The Super Bowl is the Super Bowl of gambling -- that can be an issue for problem gamblers
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Super Bowl LVII is expected to break gambling records, spurring some to raise awareness of problem gambling.
According to the American Gaming Association, a record 50.4 million American adults are expected to bet on Super Bowl LVII with bettors expected to wager an estimated $16 billion.
Leaders at the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling say it's an issue for some.
"For someone who is a sports bettor, this is kind of the culmination for the year and it's kind of a make it or break it time for them," said Rose Blozinski, executive director of the council. "Because they really think I'm going to win everything back that I've lost, everything's going to be great and we know statistically, the chances of people winning back everything they lost is very, very, very low."
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 8 million adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for either severe or moderate problem gambling.
"Back then, yeah, when super bowls come I was like, 'Oh yeah I can't wait to get these bets in,'" said Mark Wesenberg, a gambler in recovery.
The last time Wesenberg gambled was Jan. 26, 1997. He now shares his story to help gamblers in today's environment which has changed drastically from when he used to gamble.
"Back in the day you laid out to the bookie cash, you laid out whatever [amount of] cash," Wesenberg told CBS 58. "Now, with the credit card, I don't think people are aware of just how much money and how easy it is to go through it."
Wesenberg said the adrenaline rush from betting can hook gamblers who may not know when to stop.
"Once you make that bet you're always thinking, 'Oh I can make a bigger bet, I can make more money,' and it doesn’t work that way," Wesenberg said.
For those without addictive gambling tendencies, experts said the message is clear: gamble responsibly.
"Set your limits, gamble with a group of people," said Blozinski, who added a group makes the activity more social and allows for more accountability. "Don't spend money that's supposed to be for the house payment or the groceries or the doctor's payment whatever it might be."
Resources:
1-800-GAMBLE-5 or 1-800-426-2535