Antonio’s gambling addiction began with $1 scratch tickets and spiraled into sports betting, casinos, and emotional burnout. In this raw interview, he shares how gambling took over his life and how he finally found a way out.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY 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

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

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

20 question quiz to determine if you have a gambling addiction (if you answer yes to 7 or more, you likely have a gambling problem) 1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling? 2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy? 3. Did gambling affect your reputation? 4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? 5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties? 6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency? 7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses? 8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more? 9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone? 10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling? 11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling? 12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures? 13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family? 14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned? 15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble? 16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling? 17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping? 18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble? 19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling? 20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Aaron Mcelroy, co-founder of Evive, reveals how free-to-play mobile games use data and psychology to extract money—mirroring gambling addiction. He shares insider stories from the gaming industry and explains how these mechanics can lead vulnerable players down a dangerous path.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

🙌 Get Evive and redefine your relationship to gambling for a year for FREE: https://www.getevive.com/ only available in select countries

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!

I interview Adam L about his gambling addiction story that spanned many years as he worked as a casino employee and traveled around the country hiding a gambling addiction.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

🙌 Get Evive and redefine your relationship to gambling for a year for FREE: https://www.getevive.com/ only available in select countries

About Adam: My name is Adam Lyons and I’m a compulsive gambler in recovery and the founder and host of The Modern Meeting podcast. My last bet was February 8, 2022. I started playing poker in college during the poker boom of the early 2000’s and that eventually progressed to casino trips, playing Keno, and heavy amounts of sports betting. After 20 years of chaos, living a double life, and losing hundreds of thousands of dollars, I finally had enough. After the last of my many rock bottoms, I had a spiritual awakening which led me to my first 12-step meeting. Since then I’ve been working the program and sharing my experience, strength, and hope with others.

Links:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernMeeting

Instagram: https:// instagram.com/modernmeeting?igsh=MTBxcGJneWpwZnBncA==&utm_source=qr

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1jMSSKkadnvzbvZl33dzZc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-modern-meeting/id1779060982

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

Chance Dow is a psychology grad student researching how the source of responsible gambling messages impacts trust, especially among college students exposed to sports betting ads.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

🙌 Get Evive and redefine your relationship to gambling for a year for FREE: https://www.getevive.com/ only available in select countries 🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rory Pfund - a clinical psychologist and editor for top journals on addiction and gambling studies - to ask a tough question: Does gambling treatment actually work?

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

If you're in the United States, check out https://gamfin.org to see if you qualify for FREE financial counseling for a gambling problem.

Check out Rory's most recent study that he published: https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-16523-001.html

Rory works at the Gambling Clinic in Memphis: https://thegamblingclinic.com

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!

In this episode, Tammy Unchained shares how she lived a double life for decades, what finally made her come clean, and what recovery looks like today. Her story is a powerful reminder that gambling harm doesn’t always look like what you expect.

Follow Tammy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tammyunchained

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

🙌 Get Evive and redefine your relationship to gambling for a year for FREE: https://www.getevive.com/ only available in select countries

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!

In this video, I interview Hedake Smith, a former basketball star whose gambling addiction led to one of the biggest point-shaving scandals in NCAA history and cost him his NBA career.

📘 Grab his book: https://www.amazon.com/Hedake-Called-Impacted-Basketball-Forever/dp/B0F76V6SY9

📲 Follow Hedake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealhedake/

🙌 Get Evive and redefine your relationship to gambling for a year for FREE: https://www.getevive.com/ only available in select countries

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!

In this video, I interview Brianna Morelli about her undercover research into how casinos respond to problem gambling. We talk about her surprising findings, what she experienced while posing as someone struggling with gambling addiction, and what it says about the industry as a whole.

Brianna works at the Gambling Clinic in Memphis: https://thegamblingclinic.com/

The article has been published! Read it here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10899-025-10396-w

There was also a blog post covering the study: https://gamblingharm.org/secret-study-casinos-failing-on-problem-gambling/

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!

In this video, I interview a young man who won over $85,000 from free bets and lost everything. Lewis rambles is in recovery from gambling addiction and uses his story to help others who are struggling to find a path to recovery. He creates content about his story on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@lewisrambles?_t=ZP-8wef2rWx8d5&_r=1

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

🙌 Get Evive and redefine your relationship to gambling for a year for FREE: https://www.getevive.com/ only available in select countries

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!

In this video, I interview Mike Buzzelli from the Ohio Casino Control Commission about his experience in the field and how gambling has changed sports.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

Pause Before You Play educates the public and grows awareness about gambling disorder, helps keep gambling and betting responsible and fun for those who engage in it, and connects people who need help with resources: https://pausebeforeyouplay.org/

More Than A Bet generates awareness and provides education about the growing mental health concerns of student athletes being harassed due to sports betting: https://morethanabet.org/

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

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

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

Common Facts About Gambling Addiction: - Approximately 2-3% of Americans meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, which equates to around 6 million people. - Around 96% of gamblers lose money in the long run, reinforcing the industry's design to ensure the house always wins. - Studies show that people with a gambling addiction impact 7-10 others around them on average, showing that a gambling addiction can impact more people than simply the gambler themself. - Over 50% of people with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse or another mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. - Gambling Addiction costs the U.S. economy an estimated $7 billion annually, including losses from job productivity, criminal justice expenses, and healthcare costs.

About My Channel: Welcome to ODAAT Gambling Awareness! 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. Join us as we break the stigma, share insights, and work toward a healthier, addiction-free future—one day at a time. Subscribe and be part of the change!