I know your pain dude. I gambled my entire life away. I am now 40, had it all, lost it all, to the point where I couldn't even buy food. I lost over $1,5 million over the years and the disease that is high-stakes Blackjack absolutely ripped me to pieces. I was living in casinos every single day for years on end. It consumed every facet of my existence. Once my family had me self-exclude (ban) myself from the casino, I was still gambling endless amounts of money away online, until I truly lost every single cent. My siblings & parents intervened eventually, after they discovered that I was now in a TON of debt. Gambling is pure poison of the WORST kind. We hate it and love it all at the same time. Its worse than drugs or booze in my opinion. I battle this demon every damn day. Thanks for sharing your video!

I am 71 now. I have not gambled in probably 5 years. I was a gambler most of my life. The worst thing is the guilt and regrets. Something that never escapes me.

I literally lost everything. 15k in the last few days. Down about 30. I’m beyond rock bottom. I didn’t realize how fucked gambling is. Sober from booze for 2 years now, but addiction is in my blood. Never thought it was possible to feel this low.

Ive been a problem gambler for 20 years. I had 103 days clean earlier this year and then i relapsed hard for the past 2 months. I am so sick of this life...i have no one to blame but myself. I have self excluded from so many betting apps. Its truly sickening how many there are now. Im 40 next month and i never want to place a bet in my 40s. I quit smoking right as i turned 30 and i will do everything i can to quit this sabatoging behavior just before 40. Need Gods help with this 🙏 thank you for sharing your story my man. Proud of you for doing what you needed to do.

Wow. Your story really got me man! You are proof that hard work and commitment works! Changing your mindset to a better one it can be done.

I started gambling since 19, and stopped for 4 years since late 2018, now came back and felt this horrible traumatizing feeling again, full of regrets, full of misery, I am 31 and honestly dont know where my life is going. Fuck gambling.

It’s so hard to not only be vulnerable and honest with yourself about yourself but extremely hard to share the vulnerability with others. It takes a lot of courage! Thanks for sharing your story - you are not alone.

I’m 32 and lost over $100K on my phone in about 5 hours. The feeling of guilt and absolute shame was very heavy for about 3 days. It’s the most expensive lesson I’ve ever had but will turn out to be the biggest blessing.

Thank you so much for your testimony. I'm at the bottom now. I just came forward to my family and it isn't going well. But st least the road to recovery begins. So many people need to hear this. It is very hard to listen to as you literally describe myself and it is jarring to hear the truth. Thank you. You may have saved my life.

I don't have a gambling addiction, but I certainly inherited the "addiction trait". What's funny is, like you, I first recognized this trait while excessively playing video games in high school. It eerily reminded me of my father's drug addiction. Over the next few years (and even now) I began to pay attention at how easily I became addicted to all sorts of thing, mainly positive or harmless activities such as work, but addicted nonetheless. So I stayed away from alcohol and never tried a drug because I knew what would come of it. I honestly believe I could try marijuana for the first time on Monday night and be addicted to crystal meth by Wednesday morning. I haven't been exposed to too much gambling but I don't visit casinos because I would certainly fall victim to the gambler's demise. Recognizing and acknowledging that addictive trait and being brutally honest with myself has saved me a lot of heartache and pain.

Thank you so much I struggled last 3 years damn near losing every single paycheck to gambling (blackjack) tired of making a comeback and working my butt off just to lose all I worked for I would lose my paycheck say I got paid 12am would lose it before the sun came up a revolving cycle I got to the point if I did win I would always eventually lose it back never get anything for myself went years of working hard and nothing to show for it ..it stops today !

thank you for sharing your story - listening to other's stories helps me stay strong. We are not alone.

Thanks for posting your story. Also its difficult to open up and admitting not only to others but to yourself that you were caught in addiction. It is the hardest thing to do is to admit we arent in control. You have come such a long way in your journey. Hope youre doing well

I'm beside myself, I'm 57 and started gambling somewhere around 2018 and have gone through 2 IRA's and have 20 grand racked up from cash advances and it just dawned on me after being down from COVID the last week what I have done. I'm doing my best to keep my chin up and trying to look at the bright side that at least I paid off my cars and my house but this is hitting me like a ton of bricks. I have no idea other than it was like a drug that took over me and I just woke up to a real life nightmare. I hope I find some solace in this video.

Thanks for the video! Very personal and you’re not the only one my friend , just recently banned myself from my local casino. I have a family. It’s hard to not gamble, I’m hoping spiritually I can find something to fill the void. God bless you

I always try to quit gambling but the pain and loneliness inside me forces to play again and again. This time after watching your video i have strong mentality to quit it...hope it works😭 and thanks myam your story helped meeee alot

I'm 24 years.. I was introduced to gambling when i was 20 , seeing my drug dealer gambling and making big money i fell into the trap and ever since its been a messed up rollercoaster ride .. it literally affects all aspects of your life negatively, and the point of desperation that you get to is crazy and so unhealthy if you're reading this and don't have a problem yet .. please don't start

That's me sitting there in that chair. We even look the same. I've still not managed to stop gambling though (18 years in the trenches) so you're now an inspiration to me. I also know what it's like to have cross addictions. I've actually beaten substance abuse through recovery and I'm trying to apply those principles into my gambling recovery. I have been for the last 18yrs now on and off. Alas, gambling is certainly a different beast as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, I hope you manage to arrest your compulsion to gamble. I admire anyone who manages this successfully. Personally I have hope that someday the very same obsessional mindset I have shall be the making of my success. Keep up the good work and the inspirational messages though please. Someday I may challenge myself in the same way. Much love from the UK.

Hey, I was watching your videos about gambling addiction today and it has been helping me a lot. I'm only 18 years old and just like you, blackjack has been my addiction until today. Today I decided to stop after losing a thousand euros (all the money I had saved) and when I watched your videos I realized that we have similarities with addictions. I will continue to follow your channel. Thank you for sharing your experience. Sometimes the worst part is when we have no one to talk to or vent to.

You are my role model and very inspiring! You beat the addiction and become so successful in life. Thanks for sharing this video with us. 🙏

Oh WOW! I relate so much to the part about certain types of gambling being much more problematic than others. I absolutely love bingo, it’s something that brings so much fun and happiness into my life. I thankfully have a lot of self-control when it comes to bingo. But if I touch a video keno machine I’m in trouble big time. I can’t control myself with that type of gaming. My challenge is to get in and out of the casino and limit myself to only bingo. It’s day-to-day but for the majority of time I’m good about doing only the bingo. Thanks for sharing your story. You’re very smart and well spoken. It’s comforting to know someone like you has been through this. A lot of times I feel alone.

I feel you man, your story is definitely something I needed to hear.

Remember guys, build your life ontop of the strongest foundation, rock bottom just so happens to be the hardest and strongest.

Thanks for sharing your story. This is a real gambler's story.

Although this is an old video, I hope you’re not back gambling. But I understand the struggle. I am 50 years old and still going through the pain. Stay strong. DON’T EVEN PLAY POKER. It’s gambling you are taking other people money when you win you create other version of you when you were broke. I don’t think you want that. Find the excitement in sports, and fill your time with outdoor sports. Outdoor opposite of indoor in the devils house Casino.

For me when I lost a lot of money it was after I had my biggest win. They got me but I learned quickly thank God. Losing 18k within 5 months was awful. Life is good now, working a job in a career I enjoy. However I enjoy gambling periodically with friends maybe 3 times a year. Moderation is key in any aspect of life.

The only way to beat the casino is to avoid it. Thanks for this englightening video...your message is inspirational.

Thanks for sharing your story, I’m truly at my lowest I really hope I can turn it around, my past is just a nightmare

this story is with the happy end. your video inspired me. thank you

Mannn I feel your pain soooo badly, this is so relatable.... The worst part is seeing all this inflation happening right now knowing that we gambled away the money needed to buy a home, and car. Things are tough right now, anybody gambling during this inflation will suffer even harder.

Much love man I felt this

a few years ago I never would’ve thought gambling could actually be a addiction.. it’s possibly the worst addiction there is and now I understand why people call addictions a “disease” … it’s constantly all I’m thinking about and makes me do selfish stupid things , I’m antsy and irritable when I can’t gamble and I can’t ever just relax and be bored anymore as soon as I’m bored I’m heading to the casino .. there’s been so many times I lost my ass when I really could not afford it and and I had to figure out how to even get gas to get to and from work for the week and I’d suffer all week and he depressed just for pay day to hit and me to go to the casino and do it all over again , I still do that shit almost every week the only time I end up having money is because I won this time , which happens maybe once in every ten trips .. I wish I never hit big my first time going and I bet this would’ve never happened .

found you on tik tok!! And this is so inspiring, so real so raw!! You are doing amazing!!!🙏🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Thanks for sharing your story I just lost everything I’m happy to hear your doing better now and that gives me some hope one day I’ll be okay.

In my mind, I see that you eventually saw the way through ,and stuck with it. Much like me. Thank you for this video.

The regret part was the most difficult for me. I lucked out not losing my family or home but I did lose making life happier for everyone. Online is the worst for the sickness

Many Thanks for your honesty!! Bless you, Peace From London. 🙏

you are very brave for being so open to us and sharing your story. and by doing so you've helped many people learn and also to not feel so alone in their journey. And it is a lonely one. god bless

Basically what you said is all truth and i can fully recognize everything you mentioned. After 2 years i just had a relapse, i lost interest in everything that i liked and to fill my day i started going to casino daily. Yesterday i lost a lot, and today i am thinking how to get my money back

Strong of you to share your story. Stay strong

They say 1 out of 4 serious gambling addicts eventually commit suicide. I can see why, imagine having to tell your family “ we lost the house, I lost it all on blackjack. Start packing we only have 2 weeks to find a different spot to live in!” I’m picturing my dad telling my mom this. Lol she would be gone in a week, that’s just sad and when you think about it…. It’s soooo STUPID! People get blinded by greed! It’s never enough!

BJ was my vice for a while too, I then convinced myself to stick with just poker as its a +EV game if you play the right way, but on nights where variance wasnt on my side, like if I had a bad beat, I would tilt right back to the BJ pits. It was a vicious cycle and took me a couple years to realize I needed to stay away from the casino all together as much as I love poker I still enjoy watching all the media outlets available for poker nowadays, and I get my fix of poker vicariously through watching other people play on stream. I still experience gambling once a year when I go to Vegas and few times a year I make a trip down to AC with my buddies, but the days of grinding gambling for a living is in the past. Let me tell you, its a relieving feeling, you sleep better at night, and your mental state of mind if just in a healthier place

This has to be a very good, personal and "i can relate to" video on youtube.

I’ve been gambling since I turned 19 in canada. Poker was what got me started as well. Then it was more poker… blackjack… baccarat and now roulette.. I’ve just lost 28k in the spam of 2 days and this is the first time I’ve tried to see if there’s any way for me to quit this addiction.. I am now 33 I hope my addiction will stop after this long 14 year of gambling. To people out there like me, let’s quit together. And be able to enjoy life again.

ODAAT my friend! You can do it!

Thanks I been goin threw gambling addiction for several years I always try to stop and keep goin bk to it

Oh rah Marine. We are very crafty at figuring out ways to trick our own system to survive. The $1 in the bank thing. Today is day on getting off gambling. I contacted my bookie site and got myself restricted. My first payday will be my first accomplishment. Getting through that day. Getting through that weekend and getting to the next payday after that with out gambling. Keep it up.

I can relate to everything you are saying so much, it is almost like the exact story ofy life except I'm still going through it 😞. My mom has been the only one who has known and has helped me for many years in my family. I took a step a week ago to cancel my card on my own, because I have been overdrafting my account -300 for years to gamble. Pay day loans everrging you've named also maxed out creditcards. Just yesterday I took out a 500 payday loan that I need to pay today and iost it. For some reason I woke up today and 6 am out of no where and I stumbled across this video. Thank you for this, to see someone that has over come the same thing that I'm going through lays the blue print that it can be done and perhaps is what I needed. Specially now since I have a 1 year old boy. Thank you man truly.

Man,having an addictive personality is difficult but I truly believe you’ll be ok!

I appreciate you sharing your story. I can relate to alot of it.

I felt nervous and scared watching this. We lived nearly the same life. Same games, same story, same relationship destruction, and same age. Thank you for making this content. You're right, there is not much problem gambling content on youtube or online compared to other addictiond. I feel like the Casinos have a role in that... I am am an alcoholic and after I got sober I walked into a Casino, rest is history. Sometime's I can't believe how much we can hurt ourselves and others. Thank you for making this video my friend.

I have been gambling off and on for 12 years since having a medical diagnoses. It was a way of ignoring the issue and Creating new more destructive problems. I feel like I can’t be helped, this is going to be the thing that takes my life. I don’t gamble to try and win, I gamble to get an escape from my thoughts. It has to stop eventually one way or another

I appreciate it, I have delt with this for 20 years now. Be careful with poker

listen dude, I literally have your exact same story. I also was addicted to blackjack and after a change I went to poker and thought I was cured. After a few years of playing poker I eventually hit a rough spot and went straight back to blackjack. My advice, never walk into a casino again.

Thanks for your video, gambling has terrible life, me too same thing!

I'm basically the same story, just Navy...Corpsman, never greenside though. But yeah basically same story, also think it's funny how we go to only poker once we "recover". But yes, I hear you on all this. Sad to see you had to go through it as well. Glad were good now, thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing needed to hear this

Thanks for sharing. I'm not going to judge as I'm both a recovering alcoholic (26 years sober) and gambler trying to break out of it. I take a firm stance on drinking alcohol after you've crossed the line and understand you're a alcoholic. I think you're lying to yourself if you think you can "control it" and continue to drink after crossing that line. Gambling is a bitch addiction - some people need to totally abstain from gambling after crossing the line into compulsive gambling, some people can regain control, but it's a slippery slope and takes a lot of soul-searching and brutal honesty. I've had several addictions, but gambling has by far cost me the most personally. Fortunately did not F**k over my extended family with my addiction, but caused plenty of grief with my immediate family. You are still lucky to reign it in while young.

Thank you so much for sharing your story

I myself like to play poker at least once a month, last time I went I seen a buddy that I haven’t seen for a while and he looked like he hadn’t slept for days. After he got felted he waited outside for me and asked if I can loan him some money, I really wanted to as well but I already knew what he was going to do with it. Instead I told him that I lost as well and I offered to get him something to eat so we went. During our meal he started to reveal all the bad things that have been going on in his life and it was heartbreaking to see someone doing good in life to all of a sudden do a complete 180. He’s doing better now but still struggles.

I struggle with the same for more than a decade! I also got into poker but having that addictive personality all it takes is a bad beat in poker and then outside that poker room is slots, black jack etc and it’s a bad place when you wake those demons up to the point of no returns! I just feel that if you had that problem in the past it’s not a good idea playing poker because eventually you’ll lose and a problem gamblers main problem is losing control and chasing loses 😢 it’s like a alcoholic going to bars just to play pool !

Hey brother I am 22 struggling with this and I’ve been using my money 24/7 on gambling I seen this and my mom is my phone call like yours! This makes me wanna slow down and look back and do my finances correct! I appreciate the video and I could see the disappointment on ya face from not tryna deal with it! Blessing I will try and get a better person

I have had a similar history with addiction...drugs, sex, gambling...financially, my biggest problems occured with casino betting, both online and off...recently, I primarily do sports betting and have not lost nearly as much money, but now with the advent of the legalization of online sports betting, it has become all too easy to do and all to consuming...There are certain things in my life that are keeping me stuck and one of the only ways to get a dopamine spike is to gamble...I am a functioning gambler, I run a business, workout several times a week, but lack quality relationships and often get bored and default to gambling...it's just too hard to deal with the regularness of life in my current predicament, so gambling wins by default.

For me my I've been riding the sweet spot for well over 20 years. I'm good at controlling my addictions just enough where nobody know they're there. Never reaching rock bottom. Never climbing out of the pit. What's worse, a deadly disease slowly killing you, or getting sick and dying in 3 days? It's all bad. But when you control your addiction just well enough to take it out of the cage, and when you're done, you drag it back in, you constantly decieve yourself. You say, "my addictions not that bad. I only lost 400 this month. At least I'm not like those other people". You're not compelled to change. Over the past 23 years, I'm sure I've lost well over 50k. It's hard to see the forest through the trees. When I lose a couple hundred I write it off as "it could've been worse", but now that I'm older with a child who's an adult, I think about what I could've had. I've lost a home, a marriage and my health. And in a subtle way, that's very hard to see, my gambling addiction played a small role in it all. Maybe if I'd hit rock bottom 20 years ago, I wouldn't still be gambling today. Nowadays I'm better. I don't blow nearly what I used to, but that monster still stays by me in his cage. Tomorrow's Saturday. I may just go to the casino to take myself away from the stresses in my life. So it continues on........

Love this brother. Top guy May Allah guide us all. We living in crazy times.

We are human and I believe all have the ability to become addicted to something, mine started with winning $12 , while waiting for a friend at our local pub. What I found fascinating was watching others play and without fail newcomers always win to start with, but once it becomes a nightly thing, winning does not happen ever again, because everyone chases their losses. Once upon a time it was fun and didn't cost much to be entertained for a few hours but over the years it has become soul destroying definitely not fun. I blame governments for this, allowing families to be torn apart for the sake of profit. Peace and blessings to all.

Thanks for your bravery 🙏🏾♥️♥️

I feel you man, it’s gotten to me over the years.

Much respect sir. Truly an inspiration. Wish I can get rid of this desease soon.

im currently 17 and a student ive gambled close to 60k away and I cant stop,after a nice win from blackjack the urge to win more or chase my loses always comes back to me i really need help

Thank you so much for your vulnerability, honesty and transparency 🙏

I completely understand this I started gambling in my mid forties about 8 years ago..never had any interest in casinos before that had even been to Vegas and didn't touch a slot. I have 3 boys grown now and they were all either moved out University etc..My hubby has hobbies fishing etc I ended up at a casino one day black Jack first eventually switched to the high limit machines and first time I played I won 6400 .. it went on from there. It quickly became my favorite thing free cruises many free trips to Vegas comp comps all fun. Until it's not. I went thru 90 000 without my hubby knowing before I confessed. Fortunately our bills were always paid but I racked up a ton of hidden debt and spent cash . It was rough but I tell you I've heard every story you can think of divorce, hidden debt, business lost etc I stayed away for about 18 months then gradually started playing again my hubby started letting me go again with the promise to keep it in check ..I did for awhile (you use to win alot more jackpots years ago) now forget it. I've already racked up again some and I'm about to stop again. It's hard and I do not want to tell hubby so I will have to try and chip away at this myself. Casinos are fun it is something I enjoy when you at least win here and there now its got to be such a money sucker. I have to tell you I get what you are saying about playing non compulsively but it is very likely that could go wrong. Like you I understand my addiction also have read everything about it and I know intellectually what I am doing... that being said it's hard not to end up in the same place you were before. Be careful. You are young and doing very well but I've seen people fall from very high places when it comes to gambling. I know better but I still messed up I'm the perfectionist Mom who does everything right good kids clean house run a business from the outside you would never know. My family was shocked. The stories I've heard my own experiences your own experiences but we still go back ..it's crazy. Good luck to you thanks for sharing.

bro i was literally gambling my whole pay checks away weeks in a row , completely broke , no money to eat or gas

How would your mom ever be able to say something along the lines that she is “never” talking to her own son again and is going to disown him. That is cruel- she brought you into this world. Life is extremely tough, that doesn’t mean giving up on your loved ones. Keep up the good work buddy. Time stamp 12:05

you are exactly right, you never win because even if you win it is not like you quit. If we could quit after a win then gamblers would not go broke.

I understand this feeling I went through myself gambling most dangerous think you could in Life Gambling destroy my Life the only to win you have to stop and forgot about losses and strat new page

Thank you for sharing your story!

I have it too brother. That's why I'm checking out videos from guys like you

I was listening to you through this video and then I start crying .... right now at this exact moment Im in the rock bottom ...or even worse ...losing money is not the only problem I have rather losing friend and family and gamble their savings and everything they have using lies that never ends ... I lost my house , my car and my job lately because it doesnt make sense to make 3K every month while losing 5K every week ? no need to work in that case ... now life doesnt mean anything for me I lost it all and I cant even know or like myself anymore ...I donk know who Im ?

Dude my problem is black jack too a friend of mind introduced me to it and Iv been hooked on it ever since.i can’t seem to ever win even when I get wins I always leave the casino with no money.this is ruining my life I need more than help to fix it.

Addiction of any kind is so painful . . .

Thanks for sharing. I've kept away from the casinos for over a year and it has been good. I have now lost all my savings a few weeks back and now just lost my paycheck that came in the last 2 hours. Completely lost in words and understanding of how did an innocent looking game of roulette had gotten the grip of me once again!

With my addictive personality, I know better than to allow myself to bet.

Thank you for sharing…I wished I had seen this earlier 😢🙏

When you feel the fear creep up inside you, your heart racing, knowing that this is not a good risk to be taking, you have already gone too far. Life is about taking calculated decisions where risk is involved. Gambling is pure randomness, the only thing you can control in it is to not partake in it and do something else with your money. The more money a person thinks they need to feel better, the more worthless they really are.

when you were going through your gambling stint, did you have any winning or big winning days? like if you had borrowed money but so happen to go up that day, you would return that money and have some profits to gamble with next time (obviously we know how that turns out usually). if you had say 4 winning days in a row, was life looking up to you? ( better mood resulting in temporary better relationships with those around you)

Thank you for sharing your story..its an eye opener to people who want to be in a CASINO...im just starting playing online casino for few months..but now i really want to stop it ..i hope and pray that i can🙏

I can relate to much of this. Thanks for sharing.

I feel your pain I’m in the same shoes I feel hopeless losing everything. I feel like I lost myself

thank you sir,i like playing poker on line,every time i would play slots when i got a bad beat,then i would absolutely lose all my bankroll,no matter how much i win in the slots,i will lose all in the end.

Love this video bro. I’ve gambled at all the same spots you have exactly… you were at Camp Pendleton… you couldn’t gamble at Barona casino when you were 18. So you probably went to San Manuel, Pechanga, Morongo… I also moved to Dallas and still went towards Oklahoma just to gamble at Winstar

I understand the struggle, my friend.

I been on and off gambling at most part of life since last 5 years..It has costed me time and energy. Have decided to quit 100%

I had a serious gambling addiction and when you started talking about no windows and no clocks I was nodding my head like yup all true. There be time i be gambling up and down from the morning to night. One time i step into a casino at 11am and didn’t leave till 8am the next day opening up the casino door to be like wtf.

Thank you for your story,I quited black jack 3 weeks ago

I have been gambling since i was 13 when it all started with in game case openings and grew into addictive online gambling. I have not lost that much money but i want to quit every day but i keep telling myself man im still young im 19 and whatever so i keep on gambling and wasting my time going back and forth some days its profit some not , but i just feel bad because i waste time on this.

I think it’s sad that you can’t simply say all gambling is a horrible sin that can only lead to hardship. I hope you can actually learn to hate it as the evil it is and not leave allowance for moderate amounts of certain kinds of gambling. Like an alcoholic needs to stay completely clean. Prayers are with you. You’ve come a long way from where you were

I’ve lost tons Due to gambling, glad that you realized it and got a hold of it and got your life back but at the same time, you’re still gambling with poker tournaments and such so just like quitting smoking if you’re still doing NicoDerm it’s still feeding the addiction

thank you for this video

Hey man I saw this video just wanting to say this helped me quit blackjack. The other week I actually won 10K off of sports betting but I gambled all of it on online blackjack. Idk why but blackjack addiction is the worse sickness. I’m just a periodic sports better I only play with extra money but to lose 10K on a rigged casino game after winning that much on sports betting got me depressed right now