Getting in Over Your Head With Fantasy Football Debt?

If you work in an office, frequent sports bars or peruse sports related websites then you’re well aware of America’s second favorite past-time. Fantasy Football started as an Internet-based fan activity that has ballooned from its humble days on YahooGroups and Usenet into a multimillion dollar industry. Some call it unregulated gaming (gambling), its legal definition is a game of skill, while others compare it to World of Warcraft and other MMPORGs. There are some Fantasy Football players who do make a sustainable living from their playing; but as with professional gambling, there are winners and losers. Others have blown through hundreds of thousands of dollars, racking up Fantasy football debt, often times destroying personal relationships or ending up on the streets.

Signs Fantasy Football Debt Is Out of Control

Fantasy Football is a form of gambling, as with most addictions, it’s easy to rationalize your behavior. Recognizing that there is a problem is the first step. These questions will help.

• Is playing Fantasy Football in the budget? Most leagues are free, but friends or co-workers set a registration fee. Other high stakes games with big pots can command a buy-in that can run anywhere from $50 to $2,000+ per week.
• Based on past seasons, do you have more money problems during football season? Do you pay bills or your rent/mortgage late? Do you put basic items like groceries and gas on credit cards? Or, are you charging your fantasy league expenses and buy-ins?
• Is the amount of time you spend on Fantasy Football and football in general impacting your relationships with your family? Are you skipping time with your spouse or children? Are you more irritable or inclined to start fights or drink when your team isn’t doing well?
• Are you using money that could be put to better use somewhere else? The start of football season is also back to school season – are your children getting the things they need for school? Are you deferring maintenance on your car, or making repairs to your home?

Gaming can become an addiction for certain people, just like substance abuse. If you think that you have answered “yes” to many of the questions above, call the National Council on Problem Gambling, or chat with them online. They can help get the support you need.

Getting Back on Track

At Van Horn Law Group, we have a lot of experience in helping people get back on a firm financial footing. It might take bankruptcy, a negotiating session with your creditors, or even a consolidation loan. Whatever it is, we’ll help you through every step of the way. Call our offices in West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale and set up an appointment for a free initial consultation. We’re open six days a week and ready to work with you. Call us today, and let’s get your life back on track!