Sports betting risks rise with Brewers in World Series

NEENAH, Wis. (WBAY) — With the Brewers in the World Series, excitement around sports betting can also bring unmet expectations for people hoping to win big.

Betting becomes unhealthy when it starts affecting everyday life, according to information shared in the report.

That can include taking out loans, lying to friends and family, or being unable to make a car payment because of spending on betting.

Many people across Wisconsin place sports bets during the regular season. But when it’s the World Series, the action and the risk can ramp up fast, and for some, that’s where betting can turn into a problem.

Tips to avoid problem behaviors

To avoid those behaviors, people are encouraged to place limits by knowing how much they can afford and sticking to those limits. Having someone hold you accountable is another tip. The biggest red flag in unhealthy sports betting is trying to recoup losses by spending more money or taking out loans.

Jessica Schnell, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at ThedaCare Medical Center in Neenah, said recognizing a problem and asking for help is not a weakness.

“I think it takes a lot of bravery to say, ‘hey, I have a problem.’ And that’s definitely not a weakness. That’s a strength to reach out and get that help when you need it,” Schnell said.

“It would be important, you know, if you do recognize that you have a problem to reach out to your support people or to your provider. Primary care providers are a great place to start. They know a little bit about mental health too, so they know how to initiate the right people, whether that be seeing a therapist or a psychiatrist,” Schnell said.

Those conversations with a provider or a therapist can help a person find the underlying reason why they are betting. Medications can also be helpful with thoughts or urges to gamble.

Advice for family and friends

It’s important not to let sports betting change a person’s mood or negatively impact them financially.

For family members or close friends, the best thing they can do is be supportive and let the person know they want to help.