March Madness is among many popular sporting events that prompt millions of Americans to place friendly wagers in office pools or try their luck with sports betting apps. For many, it’s just fun. But for others—especially younger adults trying gambling for the first time—the line between entertainment and addiction can blur quickly and dangerously.
Dr. Harry Levant, MA, PCC, ICGC-I, DLP, is a leading voice in the treatment of gambling disorder. A primary therapist at ETHOS Treatment and a passionate advocate for reform, Dr. Levant has spent years sounding the alarm about what he calls “the normalization of an addictive product.”
“We’ve known for over a decade that gambling is an addictive product,” Dr. Levant explains. “It impacts the brain in the same way as opioids, alcohol, and tobacco.”
Surprisingly, the addictive nature of gambling isn’t rooted in its false promise of easy riches. “It’s the dopamine, not the dough,” he says. “The rush you get from placing a bet—especially repeated bets—is a high. And like any high, it can become compulsive. Over time, you need more and more action to achieve the same effect.”
That’s where tolerance—and eventually, addiction—sets in.
Warning Signs
How do you know when gambling has crossed the line from fun to a serious problem?
According to Dr. Levant, here are some red flags to watch for, whether in yourself or a loved one:
- The thrill of betting outweighs enjoyment of the game itself
- Lying about how much you’re gambling
- Using money you can’t afford to lose—rent, bills, or savings
- Mood changes based on wins or losses
- Preoccupation with sports or sneaking off to bet on your phone
- Missed bill payments or signs of financial trouble
- Needing to borrow money
And perhaps the most critical point: “If your bet is more important than enjoying the game itself, you’re already in danger.”
The Dangers of Micro-Betting
Thanks to mobile apps and 24/7 access, gambling isn’t just an occasional event anymore.
“We’re not just betting on who wins the big game,” says Dr. Levant. “Now, every pitch, every point—every micro-event of every game—is a betting opportunity.”
This creates a perfect storm for addiction, especially among younger people whose brains are still developing. “If you’re under 26, your risk-reward system isn’t fully formed,” he warns. “This new form of gambling completely overwhelms your ability to make smart decisions.”
The Role of Normalization—and Why It’s Dangerous
Dr. Levant is especially concerned about how deeply gambling has become embedded in sports culture.
“If broadcasters were teaching you how to drink during games, people would be outraged,” he says. “But we’ve normalized gambling so much that it’s now part of every sports radio and TV show.”
Constant ads for “free bets” and bonus incentives frame gambling as harmless fun. “The narrative is that it’s just money, just fun—just something you should be able to ‘do responsibly,’” says Dr. Levant. “But that lie silences people who are suffering. It keeps them in the dark and stigmatizes them.”
How to Get Help
Gambling addiction is as real and destructive as any substance addiction. If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you love, you are not alone. Help is available.
ETHOS Treatment is one of the few centers offering comprehensive care for gambling disorder, including:
- Full diagnostic evaluation
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health issues
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP)
“Very few programs offer intensive outpatient or group therapy specifically for gambling,” Dr. Levant notes.
And yet the need is urgent. Gambling disorder is uniquely tied to suicide risk: One in two people struggling with gambling will contemplate suicide. One in five will attempt it.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If gambling has become a problem, visit www.ethostreatment.com to learn more or to schedule a confidential evaluation.
About Ethos Treatment
Ethos Treatment LLC is a behavioral healthcare provider accredited by The Joint Commission to treat mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Licensed clinicians lead Intensive Outpatient Programs in Pennsylvania via telehealth and at seven locations: Broomall, Collegeville, Jenkintown, Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, West Chester and Wyomissing. Ethos accepts most insurance.