James's story

I've always liked card games, since I was a child. My family often gathered together to play Blackjack. I never thought it could affect me later on in life. I am 21 years old. I started gambling at 18 ... We usually brought around $100–$200, sometimes we would win or lose. 

As the year went on and we grew up, we found ourselves driving there more often, like twice a week. The addiction got worse and worse, on some nights I would just drive there alone to play. I was then curious enough to look up online gambling. 

I was hooked so fast! The first time I played I made $800 out of $100 in under 30 minutes. I wanted to reach $1000! Minutes later I had lost everything. As the year moved on, I've made no money. I've been in debt for maybe about two to three years now. 

I'm finally 21 years old, I've lost about $20,000 or more, I'm not too sure. It's 2016 now, I'm in debt about $10,000 and it's going to take me about eight months to get rid of the debt. I'm finally realising I need to change my life around. I've said that so many times but this time I want it to be for sure. If you're reading this please avoid gambling,  it will ruin your life. Easy money don't make money. Stop early, don't let it go on. I thought I didn't need help but I do.