Steve's story

My name is Steve and I am a compulsive gambler. I am 42 years old and have been gambling as long as I can remember. From the time I was a kid I remember my dad taking me to the racetrack and I was hooked instantly.

You would think that seeing firsthand what gambling does to families I would have learned my lesson. My parents divorced over my dad’s addiction but even this didn't stop me. Over the years I gambled on everything from horses to dogs to sports betting with bookies to casinos to most recently online casinos.

My latest episode with the online casino is really what I want to share with you. When I first signed-up with the casino two weeks ago I was really hesitant about playing online blackjack.

While all forms of gambling give the house an edge I thought online blackjack could be dangerous giving that it's a computer program and what an edge the house would have. But I started playing anyway.

With an initial deposit of $1500 I managed to turn it into $10,000 dollars over the course of a week. Instead of cashing out like a person without a problem would've done, I continued to play until I lost the $10,000 plus an additional $10,000 of money off credit cards that are now maxed out.

Last night alone I lost $5000 over the course of two hours. I feel this has to be it for me or else I'll lose everything, meaning my house and my family.

I feel numb over my latest binge and I hope anyone who reads this: please be careful if you gamble because what starts out as fun can turn ugly real fast, and when you think you have hit bottom in the past take note continued gambling will take you deeper than you could have ever imagined so please TAKE CARE and wish me well.