This Reddit user posted his story (typical of the ones where people put too much faith in their abilities as a gambler):
I genuinely don’t know what to say. Over the course of two full days, I went from £2 to £1.3k through roulette and blackjack, but then I lost it all. I’m really in need of furniture advice right now, but my mind keeps getting stuck on this whole situation.
Every time I reach a certain amount of money, I get this OCD compulsion to make it even. For example, if I had £1460, I’d either feel the urge to gamble £60 just to make it a round number, or end up losing it all. I thought I was good with money, but this obsessive behavior has shown me that I’m not.
I started with just £50 after withdrawing £1.3k from online gambling, but then I ended up putting in £200 and lost it all. I feel so stupid, and I can’t believe I let it happen. To make things worse, I don’t have a job right now, and I won’t be able to get one anytime soon because of my college work. I really needed that money.
Should I just try again or delete the betting app?
I hear how tough this is for you; going from £2 to £1.3k and then losing it all sounds like an emotional rollercoaster, especially with the added stress of needing that money and not having a job right now.
Your honesty about the OCD-like compulsion to “even out” amounts and the regret you’re feeling shows you’re reflecting deeply on this, which is a strong starting point.
Why Deleting the App Might Be the Better Choice
You’re currently jobless and in college, so your financial resources are limited. Gambling is inherently high-risk, with the house edge (e.g., 2.7% in European roulette, 0.5-2% in blackjack depending on strategy) ensuring casinos profit over time. Your £1.3k win was an outlier, but losing it all reflects the odds catching up.
The compulsion to “even out” amounts suggests gambling triggers obsessive behaviors that override rational money management. This isn’t about being “bad with money” but about how gambling exploits those tendencies. Deleting the app removes the immediate temptation, giving you space to reset.
You’ve described feeling “stupid” and stuck on this loss. Continuing to gamble risks deepening that cycle of regret, especially without a steady income to cushion losses. Stepping away can help you regain control and focus on your college work.
Deleting the app is a concrete action. You could also self-exclude from the gambling platform to block access for a set period. If you’re worried about relapsing, consider confiding in a trusted friend or family member for accountability. Resources like Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org.uk) or BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org) offer UK-based support and tools, including free helplines (0808 8020 133).
I have written a lot on this topic. Luckily you aren’t the only college student who has a gambling problem. I did a story a few days ago about another college-goer in a similar predicament, him having lost thousands of dollars on gambling.
Why Trying Again Is Risky
Putting in £200 after withdrawing £1.3k shows a pattern of chasing losses, which often leads to bigger losses. The £50 you started with after the £1.3k withdrawal could’ve been a stopping point, but the urge to keep going took over. Gambling again now, especially with limited funds, risks repeating this cycle.
Your £1.3k win was thrilling, but roulette and blackjack rely on chance (roulette) or limited player control (blackjack). Even skilled blackjack players face a house edge, and your compulsive betting style undermines strategic play.
Money spent gambling could go toward essentials like furniture or college expenses. With no job, preserving what you have is critical. Gambling again might feel like a shot at recovery, but it’s more likely to deepen your financial stress.
A Middle Ground?: If you’re not ready to delete the app, consider a strict break—say, 30 days—without gambling. Use that time to track your urges (e.g., note when you want to bet and why) and explore why the “even number” compulsion hits so hard.
This could help you decide later with a clearer mind. However, given your current financial and emotional state, I lean toward deleting the app to protect your well-being.