September 19, (THEWILL) – Former professional golfer, Phil Mickelson, announced this week that he will refrain from betting on football games this season after struggling in recent years with a gambling addiction.
In a statement posted on X (formally Twitter) on Monday, Mickelson said that while most people can enjoy sports betting in moderation, he had “crossed the line of moderation and into addiction, which isn’t any fun at all.” He admitted the habit had become so distracting that it prevented him from being fully present with loved ones, causing “a lot of harm.”
The announcement comes less than a month after the August 23 release of a book detailing Mickelson’s high-stakes sports betting. Written by renowned Las Vegas gambler, Billy Walters, the book revealed that Mickelson had lost close to $100 million due to reckless betting. It also described a five-year gambling partnership between Walters and Mickelson, though Mickelson denies accusations of trying to bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup.
In his statement, Mickelson said the money itself was never the issue, given his financial security. But he took responsibility for confusing enablers as friends and dealing with his addiction so publicly that others could profit from it. He mentioned receiving professional help for years, abstaining from gambling, and being in recovery.
While encouraging others not to follow his example, Mickelson expressed hope that this football season and beyond, people will enjoy sports betting with moderation. He said the moments shared with loved ones will always be more treasured than any bet or fantasy league win.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
