Editor’s note: Birches Health is a national provider of Responsible Gaming educational resources and the leading gambling addiction recovery program in the United States, offering specialized care from the comfort of home, covered by insurance.
As the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs get underway and excitement continues to build, it is important to also recognize that September is Responsible Gaming Education Month. Led every September by the American Gaming Association (AGA), this annual campaign aims to educate and empower bettors and fantasy players with the knowledge and tools necessary to engage with those activities in responsible ways.
As a proud AGA partner, NASCAR supports its new “Play Smart from the Start” campaign that encourages bettors to always understand why they’re playing, know the upside and downside of every bet beforehand, and set personal limits. When bettors play smart, they’re in control throughout the entire experience.
Playing smart also isn’t a one-time action; it is a cycle players return to every time. A positive betting experience begins before placing that first wager.
With that in mind, the AGA is also transparent about the likelihood of bettors turning a profit:
The House Really Does Always Win in the Long Run
“Casinos and sportsbooks maintain the ‘house advantage’ -- a mathematical edge built into every game that ensures that over time, they always win. Depending on what you’re playing, it might be called the “vigorish,” “the vig,” the rake, hold, edge or juice. Whatever you call it, it’s keeping the casino or sportsbook in business so they can keep providing an exciting gaming experience for everyone… While sports bettors use knowledge of teams, players, etc., to inform their wagers, the mathematical reality remains: the odds ultimately favor the house. This isn’t hidden or deceptive -- it’s simply how gambling economics work.”
Responsible Gaming tips and best practices
Responsible Gaming Education Month is a great time to run through some reminders about best practices for playing in a sustainable manner. Let’s run through a few of the most important tips.
-- Approach betting as paid entertainment: As the AGA points out, you are statistically likely to lose money in the long term if you choose to bet. Therefore, you should view it as an entertainment expense, similar to paying to go to the movies or attend a NASCAR race. Bets can provide extra rooting interests to increase excitement while watching, but winning them should never be something you depend on financially.
-- Bankroll management: It is critical to determine your “bankroll” before betting. This can be thought of as a betting budget and needs to be an amount that you can afford to lose entirely without it impacting your financial wellbeing.
-- Set limits: Sportsbooks and other gaming platforms nowadays offer Responsible Gaming tools that allow users to set limits that help them play responsibly. These act as helpful guardrails for all bettors to keep their play in check. They can include Deposit Limits, Bet Limits, Loss Limits and Time Limits. And if you’d ever like to take a break, they often offer “Cool Down” periods to suspend your account for a set time frame.
-- Never chase losses: Counselors at Birches Health have found that “chasing” losses is the at-risk behavior exhibited most commonly in gambling recovery clients before entering the program. Loss chasing involves betting more -- additional wagers and often larger amounts -- in attempts to win back what was lost. You are never “due” for a win, so accept losses as the cost of entertainment and move on to another (non-gambling) activity.
Gambling Addiction treatment & resources
Even if you are betting responsibly, there’s still the potential that you or someone you know may end up having a gambling problem. Therefore, it’s also important to know where you can turn for support if that ever happens.
Nowadays, there are gambling-specialized treatment options available nationwide. Birches Health offers the leading virtual gambling recovery program in the United States, featuring a team of counselors who have been specially trained to help individuals struggling with gambling addiction and related challenges. Treatment with Birches is confidential, available from the comfort of home, and can be covered by insurance or state funding for eligible residents.
If you or someone you know would like to speak with a Birches Health care specialist, simply click here, email Help@BirchesHealth.com or call (833) 483-3838.