Legendary golfer Phil Mickelson has opened up some more about a gambling addiction in a new interview with Sports Illustrated.
According to reports, Mickelson lost about $40 million gambling over just about five years. The losses came from 2010 to 2014.
“Gambling has been part of my life ever since I can remember,” Mickelson said. “But about a decade ago is when I would say it became reckless. It’s embarrassing. I don’t like that people know. The fact is I’ve been dealing with it for some time. Amy has been very supportive of it and with me and the process. We’re at place after many years where I feel comfortable with where that is. It isn’t a threat to me or my financial security. It was just a number of poor decisions.”
Mickelson’s comments come as he is set to make a return to the golf course this week, with the LIV Golf Invitational event in London.
The 51-year-old indicated that he joined LIV Golf, a controversial venture backed by a murderous Saudi Arabian government, is related to his financial woes.
Months ago, Mickelson was candid about the human rights abuses from his new business partner, but ultimately said he could get over it. Sponsors quickly dumped him.
The size of his gambling losses were reportedly uncovered from a federal investigation into insider trading, the result of which sent sports bettor Billy Walters to prison.
Mickelson wasn’t charged.
On Monday, Mickelson released a statement explaining his move to join LIV Golf.
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— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) June 6, 2022
