This problem gambler played out all his winnings after a withdrawal request; now regrets it

bySafvan Malik
1 month ago

Problem Gambler lost money

This Reddit thread is typical of how problem gamblers behave.

Turned $25 into $3000 and then lost it all

TLDR: Avoid websites that make you wait to withdraw. If you’re a gambler, you can’t handle it.

Just wanted to share my story.

I used to have an addiction and ended up losing about $4000 total.

After a year, I did some online gambling with friends with only $25. Ended up playing blackjack for 9 hours and turned that $25 into $2600.

I tried to withdraw and the site said I needed to wait 48 hours. So I decided to play more. Ended up losing it all (chasing losses).

Yes I have a problem, learn from me. Turn off your computer.

Let me respond to him directly:

Your story is a powerful reminder of how gambling can pull you into a whirlwind, and I’m really sorry you went through that gut-punch of turning $25 into $2600, only to lose it all because of a 48-hour withdrawal delay. Those waiting periods are like a psychological trap, designed to keep you in the game, especially when you’re already wrestling with the urge to gamble. It’s no accident — online gambling sites often use these delays to exploit impulsive tendencies, and your experience shows how brutal that can be. I’ve seen it happen to others, and I’ve been caught in similar traps myself.

The Trap of Withdrawal Delays

Those 48-hour withdrawal delays are a deliberate tactic. Gambling sites know that many players, especially those with a gambling problem, struggle to resist the urge to play while waiting. For example, a buddy of mine won $1500 on an online poker site, requested a withdrawal, and was told it’d take 72 hours to process. Bored and hyped from the win, he jumped into a few “low-stakes” games to pass the time. By the next day, he’d lost $1000, and by the time the withdrawal was approved, he was down to $50. Another case: a woman I read about in a gambling recovery forum hit a $2000 slot jackpot but faced a five-day verification process. She kept playing to “stay in the zone,” lost it all, and ended up maxing out her credit card to chase the losses. These stories echo yours — those delays are like dangling bait in front of someone trying to walk away.

Your nine-hour blackjack marathon turning $25 into $2600 is incredible, but it also shows how gambling can hook you in. The high of winning floods your brain with dopamine, making it hard to stop, especially when the site keeps you waiting. I’ve been there too. Once, I turned $100 into $1200 on a sports betting app. The withdrawal took three days, and I thought, “I’ll just bet on one more game.” I lost half of it on a bad call, then kept going to “win it back.” By the end, I had nothing but regret. The lesson? Those delays exploit the exact impulses you’re fighting, and the only way to win is to cut off access the second you request a withdrawal.

Breaking the Mental Loop

The worst part isn’t just losing the money — it’s the mental torture afterward. You start thinking about what that $2600 could’ve been: a new laptop, a vacation, or just a cushion for bills. That spiral can eat you alive. For example, after my $1200 loss, I spent weeks obsessing over how I could’ve paid off my car loan. To break that cycle, you need to redirect your energy. Physical activity helps. One time, after a bad loss, I started boxing at a local gym—punching a bag got the frustration out and kept me off my phone. Another option is creative stuff, like when a friend of mine took up guitar to distract himself from gambling urges. He’d play for hours, and it gave him a new kind of dopamine hit. Even simple things, like cooking new recipes (I got into making homemade pizza), can keep your mind occupied.

You mentioned chasing losses after trying to withdraw — that’s a classic trap. It’s like the site knows you’re vulnerable. Another example: a guy in a support group I followed online won $800 on blackjack but couldn’t cash out for four days. He lost it all trying to “double it” and ended up borrowing $500 from his brother to cover rent. Chasing losses feels like you’re fixing the problem, but it’s just digging a deeper hole. The key is to recognize that urge and shut it down fast.

Practical Strategies to Protect Yourself

To avoid this in the future, you need hard barriers between you and the temptation. Here are some strategies with examples of how they’ve worked for others:

  1. Self-Exclusion Immediately After a Win: Most gambling sites, like Bet365 or FanDuel, have self-exclusion options where you can lock your account for days, weeks, or even years. For instance, a woman I know won $3000 on slots, self-excluded for a month, and had the money safely in her bank by the time she could log back in. She said it felt like “putting a cage around the beast.” You can usually find this in the account settings or by emailing support. Some regions, like New York, also offer statewide self-exclusion through the Gaming Commission, where you can ban yourself from all gambling platforms.
  2. Use Blocking Software: Tools like Gamban or BetBlocker can block access to gambling sites on your devices. A guy in a recovery group installed Gamban after losing $5000 over a year. He said it was like “cutting the cord” to his addiction—no access, no temptation. These apps cost a small fee or are free, and they’re a solid defense against impulsive logins during withdrawal waits.
  3. Hand Over Control Temporarily: During withdrawal periods, give your phone or computer to a trusted friend or family member. For example, after a $1000 win, my cousin gave his laptop to his wife for a week to avoid logging back in. It worked—he got his money and stayed clean. If you’re alone, uninstall gambling apps and change your device passwords to something random you can’t remember easily.
  4. Replace the Habit: Swap gambling for something else that gives you a rush. After one bad loss, I started mountain biking—it was intense, got my heart racing, and kept me offline. Another person I know joined a local soccer league, and the camaraderie replaced the thrill of betting. Even low-key hobbies, like painting or journaling, can fill the void. One woman in a forum started knitting scarves for her kids, and it became her go-to when cravings hit.
  5. Set a Rule and Stick to It: Decide in advance: the second you win big, you withdraw and log out, no exceptions. A friend of mine has a “$500 rule”—if he wins $500 or more, he cashes out instantly and deletes the app for a month. He’s saved thousands this way. Write your rule down and keep it somewhere visible, like a note on your fridge.

You’re Not Alone

Your honesty about having a problem is a massive step. Addiction is a beast, but recognizing it puts you ahead of the game. Your $25 adventure was a wild ride—most people don’t get that kind of thrill for so little, but the crash shows how gambling can twist fun into chaos. Another example: a coworker bet $10 on a football game, turned it into $600, and lost it all the next day because he “felt lucky.” He laughed it off, but you could see the regret in his eyes. Your story is a wake-up call, not just for you but for anyone reading this. Sharing it takes guts, and it’s a warning to others about those predatory withdrawal delays.

To stay on track, keep your computer off, like you said, and lean into new routines. Maybe try something totally out of your comfort zone, like yoga or volunteering at a local animal shelter — stuff that keeps you grounded. If you feel the urge creeping back, call a friend, blast some music, or even just take a cold shower to snap out of it. You’ve already shown you can reflect and learn from this. That’s strength, and it’ll carry you forward.

Problem Gambling Resources

Here are some vetted resources to help you or anyone else struggling with gambling addiction. These are confidential, accessible, and designed to support you at any stage:

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER): Available 24/7, this hotline connects you to trained professionals who offer support, referrals to local counselors, and guidance on self-exclusion. It’s confidential, supports over 240 languages, and doesn’t require personal info. Text or chat options are also available.
  • GamCare (National Gambling Helpline, UK): Offers free 24/7 support, including phone, chat, and advice on blocking gambling sites. They also connect you to local treatment and share recovery stories.
  • Gamblers Anonymous: A global network of 12-step support groups where you can meet others facing similar challenges. They also have Gam-Anon for family members. Use their website to find local or virtual meetings.
  • GambleAware: Provides free tools, a support app, and advice on managing gambling harms, including financial counseling and support for loved ones. Great for UK residents but useful globally.
  • GamStop (UK): A free service that lets you self-exclude from all UK gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It’s a powerful way to block access.
  • Gamban: Software that blocks gambling sites and apps on your devices. It’s user-friendly and works across phones, tablets, and computers.
  • GamFin (New York, Financial Counseling): Free financial counseling for those facing gambling-related debt. Book an appointment to start recovering financially.
  • SMART Recovery: An alternative to 12-step programs, using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage gambling addiction. They offer online and in-person meetings, plus a handbook with practical tools.
  • Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline (US, Michigan Residents): 24/7 confidential support with referrals to local treatment providers.
    • Phone: 1-800-270-7117
  • Your Life Iowa (Iowa Residents): Offers 24/7 phone, text, or chat support for gambling issues, connecting you to local resources.

If you’re in crisis, call 911 or 988 (US) for immediate help. For international resources, check www.ncpgambling.org for state-by-state or country-specific options. These services can help you set boundaries, find therapy, or just talk when you’re feeling low. You’ve got the power to take back control — reach out when you need it.

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