Gambling counselor Steve Rose breaks down the excuses that keep people gambling.

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

Steve Rose, PhD, is an addiction counsellor specializing in gambling and the psychological traps that keep people stuck. Based in Ontario, Canada, Steve combines his background in sociology, addiction counselling, and years of direct client experience to make gambling addiction easier to understand and overcome. Through his YouTube channel and private practice, he helps people recognize the patterns behind their gambling and take practical steps toward rebuilding meaning, purpose, and connection in their lives. In this episode, we break down the biggest thinking traps behind gambling addiction, including the belief that one big win will fix everything, the urge to chase losses, the illusion of control, sports betting triggers, free bet promotions, and the feeling that life will be boring without gambling. Steve, a gambling addiction counselor, explains the four pillars of gambling recovery: seeing the illusion, protecting yourself from relapse, healing the urges underneath the addiction, and building a better life after quitting gambling.

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

Conor shares his gambling addiction story

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

🙌 Thanks to Gamban for sponsoring today's video. If you want to block gambling sites and apps on your devices check out https://gamban.com

About Conor: My name is Conor Laffey, 32, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I struggled with gambling addiction from the age of 18 to 31, and over those years I experienced firsthand how deeply it can impact your mental health, finances, relationships, and sense of identity. What began as entertainment slowly turned into something that controlled every waking moment of my life, and I understand what true suffering from gambling disorder can look and feel like behind closed doors. After years of living through that cycle, and struggling immensely - I decided to create a harm-reduction focused, free-to-play, sports prediction platform - designed to encourage a healthier and more sustainable relationship with competition and sports engagement. Connect at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-laffey/

Conor started gambling as a teenager in Toronto through sports betting slips at convenience stores. What began as small bets turned into online poker, sports betting, and eventually slots — the form of gambling that completely took over his life. In this episode, Conor opens up about chasing losses, gambling through university, working multiple jobs to fund bets, hiding the addiction from loved ones, and the emotional crash that came after losing a massive $37,000 slot win. His story shows how gambling addiction is not just about money — it affects your brain, your relationships, your motivation, your work, your sleep, and your ability to feel present in life. This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt trapped in the cycle of gambling, chasing wins, losing everything, promising to stop, and then going back again. Recovery is possible, but it starts with honesty, support, and taking it one day at a time.

🙏🏻 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

Aaron shares the truth about fantasy sports and gambling statistics

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

🙌 Thanks to Gamban for sponsoring today's video. If you want to block gambling sites and apps on your devices check out https://gamban.com

Can you actually beat sports betting if you know the stats better than everyone else? Today’s guest is Aaron, a statistician and former intern for the St. Louis Cardinals organization, who spent nearly two decades obsessed with fantasy baseball. What started as a passion for analytics and baseball slowly became an unhealthy obsession rooted in control, prediction, and the belief that if he worked hard enough, he could outsmart the system. In this conversation, Aaron breaks down the psychology behind fantasy sports, daily fantasy betting, and modern sports gambling from the perspective of someone who deeply understands statistics. We talk about variance, unpredictability, why sportsbooks are nearly impossible to beat long term, and how gambling companies use the illusion of skill to pull people in. Aaron also shares how fantasy baseball mirrored many of the same emotional highs and lows seen in gambling addiction — the obsession, the rage, the feeling that every loss was personal, and the belief that the next prediction would finally prove you were smarter than everyone else. We also dive into: Why sports are far more random than people think The dangers of microbetting and pitch-by-pitch wagering Why daily fantasy sports feels more like gambling than skill How modern sportsbooks use massive amounts of data and AI Why young sports fans are especially vulnerable today The illusion that “doing more research” guarantees profit How sports betting companies profit off false confidence If you’ve ever believed you could outsmart the books, this conversation is worth hearing. 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.

🙏🏻 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

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