Interesting question!
1. gambling can take a fair amount of your spare time so if you don't have the time because of REAL priorities (wife,family,children etc.) limit yourself to 1 sport or just one conference
GUARD fiercely against getting caught up in this and hopefully it remains recreation for you and most!!!
2. ONLY disposable income that you can well afford
or from WINNINGS. I am a very conservative bettor
but I will go for the jugular when I'm playing with the man's $$$$. I never put myself, my family or their well being at risk over gambling. Yes, on bad years I have quit till the next year if I reached a certain limit.
3. Get used to not having to watch every game!!!
That will make you one very sedentary, unproductive person!
4. DO NOT (if you are married and/or have kids) bet an amount that will make you a rotten bastard if you lose.
5. If you find yourself drinking way more than is reasonable on game day and becoming obnoxious as a result
If any of these have been a problem then maybe its time to break and take a look at the big picture.
Just my opinions
bear