Think Twice Before Placing Bets on the Playoff Picture

It’s Week 16 of the NFL 2018 Regular Season, and we’re coming down to the wire. The last two weeks of games were filled with upsets that shook the playoff picture, including the one that still has South Florida abuzz – the Miracle in Miami.

Favored by 9 points, the New England Patriots kicked a field goal to take the lead with just 20 seconds left in the game. The Dolphins snapped the ball for the final play with only 7 seconds remaining. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed a quick pass to wide receiver Kenny Stills, and the rest of the play was the kind of thing you see in movies. As he was headed for the turf, Stills lateraled the ball to receiver DeVante Parker, who made another quick toss to running back Kenyan Drake at midfield. Zigzagging through the New England defense for more than 50 yards, Drake somehow managed to reach the end zone. It was the first walk-off, game-winning touchdown in NFL history with multiple laterals!

But this last-second win wasn’t a miracle for everyone who placed a bet on the game.

“I knew Miami would win!”

Do you know any self-proclaimed “professional” sports bettors? This historical play at Hard Rock Stadium was a great reminder that no one knows how a game will finish, all the way up to the last play. Even the announcers thought the game was over up until that first lateral pass – which was after the clock hit 0:00.

Sports betting is a form of gambling, and it’s not just football that’s unpredictable. If you follow hockey, you are used to the challenge of keeping your eye on the puck. The NHL’s fast-paced games are often decided by a margin of just one goal, so “calling it” can be even more difficult! Remember to be realistic and know your odds if you decide to participate in any kind of gambling.

A New Year’s Resolution for Those Struggling with Problem Gambling and Their Loved Ones

Do you remember your last New Year’s resolution? They are often fleeting and made in jest, but here’s one that you can get serious about: taking the first step in getting help and hope for problem gambling. Whether you think you may have a problem or are worried about a loved one, Florida’s Problem Gambling HelpLine is available around the clock every day of the year, including the holidays.

Just call 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848), text to 321-978-0555, start a LiveChat on gamblinghelp.org, or message us on Facebook or Twitter to get connected to resources that include free treatment, the opportunity to talk with someone in recovery for gambling addiction with our Peer Connect program, population-specific literature, and so much more! This service is free, 24/7, confidential, and multilingual.

Can’t think of anyone who needs help? Problem gambling is known as The Hidden Addiction, because it shows no physical symptoms and often goes undetected. Make a resolution to be respectful of boundaries and cognizant of the dangers that starting a betting pool poses to those who suffer from a gambling problem. It may be the tipping point that undoes weeks, months, or even years of recovery. Not to mention, the State of Florida has not legalized sports betting of any form to date. Now let’s enjoy the holiday season and the rest of 2018!