College basketball is a favorite of sports gamblers, in fact it may be the most bet on sport in the United States. Especially during NCAA March Madness, betting on NCAA college basketball causes a lot of money to exchange hands. Often considered the most exciting sport to place bets on, gamblers get really involved and spend a lot of time and money on making their picks during this time of year.

Betting on NCAA games can be like a smorgasbord of gambling options to the problem gambler. There are 3 main ways to bet, which include spread betting, money line betting and over under or game total betting. In addition to the 3 main ways to bet your money, there is also college basketball prop betting. All of these are very exciting options, especially to the compulsive sports gambler who particularly enjoys betting on the NCAA. And of course, with all of these options comes the opportunity to lose extreme amounts of money. That’s what makes it exciting to problem gamblers.

Compulsive gamblers become addicted to the thrill of gambling, the adrenaline rush that happens when you are waiting to find out your fate. The endorphines that are released, the pleasure and gratification that is experienced; to a pathological gambler these things are irresistible  Just like with a drug addict or alcoholic, a gambler is just working toward getting his or her next fix. For some people the compulsion to gamble is so overwhelming that they will give up anything to achieve that high just once more. Gambling ruins lives; even something that seems so fun and harmless as gambling on the NCAA and March Madness can be addictive, people can lose everything to this illness.

Just like with drug addiction, gambling addiction can cause people to do things they would not normally do. Lying, stealing, cheating; for some compulsive gamblers, there are no limits. Do you think you or a loved one may have an NCAA gambling problem? Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are concerned that there may be reason for concern.

1. Do you feel the need to hide your NCAA gambling from your friends and family?
2. Do you have trouble controlling your gambling?
3. Do you gamble even when you don’t have the money?
4. Do you get paycheck advances, ask friends or family to borrow money or overuse your credit cards to support your NCAA gambling desires?
5. Have friends or family expressed concern over your NCAA gambling?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a gambling addiction and it is a good idea to seek the advice of a professional. Have you overcome a gambling addiction? What helped you take back control of your life?