Phil Mickelson reveals he is in recovery following alleged $1bn gambling addiction

Phil Mickelson has revealed just how much damage his gambling addiction has caused him and his family after it was alleged he’d spent over $1 billion on bets in the past.

The golf great revealed some personal reflections on his addiction in a lengthy social media post this week, to warn people about the dangers of “crossing from moderation to addiction” when it comes to gambling.

“Most of you will enjoy this football season with moderation while having lots of fun and entertainment,” Mickelson wrote. “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."

“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. “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.” he stated on X, formerly Twitter.

Mickelson has been well known for his love of making a wager, but this is the first time he has publicly aired that it might have been more than a bit of fun.

The revelation comes more than a month after notorious gambler Billy Walters, whom Mickelson had reportedly formed a gambling partnership with in 2008, stated in his book that Mickelson wagered more than $1bn over the last 30 years.

This included an allegation that Mickelson attempted to naked a $400,000 bet on the 2012 Ryder Cup while he was competing for Team USA, something Mickelson categorically denied.

Outside of the Ryder Cup allegations though, Mickelson had been pretty quiet about his gambling demons until this week, and seemingly directed some of his statements to his former betting partner.

'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,” he stated likely referring to Walters's book bombshell, the Guardian reported.   

"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."

"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.”

Mickelson, a six-time major champion who won the 2021 PGA Championship at the age of 50, is returning to competition this week with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Chicago tournament.