Phil Mickelson Just Made a Shocking Gambling Confession

Two recent books have covered the lengths that Phil Mickelson allegedly went while gambling on sports.

Now, Mickelson posted on Monday that the did in fact have a gambling addiction and also suggests that it’s in the past. 

“Most of you will enjoy this football season with moderation while having lots of fun and entertainment,” Mickelson wrote on his social media channels. “The fantasy leagues will provide banter amongst friends and money won or lost betting won’t affect you. I won’t 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. This lack of presence has been so hurtful.”

Most of you will enjoy this football season with moderation while having lots of fun and entertainment. 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…

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) September 18, 2023

In the book, “Gambler: Secrets from a Life of Risk,” by professional gambler Billy Walters, he alleges Mickelson has bet over $1 billion over the course of his life, losing about $100 million total. The allegations include a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup, which Mickelson denies. 

“If you ever cross the line of moderation and enter into addiction, hopefully you won’t confuse your enablers as friends like I did,” Mickelson’s post continued. “Hopefully you won’t have to deal with these difficult moments publicly so others can profit off you like I have.” 

An unauthorized biography released last year by golf writer Alan Shipnuck also delved into Mickelson’s gambling habits, saying that Lefty lost $40 million over a five-year span. 

Phil Mickelson says he won’t bet on football this season.

His former gambling partner Billy Walters said he believed Mickelson gambled more than $1 Billion and became the biggest gambler in America. pic.twitter.com/e0uj91wKSN

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 18, 2023

Mickelson credited his wife, Amy, with helping overcome the addiction. 

“She has loved me and supported me through my darkest and most difficult times,” Mickelson wrote. “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.”

Mickelson will be in Chicago this week for the upcoming LIV Golf event in the area.