Phil Mickelson has admitted that he is still overcoming the effects of gambling addiction. He wrote on social media on Monday that he has given up betting entirely after realizing that gambling had turned into an addiction. “Most people enjoy betting during soccer season without crossing boundaries, but not me,” he wrote.

Betting on sports and gambling is quite popular with many athletes. In this respect, they are not very different from ordinary people. It’s no secret that with the departure of the gambling entertainment industry into the online space, millions of people around the world have taken up this hobby. According to www.twinspinca.com, there are several dozen popular online casinos operating in Canada. In the neighboring United States, the situation is even more evident due to the larger scale of the market. 

For most people, gambling entertainment has become a good way to relax. To some, they have replaced video games. However, there is a small percentage of those who cannot control their gambling behavior. And some of these people are pretty famous. So, in addition to Mickelson, many other popular athletes talk about their addiction. Recently, boxer Tyson Fury admitted to it.

How betting affected his life

He stated that he always had enough money, but gambling distracted him from his family and hurt them. The confession comes a month after the release of a book by punter Billy Walters, who claimed Mickelson bet more than $1 billion over 30 years and even wanted to make a $400,000 bet while playing for the U.S. national team in the Ryder Cup.

Mickelson denies it: “I never bet on the Ryder Cup. Yes, I like friendly betting on the field, but I didn’t violate the integrity of the game.” The golfer has not made a statement since Walters’ allegations came to light. But he will return to the big sport this week at the LIV Golf tournament in Chicago.

Financial disputes with Walters

Walters claims they were betting partners from 2008 to 2014. In 2016, Walters was charged with insider trading. He believes he could have avoided jail time if Mickelson had testified in his favor.

Mickelson likely mentioned Walters in his post, “When addiction gets out of control, it’s important not to confuse associates with friends—I made that mistake.” The golfer is careful not to comment on the case. 

Family support

He thanked his wife Amy for her support, “I couldn’t have done it without her. She helped me get through the difficulties that I had created myself. Thanks to her love, I am myself again.” The golfer’s struggle with gambling addiction has been a serious challenge. In his posts, Mickelson has repeatedly talked about his gambling problems and sought help. In a new post, he compared his addiction to a hurricane: “I didn’t realize the damage I was doing to my loved ones. When it was over, I just wanted to hide.”

A new chapter in his career

The six-time Grand Slam winner, who became the oldest PGA champion in 2021, will miss the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1993. He has three more LIV Golf tournaments this season. “I’ve learned to live in the moment, be in the present, and feel at peace,” he wrote. The athlete hopes he never gets involved with gambling again.