- Mickelson wrote a heartfelt post about his experience with gambling addiction
- Betting partner Billy Walters believes that Mickelson has placed ‘$1bn’ on bets
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Phil Mickelson has opened up about his gambling addiction in a lengthy social media post on Monday afternoon.
The LIV Golfer, who was known to be a notorious sports bettor, posted about his addiction, his habits, and how it affected his family.
‘Most of you will enjoy this football season with moderation while having lots of fun and entertainment,’ Mickelson’s post began. ‘The fantasy leagues will provide banter amongst friends and money won or lost betting won’t affect you.
‘I wont be betting this year because I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn’t any fun at all.
‘The money wasn’t ever the issue since our financial security has never been threatened, but I was so distracted I wasn’t able to be present with the ones I love and caused a lot of harm.
LIV Golfer Phil Mickelson has opened up about his gambling addiction in a Twitter post
Mickelson talked about the impact his habit had on his family and his own health
‘This lack of presence has been so hurtful. “You’re here but you’re not with us,” is something I’ve been told often throughout my addiction. It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware or could fully understand.
‘It’s like a hurricane is going on outside and I’m isolated in a shelter oblivious to what was happening.
‘When I came out there was so much damage to clean up that I just wanted to go back inside and not deal with it.
‘If you ever cross the line of moderation and enter into addiction, hopefully you won’t confuse your enablers as friends like I did.
‘Hopefully you won’t have to deal with these difficult moments publicly so others can profit off you like I have.
‘But hopefully you WILL have a strong and supportive partner who is willing to help you through being your worst self, and through your worst moments like I have in Amy. She has loved me and supported me through my darkest and most difficult times. I couldn’t have gotten through this without her.
‘I’m so grateful for her strength in helping us get through the many challenges I’ve created for us. Because of her love, support, and commitment, I’m back on track to being the person I want to be.
‘After many years of receiving professional help, not gambling, and being in recovery from my addictions, I’m now able to sit still, be present in the moment and live each day with an inner calm and peace.
Former betting partner Billy Walters says Mickelson has placed over $1billion on sports bets
‘I still have a lot of cleaning up to do with those I love the most but I’m doing it slowly and as best I can.
‘This football season and beyond, enjoy yourself with moderation so it doesn’t detract from your ability to be present.
‘In my experience, the moments with the ones you love will be far more remembered than any bet you win or fantasy league triumph.’
Mickelson’s gambling habit was partially brought to light thanks to a book by betting shark Billy Walters.
That included accusations that Mickelson tried to place a wager on the 2012 Ryder Cup of $400,000 – which the golfer has denied.
Walters’ book, an autobiography, says that the six-time major champion had bet ‘more than one billion dollars’ on sports over the course of the past three decades. He estimated the 53-year-old’s losses to be around $100million.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, call 1-800-GAMBLER in the United States or 0808 8020 133 in the United Kingdom.