Problem gambling extends beyond just placing large bets or suffering significant losses; it can manifest through frequent, repetitive behaviors that disrupt daily life.
The case of Brendan Sorsby, a quarterback who recently transferred to Texas Tech, exemplifies this issue. Sorsby has taken an indefinite leave to seek treatment for his gambling habits, which reportedly involve thousands of small bets made over several years. These seemingly minor wagers have become an overwhelming burden for him.
This situation serves as a crucial reminder that gambling disorders are not solely defined by the size of bets or the amount lost; rather, they become problematic when they interfere with an individual’s everyday activities.
For college athletes, gambling on NCAA-sanctioned events is strictly prohibited, regardless of age. However, the escalation of betting can lead to significant consequences for anyone involved.
Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky emphasized in a communication with Gambling Insider that the core issues are the frequency of bets, repetitive behaviors, and the tendency to increase wager amounts. Symptoms of gambling problems include dishonesty about betting habits and attempting to recover losses.
Currently, it appears that the frequency of Sorsby’s betting may have contributed to his gambling issues.
While the exact amount Sorsby wagered or lost remains unclear, reports indicate that since beginning his college career in 2022, he has placed over 10,000 bets, with some days seeing as many as 20 bets. He reportedly utilized various gambling platforms across multiple states, including Hard Rock Bet, BetMGM, DraftKings, PrizePicks, and bet365. Notably, some of these bets were placed while he was underage, raising concerns for the involved sportsbooks.
Josh Ercole, the executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, reiterated Derevensky’s insights, stating that various factors contribute to the development of gambling problems. These include the amount wagered, frequency, financial implications, time lost, and the effects on others. Each of these elements can either occur independently or together, complicating the issue.
Dr. Derevensky, who has dedicated over 35 years to studying gambling behaviors, particularly among youth, noted that disordered gambling typically leads to two main behaviors: increasing bet amounts and chasing losses, often resulting in a preoccupation with gambling.