Online blackjack took over Zel's life, pushed him to the edge, and nearly ended his life.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Gamban has just launched a new Discord platform for those looking to chat about gambling addiction and recovery in partnership with the CSGO team Ecstatic! Sign up here: https://discord.gg/mYJYCEN2ch

This is a real story of how gambling addiction quietly takes over—and how quickly it can spiral out of control. In this episode, Zel shares his journey from playing poker as a kid to betting $1,000+ per hand on online blackjack, losing control, and facing the darkest moments of his life. What started as harmless entertainment turned into a cycle of chasing losses, emotional highs and lows, and eventually severe mental health struggles. Within just weeks, Zel went from casual online gambling to losing thousands of dollars, maxing out accounts, and experiencing suicidal thoughts—all while trying to hide it from the people around him. We break down how online casinos and easy access to gambling in places like New Jersey can accelerate addiction, the psychology behind chasing losses, and why even winning doesn’t fix the problem.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1

Brian shares some insights from his work as a gambling journalist

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Right Choice Recovery is a family owned and operated treatment center in New Jersey specializing in helping those struggling to stop gambling. I have partnered with them because I believe they genuinely care about the people who come through their program, and I don't know anyone better to help you find recovery from this disease Check out their program at: https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/livestreams-community-building/

Online gambling, sports betting, prediction markets, and casino apps are expanding faster than most people realize. In this conversation, I sit down with Brian Pempus, founder of GamblingHarm.org,

to talk about how the gambling industry has changed, how sports betting apps are being marketed, and why gambling harm is becoming harder to ignore. We talk about prediction markets, self-exclusion failures, sportsbook fines, gambling ads, celebrity endorsements, microbetting, DK Replay, and why so many gambling companies hide behind the phrase “we’re regulated” while the harm continues to grow.

Brian also breaks down recent data showing more online sports bettors chasing losses, feeling shame after betting, and experiencing warning signs connected to gambling disorder. This episode is not just about individual addiction stories. It is about the system around gambling: the companies, the regulators, the advertising, the technology, and the incentives that keep pushing people back toward the next bet. If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, you are not alone.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1

Ted shares his gambling addiction story

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Gamban has just launched a new Discord platform for those looking to chat about gambling addiction and recovery in partnership with the CSGO team Ecstatic! Sign up here: https://discord.gg/mYJYCEN2ch

About Ted: Mr. Hartwell holds an M.A. in Anthropology from Texas Tech University and in 2023 retired from a 32-year position on the research faculty of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) of the Nevada System of Higher Education to serve as the Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling (NVCPG), and later its Director of Storytelling. He recently resigned from the NVCPG to explore other advocacy opportunities. As a person in long-term recovery from a serious gambling addiction, he has promoted awareness, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling for over 15 years.

Ted shares how his relationship with gambling shifted over time, how moving to Las Vegas intensified everything, and how machine gambling became an escape from real life. And eventually, it led to lying, hidden debt, and a double life. This conversation dives deep into the psychology of gambling addiction—the mental gymnastics, the denial, the rationalization—and the moment everything starts to unravel. Ted opens up about hiding his addiction from his family, the impact it had on his relationships, and the turning point that finally pushed him to seek real help. Now 18+ years in recovery, he shares what actually worked, what didn’t, and what people get wrong about quitting.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1

Tom shares his experience with addiction.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Gamban has just launched a new Discord platform for those looking to chat about gambling addiction and recovery in partnership with the CSGO team Ecstatic! Sign up here: https://discord.gg/mYJYCEN2ch

About Tom: Tom is a social entrepreneur building a conscious alternative to existing sports betting apps. Tom didn’t just struggle with addiction… he helped build the very industry that fuels it. From creating early sports gaming products to raising millions of dollars and chasing success, his journey shows how deeply embedded the profit motive is inside the gambling ecosystem—and what that does to the people inside it. What started as ambition turned into pressure. Pressure turned into coping. And coping turned into addiction. In this episode, we break down how the gambling industry is designed, why “maximizing shareholder value” drives everything, and how that leads to real human consequences. Patrick opens up about alcoholism, hitting rock bottom, and the moment everything collapsed. But this isn’t just a story about addiction. It’s about awareness, accountability, and what happens when someone on the inside wakes up. If you’ve ever wondered why gambling feels so hard to escape… this conversation explains it. If this message resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to help spread awareness that gambling addiction is real—but recovery is possible.

This channel is dedicated to spreading awareness about gambling addiction and helping individuals better understand the risks of excessive gambling. Through powerful storytelling, educational content, and real-life experiences, we aim to shine a light on the dangers of gambling and provide tools for recovery. Whether you're seeking help, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more, our mission is to create a safe space for open conversations about gambling addiction.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1

We go through what to do with your finances in gambling addiction recovery

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Gamban has just launched a new Discord platform for those looking to chat about gambling addiction and recovery in partnership with the CSGO team Ecstatic! Sign up here: https://discord.gg/mYJYCEN2ch

About Patrick: Patrick is a CFP® Professional and the founder of Noor Financial Services. With 8 years in financial planning, his passion lies in helping young professionals simplify their finances and confidently work toward their goals. Gambling addiction doesn’t just affect your habits — it completely reshapes your financial life. In this conversation with a financial planner, we break down the real difference between gambling and investing, why the idea of “one big win” keeps people stuck, and what actually works if you’re trying to rebuild after gambling losses. If you’ve ever felt like sports betting, crypto, or day trading might be a way out… this video will challenge that thinking. Because while gambling can feel strategic, the reality is that the system is built for you to lose — and chasing losses only makes the hole deeper. We also go step-by-step through practical tools to help you recover financially after gambling. From budgeting and building awareness, to adding friction by deleting apps and self-excluding, to proven debt payoff strategies like the snowball and avalanche methods — this is a real plan you can start today. If you’re currently struggling, this video is for you. And if you’ve already quit, this will help you rebuild your life the right way — slowly, sustainably, and without relying on luck. Gambling addiction is real. Recovery is possible. And it starts with changing how you think about money.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1

Cade shares his story of gambling addiction and recovery

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Right Choice Recovery is a family owned and operated treatment center in New Jersey specializing in helping those struggling to stop gambling. I have partnered with them because I believe they genuinely care about the people who come through their program, and I don't know anyone better to help you find recovery from this disease

Check out their program at: https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/livestreams-community-building/

Cade’s story is one of the most powerful examples of how fast a gambling problem can escalate when left unchecked. What started as casual gambling in college quickly turned into something much darker. Over time, what felt like harmless fun became a daily habit, then a financial strategy, and eventually a full-blown addiction that took control of his life. As Cade climbed the ranks in his banking career, the pressure to succeed and “keep up” financially only intensified the problem. What began as occasional gambling turned into gambling during work hours, chasing losses, and using money meant for basic necessities just to try to stay afloat. Like many people struggling with gambling, he believed he could fix everything with one big win. But that moment never came. Instead, the situation escalated to a breaking point where desperation took over. Cade made a decision that would change his life forever—embezzling money from the bank he worked at. What followed was fear, anxiety, legal consequences, and the realization that gambling had completely taken control. This video breaks down how gambling addiction progresses, how quickly it can spiral, and the real-life consequences that most people never see. But more importantly, it shows that even after hitting rock bottom, recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, you are not alone. There is help available, and there is a way out.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1

Shreya asks me questions about my gambling addiction

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Right Choice Recovery is a family owned and operated treatment center in New Jersey specializing in helping those struggling to stop gambling. I have partnered with them because I believe they genuinely care about the people who come through their program, and I don't know anyone better to help you find recovery from this disease Check out their program at: https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/livestreams-community-building/

Behind the scenes of this vid: https://www.tiktok.com/@shreyanator/video/7612876692402523405

What does gambling addiction actually look like day-to-day? In this episode of the One Day at a Time Gambling Addiction Podcast, I flip the script. Instead of interviewing someone else, my girlfriend Shreya interviews me about my own experience with gambling addiction. We break down what a typical day looked like when I was at my worst—waking up already thinking about bets, chasing losses from the night before, gambling all day across sports, casino games, and even the stock market. This wasn’t just occasional betting. This was a 6-year addiction that took over my time, my thoughts, and my life. We also talk about the lies I told myself to keep going, why winning actually made things worse, and how gambling slowly shifts from something you want to do… into something you feel like you need just to function. You’ll hear real stories, including rock bottom moments, losing control even when ahead, and the moment I realized that every win was just a future loss. If you’ve ever struggled with gambling, sports betting, casino apps, or even just feel like it’s becoming too important in your life, this conversation will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1

Nick shares his story of gambling addiction

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

🙌 Right Choice Recovery is a family owned and operated treatment center in New Jersey specializing in helping those struggling to stop gambling. I have partnered with them because I believe they genuinely care about the people who come through their program, and I don't know anyone better to help you find recovery from this disease

Check out their program at: https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/livestreams-community-building/

Nick’s story starts earlier than most. At just 9 years old, he fell in love with poker. By 15, he was already receiving thousands of dollars in winnings, gaining validation from family, and believing he had found his path. What started as a “strategy game” quickly became something much deeper. In this episode, Nick shares how early success, validation, and the illusion of control pulled him deeper into gambling. From winning over $100,000 online to eventually losing it all through sports betting and casino games, his story highlights how quickly things can spiral. The transition from poker player to full-blown gambling addiction didn’t happen overnight—but once it did, it changed everything. We break down the poker boom, the psychology behind early wins, and how boredom, isolation, and easy access to betting led to escalating behavior. This is a story about identity, ego, and the dangerous belief that you’re different from “other gamblers.” If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation is meant to show that gambling addiction is real—but so is recovery.

This channel is dedicated to spreading awareness about gambling addiction and helping individuals better understand the risks of excessive gambling. Through powerful storytelling, educational content, and real-life experiences, we aim to shine a light on the dangers of gambling and provide tools for recovery. Whether you're seeking help, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more, our mission is to create a safe space for open conversations about gambling addiction.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1