When Did You Stop Calling Yourself a 'Sports Fan' and Start Calling Yourself a 'Bettor'?

[ThePuntingProf]

I believe it is both, one matures in analytical capability and discipline while simultaneously losing the innocent joy of pure fandom, whether this trade is worthwhile depends on individual values, I have gained financial returns and intellectual satisfaction from betting but I have lost the uncomplicated happiness I once felt watching Arsenal, Margaret used to say I had turned something beautiful into a spreadsheet and she was not entirely wrong.

 

[TaffyTipster]

Prof your wife was wise mate.

"Turned something beautiful into a spreadsheet."

That's exactly what we've done.

 

[ParlayPrincess_88]

This thread is making me not want to bet anymore!

I don't want to lose my love of sports!

 

[SharpEddie47]

Princess you can stop anytime. You're early enough that the shift isn't complete.

 

[CoachTony_Bets]

Real talk Princess: if betting started making sports feel like work instead of fun, would you stop?

 

[ParlayPrincess_88]

I... I think so?

I mean I hope so!

Sports should be fun!

 

[oli_sussex]

Sports haven't been "fun" for me in years. They're work. Profitable work.

Don't miss the fun aspect.

 

[TaffyTipster]

Oli mate that's bleak.

 

[oli_sussex]

Honest, not bleak. Different values.

 

[DublinDegen]

i dont have fun with sports anymore either but unlike oli im not profitable so its just... nothing... watching numbers change... no joy no profit just compulsion...

 

[CoachTony_Bets]

Conor that's the worst possible outcome.

No joy AND no profit.

 

[FadeThePublic]

Question: does anyone here still watch their childhood team when they have no bet on the game?

 

[SharpEddie47]

Cowboys? Yeah occasionally.

But less than I used to. Maybe 50% of games now versus 100% before betting.

 

[TaffyTipster]

Wales? Every single match.

Always.

Even friendlies.

That's the one thing betting hasn't corrupted.

 

[CoachTony_Bets]

Michigan football? Most games.

But I'm not as emotionally invested as I was before betting.

 

[Klaus]

Bayern München? Occasionally.

Not religiously. Schedule permitting.

 

[Hakeed49]

Very aptly said. I also think that with experience comes control and a cool head, but with them the same naive joy of the game disappears. The only question is - what is more important to you.

 

[ParlayPrincess_88]

Every single Chiefs game! No matter what!

That'll never change!

 

[oli_sussex]

Brighton? Every home game, season ticket.

But emotional investment minimal. Routine more than passion.

 

[DublinDegen]

dont really have a team... used to follow meath gaa but barely watch anymore... just bet random stuff...