Gambling’s quiet toll: Debt, desperation, and the fight back

Casinos and gambling are designed to be forms of entertainment. For many people, placing an occasional bet or spinning a slot machine is simply recreational. Most individuals gamble without developing serious problems. But medical research and public safety reports show that for a subset of people, gambling can trigger patterns of compulsive behavior that closely resemble substance addiction and can result in severe financial, emotional, and social consequences.

This is the story of a 34-year-old male, whose identity is being withheld, and how gambling slowly shifted from entertainment into addiction.

I met him when we were both studying Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at a university in Baguio. We were in different sections but often spent time together. We talked about life, relationships, and everyday struggles rather than academics. He was practical with money and had clear plans for a stable future. Gambling was not part of his lifestyle then.

His first exposure to gambling happened years later during a casino visit with friends. His first game was a slot machine. He recalls winning around ₱11,800, possibly more. While not a large amount, that early win left a strong impression. Studies in behavioral psychology show that unpredictable rewards—such as slot machine wins—activate dopamine in the brain’s reward system, reinforcing the behavior even when later experiences are mostly losses.

After that experience, he began visiting casinos more frequently. From Baguio, he would travel to La Union or Pampanga to gamble. He expanded from slot machines to baccarat and other table games.

Over time, his losses increased.

When he lost around ₱10,000 in one visit, he responded by bringing ₱20,000 the next time, believing that a larger amount would allow him to recover what he had lost. This behavior reflects a well-documented psychological pattern known as chasing losses, where a gambler continues betting in an attempt to reverse previous losses, even as risks increase.

To finance his gambling, he initially relied on credit card cash advances. When those were exhausted, he applied for bank loans. Eventually, he turned to informal lenders and loan sharks.

Some of these lenders charged interest rates of about 20 percent every three days. In practical terms, if a borrower takes ₱10,000 on a Monday, the lender immediately deducts ₱2,000 as advance interest, leaving only ₱8,000 in cash. By Thursday, the borrower must either pay ₱2,000 to extend the loan or repay the full ₱10,000 principal. Failure to pay results in additional penalties and compounding interest.

Most of his monthly income now goes directly to debt payments. In some cases, he borrows from one source simply to pay another, creating a cycle that is extremely difficult to break.

Despite these circumstances, he continues to report to work and appears outwardly functional. Privately, he experiences constant anxiety, sleep problems, and fear of phone calls from creditors.

By around 11:00 a.m. on many days, he is already on his way to a casino. He has admitted that gambling is often the first thought he has when he wakes up.

Mental health professionals often use the term problem gambler to describe a person whose gambling behavior is already causing harm, even if they are still functioning in daily life. A problem gambler may still hold a job and maintain some relationships, but experiences recurring financial trouble, emotional distress, and difficulty controlling gambling behavior.

Problem gambling exists on a spectrum. At one end are casual gamblers who play occasionally without negative impact. At the other end are individuals diagnosed with gambling disorder, a recognized mental health condition. In between are problem gamblers—people who gamble more than they intend to, chase losses, lie about gambling, borrow money because of gambling, and continue despite knowing the consequences.

My friend fits this description.

He knows gambling is hurting him. He knows his debts are growing. He knows the behavior is no longer enjoyable. Yet he still feels compelled to go.

Psychologists explain that problem gamblers often experience a narrowing of priorities. Gambling begins to take precedence over family, work, health, and long-term goals. The brain becomes conditioned to associate gambling with temporary relief from stress or emotional discomfort, even though the activity ultimately worsens those feelings.

Inside casinos, problem gambling cuts across social and professional boundaries. Many patrons remove their office lanyards or hide work uniforms under jackets before entering. At times, glimpses of these uniforms are visible. There have also been instances where politicians, local officials, and government employees have been seen inside gaming establishments.

Addiction does not discriminate based on education, profession, or social status.

Mental health concerns commonly accompany gambling addiction. He reports feelings of shame, withdrawal from social interactions, and hopelessness. International studies consistently show higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among individuals with gambling problems.

In the Philippines, there have been reported incidents over the years involving individuals who attempted to set fire to casino property after suffering massive losses, as well as cases where people died by suicide after being overwhelmed by gambling-related debt. These incidents reflect the extreme desperation that can arise when addiction remains untreated.

Recognizing the growing harm, Philippine authorities have directed financial technology platforms to remove in-app links to online betting services. Major e-wallet providers, including GCash and Maya, have complied by disabling direct access to gambling within their applications. Regulators say the measure is intended to reduce impulsive betting and limit exposure, particularly among vulnerable users.

While this policy change is an important protective step, experts emphasize that regulation alone cannot cure addiction.

Recovery usually begins with acknowledging the problem.

Evidence-based treatment approaches include professional counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, addiction-focused therapy, and peer support groups. Financial counseling can help individuals develop structured repayment plans. Practical safeguards such as blocking gambling websites, removing saved payment methods, and placing finances under the temporary supervision of a trusted person are commonly recommended.

Underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and unresolved personal problems must also be addressed, as gambling is often used as a coping mechanism rather than being the root problem itself.

His situation remains ongoing. He has not resolved his financial problems, but he has begun acknowledging the extent of his addiction and is considering seeking professional help.

For many people, recovery does not happen overnight. It happens in stages: admitting the problem, seeking guidance, rebuilding trust, and slowly regaining control over finances and daily routines. Relapse can occur, but it does not erase progress.

Gambling addiction is treatable.

People who once believed they were beyond help have rebuilt their lives through counseling, support groups, structured financial planning, and strong support systems. Debts can be reorganized. Relationships can be repaired. Stability can be restored.

For anyone who recognizes themselves in this story, the message is clear: you are not alone, and you are not beyond saving. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline

Landline: 1553

Mobile: 0966-351-4518 | 0908-639-2672 | 0917-899-8727

Casinos and gambling are meant to be forms of entertainment. When gambling stops being fun and starts causing harm, it becomes a health issue.

With awareness, responsible regulation, and accessible treatment, fewer lives will have to reach the breaking point before help arrives.

Recovery is possible.

And it can begin today.