Way to fess up to what you did Frank. Move forward and remember they are just games , nothing else. I will never forget how the manager of one of the biggest sportbooks in Vegas told me he quit 8 years ago because he just could not take it anymore. The ups and downs, the constant swings,you know what I mean. Live your life for you and your family, not some idiot fumbling away your future happiness at the one yard line.

Thanks Skip you are definitely right.

Every day of our lives is spent learning ... something.
Im glad you're still here Frank.

I don't know about this betting on games, but I think that would be hard not to do if you are watching a game anyway? I think one time you said you needed to just enjoy the game? I can't say I can relate to what you feel when you need to bet on a game as I am hooked into those machines. I guess a bet is a bet is a bet. Something we should stay away from.
I am happy you did not enjoy it. We go into this with eyes wide open now. I drove by a casino and I almost broke my neck looking at it. I felt sick. I kept driving.
It is hard. No lie, it is hard. The idea creeps in and we have to shut it down fast.
Days are going by and I see that a good band will be playing at the casino and I want to go. New Years Eve parties and I want to go. Just to hear the bands. Right? It is just hard. Does it ever get easy?

I never knew anything in life that was worthwhile that was easy. Every time you pass by and not stop consider yourself a winner Marie.

My career of gambling spanned most all types of gambling but it was video poker/slot machines that brought me to my knees. I had been in a pro football pool for most of twenty years but gave all forms of gambling up at once last year.
I never felt that sports betting was a trigger to my other compulsive gambling but I can tell I enjoy the games in a mentally healthier way for me. It gives me more adrenaline and dopamine if I have money on a game or a horse race. But I have found that I can appreciate the good plays on both sides of a game now, without the big rushes of adrenaline & dopamine to my brain. It is a big change. I have given up on chasing the rush, the adrenaline and dopamine are not good for me.
A slower, grounded, mindful, life where I take the time to appreciate myself and what is around me, is so much nicer. You can get there too.

Marie I prefer to not watch the game if I bet on it. Rather check the score periodically from my phone that's the rush I enjoyed. So I have missed out on enjoying many games stress free since having $ on it. If drinking then it's easier watching the game with a bet on it. I don't like drinking often.

Sports bettors including myself, well I used to, have the false believe that we can outsmart the books since we follow sports so why not try to make some $ by betting. The house has the 10% edge plus sports bettors cannot control the outcome of the game. Anyone can have a nice streak get lucky and pick winners but that will change in the long run just like any form of gambling bc the house always has the edge.

Haven't gambled since Sunday and don't have the urge to.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I wish you all a gamble free weekend.