I wonder whether there is some easy conclusion to be drawn that the player was addicted. We don't know his bankroll and maybe he doesn't even bother because he has billions, but if it was a substantial amount for that person, would it ever make sense to place a bet of that size at all? Saying that this person wanted to play it safe would only apply if that amount of $1.4 million is within his perfect bankroll management range. Otherwise, if someone is seeking the kick in putting up $1.4 million for the chance of winning $11,200, I would think that there is some loss of control at play because nobody would care winning $11,200 in exchange for risking over a million.
That's a crazy story either way and as you already put it, there is no such thing as a 100% safe bet ever unless you are hedging somehow. But this one ended with way more than a punch in the face...
I have some friends who are quite rich, they can bet with high rollers, even with low odds. in theory, with odds @1.01 provided by the dealer. the team that is seeded almost 99% has an absolute victory. so do not be surprised if there is a gambler betting a very large amount. The problem is, we don't know the background of the man described in this thread. maybe, this man is a big fan of one of the teams that will compete. So, I'm not too sure that in this case it's addiction related.
For us, or maybe for some people. to bet with the amount of 1.4 million USD with low odds is something really crazy. because of the way we think, that the results obtained are not worth the money at stake. however, every gambler has a different perspective. but back again as I said, this man is willing to bet with very big money, because in theory, the team that is chosen as the bet has almost 99% victory. if we look at it in terms of capital issued, maybe it's not worth it. but because the win ratio is very high. this man believes, that he will win his bet. after all, $ 11k is not a small amount. moreover, he can get it in a matter of hours. the point is, this guy is totally unlucky and because he lost his gamble.