambling is a form of entertainment and can be managed safely, but for others, this is where the fun might end.
It may seem harmless, but healthy boundaries can erode and begin to feel like you are on a roller coaster – the highs of a win make you feel invincible, but the lows have you chasing the losses in hopes of some redemption.
If any of this sounds familiar, you might want to ask yourself:
What is it really costing me?
Understanding
the Game
- Availability
- Normalization
- Advertising
- Features
- Dopamine Boosts
Sports betting is widely available (it’s like having a casino in your back pocket), and it is easier than ever before to place a bet. It’s not enough to only watch sports, but now sports betting is normalized as an integral part of the game.
Broadcasters include commentary that directly relates to wagering on the game, while advertising is heavily promoted and shapes our interests, underscoring the normalization and it’s rise to popularity. The gambling industry leverages AI, big data, and digital surveillance to keep players entertained and ready to place the next bet.
Single event sports betting offers ways to place bets and has expanded to include prop bets and features such as live or in-game betting, increasing risk and potential harm.
Gambling impacts the area of our brain that releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical that is related to pleasure and reward. So, basically, when we gamble, we feel good, and thus desire more gambling. Research studies have linked gambling disorders to variations in brain regions that are involved in reward processing, stress, and social and emotional problems.
Just like an athlete that watches film to improve their game, it might be good for you to review your sports betting action.
After all, you want it to remain fun and exciting.
“I am not that into Sports Betting, but all my friends are. I do it because I don’t want to miss out on the fun and all that goes with it.”
“I place bets on a certain player or team because they are my favourite.”
“When watching sports, I am not always enjoying the game but feel distracted and anxious as a result of the bets I’ve placed on the game.”
“I feel I have unique insights, extensive knowledge of the game, and/or know the stats, to be more in control of my betting. ”
Game Plan
Executing Your Game
Chances are your sports betting is within a safe range, but sometimes it’s difficult to really know. If some of your responses to the above have left you feeling unsure, or if you simply want to learn more, follow the link to the main GAP website. You can explore more about gambling in Saskatchewan, warning signs, tips, and community supports if you are experiencing gambling related harms.
You can always reach out to us directly as well.
