Phil Mickelson opens up on "darkest times" of gambling addiction in emotional statement

Phil Mickelson has made no secret of his problems with gambling in recent years, and on Monday took to social media to discuss his addiction following the beginning of the NFL season

Phil Mickelson has taken to social media to open up on his gambling addiction after admitting his issue with betting had 'crossed the line of moderation'.

Mickelson has been known as a notorious sports gambler for some time, but on Monday he revealed he had given up the habit after it began to take its toll on his personal life. Taking to , he wrote: "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 into addiction which isn’t any fun at all."

The six-time major champion went on to claim that whilst the financial side of his habit never caused too much damage amid his successful golf career, it was the affect on his family and friends which proved to be the true problem. “'You’re here but you’re not with us' is something I’ve been told often throughout my addiction," he added.

"It affected those I care about in ways I wasn’t aware or could fully understand... When I came out there was so much damage to clean up that I just wanted to go back inside and not deal with it." Amid his own struggles, Mickelson offered advice to others who may be battling the addiction, whilst also paying tribute to his wife Amy, who acted as his 'supportive partner'.

The LIV Golf star continued: "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. 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." The three-time Masters champion later confirmed that he was now in recovery, and was able to 'sit still' after receiving help from a professional.