Sports betting addiction treatment
Parlays, live in-game bets, player props and a sportsbook in your pocket 24 hours a day. When betting on sports stops being fun and starts running your life, help is available.
Why sports betting addiction is rising
Since the Supreme Court cleared the way in 2018, legal sports betting has spread to 40 states plus Washington, D.C. Americans wagered a record $166.9 billion with legal sportsbooks in 2025, according to the American Gaming Association. Most of it now happens on phones, where there is no closing time and a new bet is always one tap away.
Researchers are seeing the effects. A study of millions of credit reports by researchers at UCLA and USC found that bankruptcies rose roughly 25% to 30% within a few years of online sports betting becoming legal. Read more in our summary of the research.
Signs sports betting has become a problem
- Chasing losses with bigger bets or more parlays
- Betting on games or leagues you would never watch just to have action
- Checking lines and scores constantly, including late at night
- Hiding betting activity or losses from a partner or family
- Borrowing money, using credit cards or skipping bills to fund accounts
- Failed attempts to stop, such as deleting apps and reinstalling them
See the full list in Signs your sports betting has become a problem.
How we will treat sports betting addiction
Outpost Recovery is preparing to open residential and outpatient treatment built only for gambling disorder. Treatment will be led by clinicians who specialize in gambling and will include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to change the thinking that drives chasing and betting
- Trigger mapping around game days, sports media and betting apps
- Practical barriers such as self-exclusion, bank gambling blocks and device limits
- Financial recovery planning and accountability
- Family sessions and relapse prevention for every sports season
Frequently asked questions
Is sports betting addiction a real diagnosis?
Yes. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health condition, and sports betting is one of the most common forms it takes.
Can I still watch sports after treatment?
Many people can. Part of treatment is learning your triggers and building a plan for game days so you can decide what is safe for you.
Will you treat young adults?
Yes. Once we open, we will treat adults of all ages. Recent helpline data shows nearly half of people contacting the National Problem Gambling Helpline are between 18 and 34.
What if my losses are on prediction markets instead of sportsbooks?
We will treat that too. Sports contracts on apps like Kalshi and Polymarket work much like sports bets, and our planned programs will treat those losses the same way.
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Ready to talk to someone?
Outpost Recovery is preparing to open in-person residential and outpatient treatment in Arizona, built only for gambling disorder, including sports betting and prediction market losses. All inquiries are confidential.
Request a confidential consultation