THE DIARY GAME: THE EFFECTS OF SPORTS BETTING - MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Sports betting has become very popular among young people today, largely because of the widespread use of smart phones, easy access to the Internet and aggressive online advertisements by these betting companies. While sports betting is often viewed as a form of entertainment, its growing influence among young people cannot be over emphasized as it sparks serious debates. Like many social activities, sports betting has both positive and negative effects depending on how it is approached and managed.

On the positive side, sports betting can enhance youths interest in sports. I became more engaged in watching games, learning team statistics, player performance, and understanding the rules of various sports especially football (soccer). To an extent, this analytical aspect helped improve my critical thinking, decision making and risk management. Betting to me was also a means of social activity, creating opportunities for interaction and bunding with my friends who share similar interests.
Additionally, when practiced responsibly and within some limits, sports betting can be a source of entertainment and relaxation. I saw it as a hobby rather than a means of making money. In all of these I developed strong self-control skills as I learnt discipline, budgeting, and financial planning by setting strict limits on how much I staked.

Despite these potential benefits, the negative effects of sports betting in my life is far more significant and concerning. One major issue was addiction. The excitement of winning and the need or urge to recover losses led me to compulsive or more betting, which got out of control. I kept playing so as to recover and even when I won I still lost everything to betting.
Financial problems are another serious issue. I did not have a stable income, and my losses from betting resulted in debt, borrowing, or even involvement in illegal activities to fund my habits and lifestyle. This financial strain also affected my education, family relationships, and overall well-being. It almost led to my dropping out from school.
Sports betting also negatively affects academic performance. Time and mental energy that I should have devoted to studies were often redirected toward analyzing games, placing bets, and following results. Anxiety, stress, and depression caused by repeated losses also reduced my concentration and motivation, harming academic and personal development.
Moreover, sports betting also distorted my perception of money and hard work. It made me create the false belief that wealth can be achieved quickly without education, skill development, or legitimate employment. This mindset can reduce ambition, encourage laziness, and undermine long-term career goals.

While sports betting may offer some limited positive effects such as entertainment, social interaction, and risk management, its negative impacts on young people are more profound and long-lasting. Addiction, financial hardship, poor academic performance, and distorted values pose serious risks to young people and society at large. Therefore, parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to promote awareness, encourage responsible behavior, and implement strict regulations to protect youths from the harmful consequences of sports betting.