Do you ever think that knowledge of the game, players or team will guarantee a win?
That’s a risky bet. Super Bowl LIX is February 9th and half of Ontario viewers plan to wager on the big game. While this can be a fun way to amp up the excitement for most, others are playing with additional risk.
The latest sports betting survey from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) shows half of those betting on the Super Bowl say their main reasons to bet are to win money and add excitement to the game. Over a third have made a bet because they saw a sports betting ad online or on TV. While there are different reasons someone may choose to wager, it’s important to note that some bets are riskier than others.
Concerningly, over two thirds of Ontario adults believe their sports knowledge gives them an edge, particularly men aged 18-44. This is called the illusion of control and about a fifth of this group bet because they believe their knowledge about the teams and players will help them win. One in ten Ontarians will bet in an attempt to make up for last year’s losses. Knowledge of the players and teams may make watching the game more fun, but it can’t predict the unexpected.
This illusion of control, as well as persuasive advertising, the ease of online betting, and substance use, can influence how people wager. And the increased risks cause some to bet more than they can afford to lose. More than a third of Ontarians report doing so in the past 12 months – and the impacts can be financially and emotionally devastating.
Gambling is random but plans shouldn’t be. A smart plan includes being mindful of the illusion of control and remembering that even sports expertise or knowledge won’t beat the odds. And more betters are now paying attention to mood and state of mind, avoiding betting when feeling emotionally distressed and refraining from betting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Our survey showed that of those planning to bet on the Super Bowl, the most common strategies used to manage gambling risk remain some of the best: betting as entertainment, not to make money; planning ahead and deciding on a pre-set betting limit within budget; and not chasing losses by trying to win them back.
To help keep play safer online, bettors can use the responsible gambling features available on regulated sportsbook websites. Reading about the odds of winning and how games work, using money limit-setting tools and personalized spending reports, and taking a cooling off period are all helpful.
And most importantly, remembering to only gamble what is affordable to lose – and never borrowing money or using money intended for necessities, like rent, the mortgage, or food.
Ultimately, gambling responsibly means we can avoid the illusion of control and enjoy the big game without ending up out of commission.
To learn how to keep play safer visit GamblingisRandom.ca. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there is free, confidential help available 24/7 at ConnexOntario.ca.
- Sarah McCarthy, CEO, Responsible Gambling Council