Phil Mickelson warns of the dangers of gambling as he opens up on addiction that saw him ‘bet over $1BILLION’ – as he admits he ‘still has a lot of cleaning up to do with those I love the most’

Phil Mickelson opened up about his gambling addiction in a lengthy social media post on Monday afternoon.

The LIV golfer, who was known as a notorious sports gambler, posted about his addiction, his habits and how it affected his family.

“Most of you will enjoy this football season in moderation while having a lot of fun and entertainment,” Mickelson’s post began. “The fantasy leagues create chatter among friends and money won or lost has no bearing on you.

“I’m not going to gamble this year because I’ve crossed the line between moderation and addiction, which is no fun at all.

“The money was never the problem because our financial security was never in jeopardy, but I was so distracted that I couldn’t be present with those I love, which caused a lot of damage.

Mickelson talked about the impact his habit had on his family and his own health

“This lack of presence has been so painful. “You are here, but you are not with us,” is something I was told many times during my addiction. It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware of or could fully understand.

“It’s like there’s a hurricane 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 in and not deal with it.

“If you ever cross the line of moderation and become addicted, 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 that others can benefit from you as I did.

“But hopefully you will have a strong and supportive partner who is willing to help you be your worst self and get through your worst moments, like I have in Amy. She has loved and supported me through my darkest and most difficult times. I couldn’t have gotten through this without her.

“I am so grateful for her strength in helping us overcome the many challenges I have created for us. Thanks to her love, support and dedication, I am back on track to being the person I want to be.

“After many years of receiving professional help, not gambling, and recovering from my addictions, I can now sit still, be present in the moment, and live each day with an inner calm and peace.

Former betting partner Billy Walters says Mickelson placed more than $1 billion in sports bets

“I still have a lot of clearing to do with the people I love most, but I’m doing it slowly and as best I can.

“Enjoy it in moderation this football season and beyond so it doesn’t detract from your ability to attend.

“In my experience, the moments with the ones you love will be remembered far better than any bet you win or a fantasy league victory.”

Mickelson’s gambling habit was exposed in part thanks to a book by betting shark Billy Walters.

That included allegations that Mickelson tried to place a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, which the golfer has denied.

Walters’ book, an autobiography, says the six-time champion had bet “more than a billion dollars” on the sport over the past 30 years. He estimated the 53-year-old’s losses at around $100 million.

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.