ODAAT Gambling Awareness
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Interviews with people who have battled gambling addiction directly or indirectly throughout their lives. For too long, people impacted by problem gambling have been suffering in silence. This podcast aims to help change that while helping viewers learn from the past experiences of others.
Episodes
- A Statistician’s Obsession With Sports Turned Toxic | Aaron’s Story
Aaron shares his experience as a statistician obsessed with fantasy sports, discussing the psychology of sports betting and why it is difficult to beat. He also explains how fantasy baseball mirrored aspects of gambling addiction and how g…
- $1000 Bets Almost Cost Me My Life | Zel's Gambling Story
Zel recounts his descent into online blackjack addiction, where $1000+ bets nearly cost him his life. The episode details his struggle with chasing losses, severe mental health issues, and the rapid spiral from casual gambling to suicidal…
- The Gambling Industry Is Getting Worse… And They Know It
Brian Pempus, founder of GamblingHarm.org, joins ODAAT Gambling Awareness to discuss the evolving gambling industry, focusing on the expansion of online gambling, sports betting apps, and the growing problem of gambling harm. The conversat…
- I Lived A Double Life Fueled By Gambling Addiction | Ted's Story
Ted recounts his 32-year career and his journey through a severe gambling addiction, which led to a double life of deception and debt. Now in recovery for over 18 years, he shares insights into the psychology of addiction, the turning poin…
- He Built Gambling Companies… Then Addiction Almost Killed Him
Tom, who helped build gambling companies, shares his personal struggle with addiction, detailing how ambition and pressure led to his near-fatal experience. This episode explores the inner workings of the gambling industry, its profit moti…
- The Financial Reality of Gambling Addiction (And How to Recover)
This episode discusses the financial impact of gambling addiction and outlines recovery strategies. It features a financial planner who explains the difference between gambling and investing, addresses the 'one big win' mentality, and deta…
- I Was A Banker... Then I Stole Money To Fuel My Gambling Addiction | Cade's Story
Cade shares his experience with escalating gambling addiction, which led to him stealing money from his bank. The episode details his progression into addiction, the severe consequences, and emphasizes that recovery is possible.
- My Girlfriend Exposed My Gambling Addiction Story
In this episode, the podcast host shares his personal 6-year gambling addiction journey, detailing his daily struggles, the lies he told himself, and the realization that wins were just future losses. His girlfriend, Shreya, interviews him…
- I Won $420k Gambling... And Then Lost Everything
Nick started gambling at age 9 and experienced significant online winnings by age 15. He details how early success and the illusion of control led to a gambling addiction, culminating in the loss of over $100,000 through various forms of g…
- How Casinos Quietly Target Addicted Players
Matt and Jack, founders of Gamban, share their experiences with gambling addiction and analyze how modern gambling products are designed to increase spending and prolong gameplay. They question the effectiveness of 'responsible gambling' i…
- 50 Years of Gambling Addiction… And How It Finally Ended
Vin shares his personal journey of gambling addiction, detailing how an initial win led to a compulsive need for action over seven years. The episode explores the deceptive nature of addiction, the struggle of maintaining a double life, an…
- A “Free” Casino Game Cost A Man Hundreds of Thousands… We Spoke to the Researcher Who Exposed It
This episode features Katie Paul from the Tech Transparency Project discussing how social media platforms, particularly Facebook, profit from unregulated "free-to-play" casino games. These games can be addictive, target teenagers with ads,…
- Gambling Addict | I Faked the “Perfect Life” for 10 Years | Bryan’s Story
Bryan recounts his experience hiding a gambling addiction for ten years, despite achieving external markers of success like pharmacy school and a high-paying job. He details the progression of his addiction from casual bets to uncontrollab…
- My Gambling Is Worse Than My Drug Addiction | TJ's Story
TJ discusses her gambling addiction, which she used as a coping mechanism for trauma, and shares her experiences with harm reduction, Borderline Personality, and PTSD. She emphasizes that gambling harm extends beyond financial loss and off…
- I Stole $80k From My Employer To Fuel My Gambling Addiction
Alex recounts his seven-year gambling addiction, which led him to steal $80,000 from his employer. His arrest became the turning point for his recovery, prompting him to address the underlying issues of identity, pride, and self-worth.
- I Got Fired For Gambling While Teaching | Mariano's Story
Mariano shares his 18-year gambling addiction story, starting with teenage online slots and escalating to crypto trading, which led to job loss. He discusses the psychology of addiction and his path to recovery, emphasizing that life witho…
- From $20 Bets To Losing $400k In A Night | Chaz's Gambling Addiction Story
Chaz Donati, a gambling awareness advocate, shares his 15-year battle with sports betting addiction, which escalated from small bets to losing $400,000. He discusses the illusion of winning, the cycle of debt, the impact of legalization, a…
- Gambling Was Fun... Until It Nearly Ruined My Life
Jordan Freeman recounts how his gambling addiction started with seemingly harmless activities in his youth and progressed to sports betting and online games in college, eventually becoming a dangerous secret. He now works as a recovery adv…
- 10 Years Of Losing Everything | Paul's Gambling Addiction
Paul discusses his 11-year gambling addiction and his journey to over three years of being gamble-free. He now focuses on advocating for awareness regarding neurodivergence, gambling, and young people, emphasizing that open conversations c…
- Her Husband Gambled Away Everything... Even Their Marriage
Samantha details her journey with her husband's gambling addiction, specifically focusing on day trading. She discusses the challenges partners face in recognizing and addressing this hidden form of addiction, emphasizing the importance of…
- Started At 10, Addicted By 12 | I Gambled Everything I Ever Earned
Janelle shares her story of developing a gambling addiction at age 10, which progressed through high school and into her adult life, impacting her finances and leading to destructive behaviors. She discusses how therapy and coping skills h…
- Casinos Called Me a VIP — I Was Actually an Addict
LJ details his experience with gambling addiction, including losing millions and the deceptive allure of casino VIP treatment. He discusses the mindset of compulsive gamblers, the risks of chasing losses, and the impact on his life.
- He Went 17 Years Sober, Then Gambling Got Him Addicted Again
Justin E. shares his experience with cross-addiction, detailing how he relapsed into gambling after 17 years of sobriety from drugs and alcohol. He explains how gambling escalated from a casual pastime to a compulsive behavior, highlightin…
- I Was a Lawyer Who Stole From Clients to Gamble (My Secret Life)
Jeff, a former attorney, recounts his battle with gambling addiction, detailing its progression from social betting to an escape mechanism that resulted in him stealing from clients. He explores the mental state of addiction, the impact of…
- I Lost Everything Gambling… Then Went To Prison For It | Jodie's Story
Jodie recounts her experience with a severe slot machine addiction that led to financial devastation, job loss, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and prison time. She details the moments that triggered change, the nature of addiction, and her path…
- I Exposed The Dark Truth About Sports Betting
This episode features reporter Danny Funt discussing his book "Everybody Loses," which explores the realities of sports betting in America. The conversation covers how sportsbooks and leagues market betting, the industry
- The “Easy Money” Lie That Destroyed My Life | Randy's Story
Randy L. shares his experience with a 10-11 year gambling addiction that led to the loss of businesses and savings, nearly costing him his life. He discusses the progression from casual gambling to high-stakes betting, the psychological as…
- The Hidden Victims of Gambling Addiction: A Wife’s Perspective
Melissa recounts her experience as a partner affected by gambling addiction, discussing the profound impact on finances, trust, and stability. She also explains the role of Gam-Anon in rebuilding oneself through boundaries and support.
- My Gambling Cost Me 4 Years In Prison | Scott's Story
Scott Meyer shares his powerful story of gambling addiction, detailing how it led to financial collapse, prison, and suicide attempts. He explains how online casinos fueled his destructive behavior and how addiction affects the brain, rega…
- Former Gambling Streamer EXPOSES Online Casino Industry
An former gambling streamer details how their streaming career evolved into a gambling addiction. The episode explores the psychological manipulation and feedback loops within the online casino industry that contribute to addictive behavio…
- My Gambling Addiction Gave Me 7 Strokes | Tracy's Story
Tracy M shares her powerful story of overcoming a 40-year gambling addiction. Her struggle led to severe health issues, including seven strokes, but she ultimately found recovery.
- I Robbed Banks To Fuel My Gambling Addiction | John's Story
John Schmidt details his journey with gambling addiction, discussing childhood influences, sports betting, and the escalation into chasing losses. He is now the Director of Youth Prevention Services for the Delaware Council on Gambling Pro…
- How Casinos Target Addicted Gamblers: A Lawyer Explains
In this episode, attorney Matthew Litt details how casinos employ predatory tactics, including VIP programs and targeted bonuses, to exploit addicted gamblers. He discusses the evolution of "whales," the ineffectiveness of responsible gamb…
- I Turned £20 Into £60 And It Cost Me £250,000 | Harj's Story
Harj recounts his gambling addiction, detailing how a small initial win escalated into significant debt and secret behavior. The episode covers his struggles, a suicide attempt, and the turning point leading to recovery and his current mis…
- Gambling Took My Home — Recovery Gave Me My Life Back
Josh recounts his experience with gambling addiction, which began at age 16 and led to homelessness and financial devastation by his mid-20s. With over four years of recovery, he has rebuilt his life and shares his story to raise awareness…
- Gambling And Drugs Almost Killed Me | Kiki's Addiction Story
Kiki bravely shares her dual addiction to gambling and cocaine, which nearly cost her life. She details her path from scratch cards and online bingo to recovery, including rehab, support groups, and her current work advocating for ethnic m…
- “I Don’t Remember My Son Being Born” | Mark's Gambling Story
Mark K recounts his 10-year gambling addiction, which began in his teens and led to losing over $100,000. He discusses the impact on his life and family, and his current work with the Alliance for Gambling Reform in Australia to advocate f…
- Winning £127,000 Was The Worst Day Of My Life | Lisa's Gambling Story
Lisa Walker details her 16-year gambling addiction, which started after a significant win but resulted in losing her home and savings. She discusses the shame, secrecy, and stigma women face with gambling addiction, and her journey to reco…
- Gambling Addiction Destroyed My Marriage | The Gambler’s Wife
The Gambler's Wife details the severe impact of her husband's gambling addiction, which led to significant financial betrayal, including secret debts and using their son's name for financial schemes. She now helps other spouses navigate re…
- Winning And Losing Six-Figures Nightly | Uri’s Gambling Story
Uri E. recounts his journey with gambling addiction, detailing how a childhood win escalated into losing and winning six figures in a single night. He describes the negative impacts on his finances, mental health, and family, and shares hi…
- My Gambling Hijacked My Life | Kate's Gambling Story
Kate recounts her gambling addiction, starting with early wins and escalating to losing $30,000. She details the psychological aspects, the deceptive nature of pokies, and the broader societal impacts of gambling harm. After a crisis in 20…
- From 6 Figure Bets To 6 Figure Debts | LJ's Gambling Story
LJ recounts his journey from high-stakes betting to significant debt, detailing the impact of his gambling addiction on his life and his eventual path to recovery through support groups and rebuilding his life.
- Why Casinos Are Targeting Women
Rob interviews Kitty Martz about the changing nature of gambling, the risks associated with mobile betting and AI targeting, and how women
- I Lost More Than Just Money Gambling | Ben's Story
Benjamin Batista, 25, recounts his recent struggle with gambling addiction, detailing how it led to significant financial and emotional distress, including the loss of his relationship. He shares his experience of hitting rock bottom, seek…
- How This Marketing Professor Exposed Gambling In America
The ODAAT Gambling Awareness podcast interviews Professor Daniel Ladik, who discusses how marketing strategies, including targeted ads and psychological tactics, have normalized gambling. The conversation covers the impact on vulnerable po…
- How COVID Turned My Phone Into a Casino | Tom's Story
Tom N recounts his journey with gambling addiction, explaining how the isolation of COVID lockdowns and the rise of mobile gambling apps exacerbated his problem. Despite relapses and financial setbacks, Tom emphasizes the strength found in…
- Doctor Exposes How Casinos Hack Your Brain
Dr. Timothy Fong joins the podcast to discuss gambling addiction and its evolution over the past two decades. The conversation covers the reclassification of gambling disorder, the impact of technology and advertising, and how modern sport…
- I Stole $500,000 To Fuel My Gambling Addiction
Ben Y recounts his gambling addiction, detailing how it escalated from childhood games to theft and incarceration. He discusses the psychology of addiction, the moment he decided to seek help on his 40th birthday, and the recovery methods…
- My Side Hustle Turned Into A Severe Addiction
Marissa details her gambling addiction, which began with slots triggered by a sports bet promotion, leading to debt and secrecy. She discusses how hormonal changes and stress exacerbated her urges, the importance of telling her fiancé, and…
- This Gambling Addiction Story Will Actually Blow Your Mind...
Kurt shares his intense gambling addiction story, starting before age 11 and escalating through college with secret online gambling, theft, and jail time. He discusses the psychological aspects of addiction and his recovery journey, now ai…