There are some people (many people in fact) who just see sports betting as a way to try and make a bit of money – but there’s a lot more to it than that – and its impact on mental health is a subject that’s gaining attention.
Obviously, first and foremost, you need to make sure you bet responsibly, but if you do, there can be a number of psychological benefits, just as long as it’s always done within healthy boundaries. Whether you’re someone who likes to enjoy a bit of tennis betting or you’re more into checking out the latest UEFA Champions League odds, do it right, and there’s a lot more to be gained than just those potential wins.
Enhances Your Cognitive Engagement
If you want to have a proper crack at it – not just simply bet on who you like- then betting on sports needs you to think strategically and make difficult decisions – and that’s great for keeping your brain active.
You’ll have to analyse team statistics, recent performances, check out any injury reports, and look at historical head-to-head results, which is brilliant for building up your problem-solving skills. So, for example, deciding whether you’re going to back the underdog or go with the favourite will require you to weigh up probabilities and evaluate risks, etc… which are mental exercises that can help you stay sharp and focused.
Betting can be a bit like solving a puzzle or trying to win a strategic game… and it adds a whole new layer of complexity to watching sports. The mental challenge of trying to predict who you think will win or what the outcome of a match might be can really stimulate the grey matter… making it perfect if you’re someone who loves a bit of data analysis.
Good for Emotional Regulation
Sports, by their nature, are unpredictable – underdogs win – and as a bettor, you need to be able to handle the rollercoaster of wins and losses. You have to know how to deal with the excitement of the win or the disappointment of an unexpected loss, and all of it can help you to become more resilient. Eventually, you’ll have to get better at accepting things that are out of your control – and this is a life lesson in itself.
As long as you set limits and manage your expectations, sports betting can be a great way to train emotional regulation – to avoid all the emotional extremes it can trigger and keep it all enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
Social Interaction
Lots of people enjoy the social aspect of sports betting… discussing predictions with your friends, debating all the possible outcomes – and sharing all the highs and lows when it’s all played (and potentially paid) out. Then there are all the different online betting communities and forums where you’ll be able to chat with people from all over the world.
And socialisation is notoriously great for your mental health. Being part of something, a group of people that are interested in the same things as you, can make you feel a lot less isolated, and in the online world we live in, that can be incredibly important for some.
Makes You Feel More Involved
Making just a small bet – even if the wins won’t be mind-blowing, can make watching a game a whole lot more exciting. You’re going to watch it more closely, study the leagues and players more ferociously and actually commit to learning.
And this can make sports a lot more exciting and rewarding – you’re really getting involved in it all… not just as a viewer. If you’ve actually got money riding on what happens, the anticipation just before the action kicks off and the suspense while it’s in play releases dopamine, which is your brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical, so it’s great for putting you in a positive mood.
Gives You a Sense of Routine and Purpose
There are some people who enjoy the routine of betting on a sport and watching it play out. It gives them a regular schedule… checking the fixtures, researching all the stats, placing the bets, and then watching it all play out and awaiting the results of all that hard work. Having structure in your life and something to look forward to can be incredible for your well-being.
Having something to get up for in the morning… a sense of purpose, even if it’s just a hobby, is essential. Getting ready for the game at the weekend or prepping yourself for a big tournament can be a real mood booster.
Entertaining Stress Relief
Essentially, you should only ever treat sports betting as a bit of fun – light entertainment. When you treat it as such… rather than expecting it to act as a source of income, it can be a great way to unwind. Watching a match with money involved can help you to escape from the stresses of everyday life (of which there can be many) – and shift your attention to the nitty-gritty of real life. It can help you switch off from whatever’s going on at work (or in your personal life), which is great for giving your brain a rest and relaxing.
Keeping it Healthy
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room… there are risks – and ones that can be negative for your mental well-being. If you don’t treat it right, then it can have serious negative effects… stress and money worries that can affect every area of your life.
- Set a budget and stick to it… Don’t bet what you can’t afford to lose.
- Bet for fun – and not as a way to make money.
- Take breaks and keep it fresh.
If you keep it healthy, a bit of sports betting can be great for your mental health – just have fun