Phil Mickelson Urges Fans to Wager Wisely and Take Heed of His Errors
Phil Mickelson, a recent inductee to the World Golf Hall of Fame, is known not just for his six major championships and 45 wins on the PGA Tour, but also for his excessive gambling.
A new book from his ex-friend, famous sports bettor and convicted insider trader, Billy Walters, alleges that Mickelson wagered over $1 billion in the last three decades. Walters claims he lost almost $100 million during this time.
Mickelson has been candid about his gambling issues. In the previous year, he acknowledged that his betting had become "reckless and embarrassing," and that he needed to deal with it. He skipped the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in 2022. The golfer admits to spending countless hours in therapy to deal with his gambling addiction.
With football seasons fully underway, Mickelson released a PSA educating sports fans about the responsible gambling.
"The majority of you will enjoy this football season with moderate indulgence, filled with excitement and entertainment," he penned on X. "I, however, won't be betting this year as I crossed the line of moderation into addiction, which isn't fun at all."
Mickelson shares that his gambling problems never affected his family financially because he amassed hundreds of millions of dollars both on and off the golf course. However, he admits that because gambling consumed his attention, it prevented him from spending quality time with his loved ones.
The Wisest of Advice
In a world where sports betting is now legal in over 30 states, and wherein 26 regions permit online wagering, Mickelson views this as a double-edged sword. While fans who bet responsibly can enjoy the perks of sports wagering, it poses significant dangers for those prone to addiction.
"If you at any point cross the line of moderation and enter into addiction, I hope you'll rely on your family members and friends for support instead of enabling enablers as I did," Mickelson urged.
After years of professional help, devoid of gambling, and in recovery from his addictions, Mickelson admits that he can now sit back and appreciate the present moment. He acknowledges that he has more work to do with his family but is doing it at his own pace.
"This football season and future events, take pleasure in yourself with moderation so it does not hinder your capacity to be present," Mickelson concluded. "In my experience, the moments with the ones you cherish will be far more memorable than any bet you'll win or fantasy league victory."
Losing It All - Literally
Prior to his switch to LIV, Mickelson was one of golf's most popular players. However, his reputation took a considerable hit when he left the PGA Tour for LIV.
Mickelson stated that, despite LIV Golf being backed by the Saudi Arabian government, he believed it was part of his endeavor to "reshape the PGA Tour." His comments criticizing the PGA Tour transformed him into a globally renowned figure, but they also caused him to lose several sponsorship deals, including KPMG, his longtime headline sponsor. He later disclosed that he would take some time "to self-reflect and learn" from his public statements.
Mickelson's image took another blow following Walters' publication of his book, Gambler: Secrets From a Life at Risk. The autobiography revealed Walters' friendship with Mickelson, as well as the insider trading scandal that put Walters behind bars. Mickelson was also implicated in the Dean Foods stock trading scandal, but he was never charged with a crime.
