What She Actually Thinks of Your New Betting Habit
Roughly 1.6 billion people in the United States participate in some form of betting. Globally, over four billion people do it at least once a year. According to NCPG, two to five million Americans fit the criteria for being a severe gambler. Four to eight million have milder gambling habits, which means the odds are that you have a betting habit.
Habits are defined as settled, regular activities. If you're betting, be it on sports, through prediction markets, or on poker games, somewhat frequently, it's either a habit or it's becoming one. If you've got a significant other, they are undoubtedly aware of this phenomenon, especially when shared finances are involved.
So you like to bet, and your girlfriend knows it. What does she really think about it, though?
Girlfriends won't exactly love your new betting habit
57% of American adults participated in some form of gambling in the last year. That's a pretty significant portion of the population. Roughly 69% of Americans are in a relationship, so the Venn diagram of people who participate in betting and have a girlfriend is not quite a circle, but it's close.
Sadly, that's not necessarily a good thing. Research shows that women don't really like it when their romantic partners gamble all the time. Some even suggested that it felt like they were not as loved as the betting was.
Of course, this is heavily influenced by the type of gambling that's being done and the circumstances. Many women reported feeling significant stress, anxiety, and betrayal over the betting habit. Some even feel the strain of making more money to keep up. Hopefully, that's not your girlfriend, but there's actually a chance it is.
Betting involves financial risks. Global gambling losses by bettors are expected to reach $700 billion by 2028. Those with severe gambling habits are contributing to about 60% of the losses. Your betting habit might just be losing you money, and because of that, it might be hurting your relationship.
Communication is key
You should be able to do what you want. A relationship that takes away your freedom of movement is generally not great, unless that motion is causing harm to yourself and others. So, you like to bet on poker games, sporting events, or other things. If it's not hurting anyone, that's your prerogative.
But you've got to be upfront about it. Much of the negativity that the aforementioned women feel about their partners' gambling stems from the unknown. The betrayal comes from being blindsided by big losses. The stress and anxiety come from not knowing if their partner's going to lose a big chunk of money on something they sometimes have no control over.
With everything, talking is crucial. If you want to bet, then bet. You just can't be doing it behind a partner's back, even if it's your own money. If betting is a passion of yours, own it! The thrill of a good poker game, the rush of a successful sports bet, and all that can be awesome, but not if it costs you your love.
Sit down and talk with your girl. Let her know what it means to you and have a real discussion about what's best for both of you. Once the two of you can agree that the gambling isn't problematic or dangerous, then you can set limits, totals, and a communication pathway. It can't be a one-time conversation; you've got to let her know how it's going, what you're winning, and more importantly, what you may be losing.
It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but that should help with the negative feelings so many women have about the men in their lives gambling.
