Let's keep it real, shall we? Sports betting used to be something your uncle did at barbershop pools or during marked madness. Now it's an app in your pocket, one push notification away, with odds and parlay so seductive, they make a Nashville hot chicken sandwich look bland.

If you've ever found yourself yelling at your phone during a game or convincing yourself

that your fantasy football research is practically a PhD, you're not the only one.

If you're the partner or parent of someone who perhaps struggles with sports betting and doesn't know what it is or what to do, it's not you.

It's the app because these betting platforms, they're engineered to exploit your psychology.

As your favorite internet psychologist, I'm here to walk you through why sports betting is so psychologically addictive, who's most at risk, and what signs to look out for, and what you can actually do about it.

Welcome back to savvy psychologist. I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face

life challenges with evidence-based approaches, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment. Let's start by

discussing who's most at risk for problems with sports betting. To be clear, not everyone who

bets has a problem, but there are certain

risk factors that increase the likelihood of sports betting becoming harmful. These include

things like young age and male gender, especially those aged 18 to 35.

We also see things like impulsivity and ADHD traits.

So folks with difficulty delaying gratification or regulating emotions may find

betting irresistible.

The next thing is depression and anxiety.

Gambling can serve as a form of escape,

but it often deepens the emotional lows.

There's also high app use.

So in-play bets and 24-7 access through mobile apps makes impulsive decisions far too easy.

One study found that 75% of people with gambling problems had at least one co-occurring mental health condition.

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