Compulsive Gambler interview-Daniel

Soft White Underbelly interview and portrait of Daniel, a compulsive gambler in New York City.
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#gambler #swu #marklaita #softwhiteunderbelly #nyc #newyork #compulsive

[@marcmarelli1]

It takes balls to go on a channel like this and expose your deepest darkest demons to millions of people around the world. I applaud you sir and hope you're able to find peace and balance in your life

[@georgegoble6054]

i knew belushi wasnt dead

[@Th3Liquidator]

That’s why it’s called soft white underbelly this is where people can be the most honest and vulnerable to others

[@_JellyDonut_]

Hopefully his current girlfriend doesn't see this

[@andrewcross8244]

It’s akin to being a total fuckup. Like serious level. And going out in public and telling people how bad you suck.

[@pitsmittengurrl5249]

Thousands not millions but your point is valid.

[@ronanmartin1990]

Guy cured his stutter by being too jaded and miserable to give a fuck about it😂

[@godthesonhasilluminatedme]

Makes a lot of sense…sometimes caring too much is bad

[@emm2937]

“It’s never enough.” Those words are something all addicts know extremely well!!!

[@elinmansson5535]

Yup…..

[@darkmoneybrandon24]

That’s also the human psychology. That’s why gambling addiction can happen to anyone

[@CarCoSaNoLa]

One drinks too many and a thousands not enough

[@CarCoSaNoLa]

@Franz Fanon says a everyone until they are one. I can see you have a strong e.q. Probably arrogant and self centered but hey, you like it that way

[@emm2937]

@Franz Fanon I would sit this one out.

[@Jake-mj2kf]

I love you, buddy. I don’t know you - but you’re as human as the rest of us and deserving of grace, love and respect.

[@terrytownsend5583]

Praise the lord. 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🫣

[@jin6000]

You can see the weight of the addiction that this man carries bearing down on him. Massive respect to him for sharing his story. I wish him all the very best.

[@thesmiter1084]

he just feels sorry for himself

[@jin6000]

@@thesmiter1084 He has every right to. Perhaps practice some compassion rather than demeaning the validity of another person's suffering.

[@KingofUrasus]

He uncontrollably ruins everything he touches. Imagine the shame. How do you not empathize with his lack of control?

[@negativghostrdr]

@@KingofUrasus I think gambling has to be the worst addiction.

[@lucyflint5833]

My friend lost his business he's very depressed now gambling is like Crack cocaine.god bless this man.

[@deidrahall1428]

Growing up with a gambler was the hardest thing of my life. It absolutely stole my childhood from me. I also think about the mental torture my Mom went through dealing with that addiction, it wasn't easy but it made me the person I am today❤️

[@Anonymous-lq2bs]

Growing up with an alcoholic is not east either especially when he looks at you he sees himself and hates it.

[@thomasjefferson7359]

Good for you...that's awesome.

[@replynotificationsdisabled]

Our past always makes us who we are. 🙄

[@deidrahall1428]

@@replynotificationsdisabled what

[@bonki8594]

My father was a gambler too. Though it may not be heroin or something like that, it can still cause so much destruction and pain

[@KizetteandTotoro]

You can really feel how he is burdened by his addiction. Very insightful interview. The things we do to cope with the pain inside...

[@charlesgerety1403]

I felt compassion for him he is really sad

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

Not burdened enough. He stole from his sick father. I can believe how selfish he could be. He literally said his father was the only person he cared at all about stealing from, and he stole from his own family!

[@charlesgerety1403]

@@thomasminarchickjr.7355 We all make mistakes. He seems to understand what he did was horrible and had corrected himself so perhaps we should show him understanding/compassion?

[@reececarr2784]

He is burdened with being who he is. A very weak ,highly Uneducated person who has no intentions Other than the short cut in life in general

[@chalupacabrabatman7771]

@@reececarr2784 and your parents are burdened with having an idiot for a child. I guess we all have our issues. You can go back to eating crayons now.

[@justanunknownfriend5091]

I lost over 500k gambling my businesses away at the casinos from 2015-2017. Still haven’t recovered the $ of course, however I did quit gambling.

[@thematriarchy2075]

Well done! I hope you will recover. ❤

[@alking6633]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@jake-thegoat]

That's impressive

[@YouHaveNoBalls]

@Franz Fanon be useful and go do some dishes

[@Align500pro]

@NMFI LLC wanna bet..?

[@cantkillmetal666]

I was a table games dealer in Milwaukee from 2013 until earlier this year. I remember him, feels so sad hearing these stories after my time there was done. At the time I tried to be as cold as possible in terms of thinking about money, had to force myself to think that every person that was there could afford it. It always stung in a way to see some people at the start of my shift, through all 8 hours, and then seeing them again the next day, in the same clothes, still gambling.

[@switchbladeporter]

This is my first month as a table games dealer and I’ve already had police come to my table and tell a woman that her husband had reported her missing. She went and talked to the police and called her husband. Then came right back to the table.

[@cantkillmetal666]

@@switchbladeporter yeah, it's absolutely heartbreaking to see the life that a lot of people live that they hide from their loved ones.

[@chriskoshinski]

@@cantkillmetal666 some don't have loved ones, and your their family/friend

[@cantkillmetal666]

@@chriskoshinski completely

[@Shayster-_-]

I mean I go in the same clothes everyday and I’m up 1400 off my first 100 in poker💀💀 Screw gambling yay for poker

[@novac7294]

Last night I got paid. I lost everything but my rent. I have had a problem for years I’m 26 now and started going when I was 18. Today going into work at 5 am I put in the rest of the crypto I have that took so long to save. Luckily I won, but I’m not a winner I feel like a loser. How many times am I going to lie to my self. How many times am I going to crush my goals and promises to family. Opening my KZbin to find this is truly a blessing. Thank you for who posted this. I am looking into help as I type this. Thank you and please anyone that feels like this. Get help and don’t be alone. I can’t promise I can help you but maybe I can share my story with you. Feel free to comment and I’ll try to help you. It’s not worth it 😭 please please please, I say this with a tear in my eye .

[@shanghaiffgg]

You are still young with your whole life ahead of you. Stop gambling cold turkey and find meaning in something else. Relationship, work, hobby, anything. That’s what I did. Took a little servile to get used to it but I haven’t placed a bet in over 25 years and am now happily retired.

[@michaeltamares7974]

Crypto?? Good luck

[@BenjaminBox]

I just have no words for how hard addiction can be. You deal with it every single day. As soon as you wake up. The first thing on your mind is "how am I going to appease this feeling?" You will screw over everyone you love just because a chemical in your brain told you to. Even if it isn't the most "exciting" interview, the feelings are still heavy and real. The most relatable interviews on here for me are the "a life on drugs" ones. But anything on addiction, abuse, or sex worker related hits very close to home. Sometimes I think about telling my story to the world, but first of all, it's embarassing. I have respect for these people for just being open about this. It's also hard to find the chance or medium to talk about this stuff. Thank you, Mark, for giving these people the outlet to express these feelings. You're a great interviewer, you know exactly what to ask and when to be sympathetic

[@sallyann985]

Mark should go to Vancouver Downtown Eastside.

[@BenjaminBox]

I think there's quite a few places in Canada he could go. I don't blame him though, "don't bite off more than you can chew" There's already so many people in the US who have these issues. This is the channel for them to vent.

[@sallyann985]

@@BenjaminBox what's your addiction?

[@BenjaminBox]

I've been dealing with alcoholism and sex addiction since the beginning of the pandemic. But unfortunately with those addictions comes other issues. Ive also had a few since I was about 12. I haven't had access to ADD medication until recently so this may be an issue.

[@emm2937]

Perfectly said!

[@henrifischer1119]

bullying leaves people damaged. for life.

[@alicianblack2310]

The courage to admit one's challenges breeds so much compassion from people. You have no idea how much of an impact your story has. We appreciate you for being real with us and teaching us this reality. We are praying for you!

[@glennday7802]

Who's "we"? You don't speak for me and you never will. Presumptuous idiot.

[@Kimetic]

100% relatable. Money becomes just digits on a screen that becomes meaningless. It is about the dopamine hit and feeling good, pure escapism.

[@abotto35]

Probably most accurate thing I’ve heard regarding this.

[@forevermancc]

Bang on I'm a heroin addict last few months been shooting it with crack too and this is the most accurate thing. Luckily I'm sober ATM

[@seankiesling2054]

At that point ...like you said, money isnt money anymore...it's a tool

[@TonyPajamas24]

@@forevermancchow’s it going brother?

[@atticuskilby515]

Attempting to fill a hole deep within, there is great underlying pain and thus the need to escape.

[@4d827]

I shed tears every time I watched these interviews, it took a lot of balls to speak out, it's so relatable.

[@robcharette1915]

When he said he “was “awkward I was actually thinking how awkward he still is … this poor guy is just really lost . He seems really sad too. I feel for him and I hope he somehow finds his happiness.

[@davidhughes6]

@NAGI NAGI i agree he is very sad. He is so sad in his whole demeaner

[@Jason.cbr1000rr]

Thats what happens when you're a goody goody squarehead nerdy geeky loser who never gets tail. They turn ibto weirdos and you know the rest, end up in the news from doing foul stuff with kids and etc.. lol

[@artic_hills4988]

@@davidhughes6 lose 26 grand at a black jack table.. then walk away with a smile I dare you lol

[@TheMicturation]

@@artic_hills4988 i thought he said he lost 26k from 2007-19 ? was thinking that aint much

[@billymanziel5666]

So rude

[@rewok11]

Please do more Gambling addiction interviews, these are very interesting

[@hmu05366]

Quite a boring guy though no?

[@Foose3535]

@@hmu05366 no he’s not it’s actually a really interesting vid and the first of this guys channel that I watched all the way through

[@northpole8318]

@@hmu05366 to look at..if you actually listen it’s not boring at all lol it’s actually pretty interesting …

[@reececarr2784]

@@hmu05366 agree. There story's are all the same...weak & poor values

[@DaddyLondon]

@@reececarr2784 but we listen

[@whoneedsbond]

Brave man. Gamblers know exactly what he is saying and can relate. It’s tough, thank you.

[@Tacoman1967]

I hope he paid his family back.

[@tracypeterson9352]

@@Tacoman1967 he did I am his father

[@Tacoman1967]

@@tracypeterson9352 I bet

[@Adam-hi9dh]

Damn I wanna know his last name

[@mkvingti]

@@Adam-hi9dh probably cox or something like that

[@garrettlitt7224]

Watch at 1.25x playback speed . Thank me later

[@randyreitz9530]

My heart goes out to this man who seems so lost. I wish nothing but positive things for him in the future.

[@necromancer234]

After what he did to his father he does not deserve the best.

[@lococholo2857]

This was a great video... Kinda tired of drugs and sex workers.. This was definitely a different and very real situation that could effect anyone!!! Best wishes

[@lucianaromulus1408]

Yeah I want more, like Communists, Fascists, Politicians, Prisoners, Immigrants, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Black Nationalists, AntiFa, White Nationalists, Teachers, Cops , Mercenaries, Nurses...I could go on but all kinds of stuff from every background. Plenty of people out there with crazy stories and experiences.

[@lococholo2857]

@@lucianaromulus1408 Absolutely

[@ddcristo]

Drug addiction can affect anyone too especially if you have the money to support a habit.

[@ryanjacobson2508]

​@@ddcristo Drug addiction doesn't affect people who don't do drugs.

[@gritagon2114]

​@@lucianaromulus1408 this channel kind of specifically focuses on the victims not the ones treating the victims tbh

[@AnonymousDave]

You are exposing behind the curtain of so many parts of life that many would never see otherwise you are a true artist! Thank you for allowing us to see behind the curtain with you!

[@Anonymous-lq2bs]

I’m an alcoholic….. I’ll be sober a year next month. Unfortunately, I feel like I’m walking a tight rope without the circus net, because I’ve lost 3k this month making bets. I hate the feeling of losing and normally I grab a bottle to get rid of that feeling. I’m kind of scared, because I’m getting used to the feeling of losing money. It’s ironic, because I have a twin brother that has lost over 200k easily in his life and we’re only 35. I don’t believe this man only lost 20k; denial for sure. I lent my brother 1k for a dog and he ended up going to the casino and lost, but he did pay me back. Having an addiction can be a blessing or a curse.

[@craftygirl9666]

@@Anonymous-lq2bs Congrats on your sobriety! That's a huge accomplishment. I have no degree so I don't want to give you unsolicited advice, but I pray you find the root of what is causing your actions. I don't know if you have resources, but maybe you can dig deeper into the harder parts of your life and find peace. I *see* you. hugs

[@davesteadman1226]

@@Anonymous-lq2bs Stay sober dude!! Go to a meeting! Do whatever you have to do, don't fuckin drink, ever. I'm with ya dude! Don't gamble. For us it's poison and the casinos are NOT your friend!!!

[@paulc3749]

@@Anonymous-lq2bs , good luck and be strong. I agree with what you say that you believe he gambled a lot more than he is letting on . The denial is a way of limiting in his mind how much damage he really has done

[@mr.makedonija2627]

@@Anonymous-lq2bs a blessing? 🙄

[@skyking228]

I can think of at least a 100 conversations a father should have with his son. Those dad's that are capable of providing those conversations/lessons open many doors for their kids and grandkids. Always interesting, thanks!

[@bradonblack2121]

List the subject of each of them.

[@timber8324]

@@bradonblack2121 yeah

[@skoochi]

This dude is being a victimized puss

[@GurlinDaBackk]

Remember God loves you♥️😊! John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him (Jesus) should not perish but have everlasting life. Please repent, change your life around and live for Him🙏. He is coming back soon🥳🎊........

[@Wavelover33]

@@GurlinDaBackk why do Jesus freaks always want to sling their ridiculous beliefs in these comment sections? It’s so ignorant and pious. If you want something to say - “think” use your own brain instead of relying on this antiquated outdated socially conditioned nonsense.

[@marycrowley1442]

We suffer so much in this world. Thanks for sharing your touching story. My father had a stroke when I was 19 that disabled him. He truly loved me but was unable to help me through my life. I felt like he was the only person that was on my side in my family.

[@SportsBoss999]

Anyone that has been controlled by a gambling addition knows the despair and sorrow he's going through. I know only too well, because in many ways, his life mirrors mine. I was a loner in school and never had a girlfriend all thru high school and college. Those women that I did come in contact with never materialized into any relationship because of my shyness, feelings of inadequacy and lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. Gambling became an outlet for me to escape the world around me, and the feeling that I don't belong. I could go to the casino myself. It was a thrill to play - a thrill I did not have since I was so unsuccessful with women. You become obsessed with that excitement - even though you know its a losing propsition.

[@insideout277]

Wow great explanation! I was looking for this in the comment section

[@MA-fe3pt]

Yes, you explained it perfectly!

[@DTWAR]

So true! 😢😢

[@DrSchor]

you have a ways to go. you have to get on a tcap type sting to really be a loser

[@1428monsterdrink]

You’re doing excellent work mark!! I love that you are expanding.

[@MahhadValixFlash]

I love how Mark knows just how much and when to speak... keeping the conversation free-flowing. Some interviewers will completely take over n push their own ideologies onto the interviewees

[@rae3356]

Agreed

[@deadmeatjb]

Mark realized when he first did this that he isn't the focus. He's chatty in interviews tho.

[@emm2937]

He definitely moved to Brooklyn to be closer to the “girl who got away.” He is obsessed and won’t heal until he accepts it’s never going to happen! It appears he’s self aware enough to know this, so hopefully he can finally get the help he needs. This man is in a sad state. Damn.

[@skoochi]

Self aware enough to know it but has absolutely no self control. The awareness does nothing on its own. Hopefully he stays away from her.

[@karenharrell1972]

Yes and it seems as though with his addictive personality, he’s addicted to thinking about her. It’s no different than the gambling it’s just another thing to be addicted to. I hope he finds the help that he needs to put all of these addictions to rest.

[@brianminsk8]

@@karenharrell1972 woah, mind blown. Thank you for this insight.

[@electricfeel9501]

@@skoochi being self aware is still at least something. there are literally people out there that are in denial, no self control and or always blame their problem on something else. Also Daniel didn't blame his addiction and problem on anyone but himself.

[@skoochi]

@@electricfeel9501 true, good point

[@kurtcleary6794]

His life has been so devoid of connection that he still obsesses over one person, he stole from his bedbound father just to get a high, he admits to not ever loving his ex wife or his current partner. Don’t let your own life disappear like this guy. Try to be brave and make the harder choice in the moment and seek help wherever you can.

[@rmmm4268]

100% this. I have am uncle that still talks about a high school crush he had as if it was yesterday, even though it was 15 years ago. If you don't expierence new connections it will be as if time stands still and you domt go forward. That's why when this guy finally went to his high school crush she was almost stunned by thr comments as if he was crazy. That's cause for her it was something long forgotten and for him it was a recent memory.

[@thisisgettingold]

It would be nice to think we have free will like that, but everything happens because of a reason, and in the end, some people are simply not capable of the kind of change you are talking about, and often, it is not even their fault.

[@intensepassion3382]

​@@thisisgettingoldoh, it's definitely their fault, as they made a choice

[@piyh3962]

A marriage is something you build a little bit every day and put work into by prioritizing your partner over your wants. This guy put himself into gambling instead. My dad didn't teach me anything about getting a girl, this gambler really spiked the personal responsibility ball at the end there.

[@ML-kx9gz]

The way he told that story about the chick that friendzoned him and the way he rattled off like 8 poker players that nobody outside of gambling/poker world would even know about screams delusional to me. Another shocking thing was when he basically talked about resenting his father for not being able to talk to him about women, because he was busy working and was a smoker who had a stroke. It's like wow man, that's about as heartless and cold as you can possibly get. I could see this guy going down in flames when he roasts his parents inheritance at the casino and all he has left in his delusional mind is that one chick that got way (who probably never ever liked him to begin with)

[@mayp5004]

Thank you for sharing your story. I don’t want to be anything other than helpful when I write that it sounds like you might also be addicted to the idea of what could’ve been with a woman as flawed and problematic as the rest of us. Maybe take the time to focus on improving yourself without relationships and that might attract some of the awesome, exciting energy you miss! I wish I could give you a hug. I wish you the best!

[@spiritualundergroundpodcast]

You can never get enough of something that almost works

[@Strathobbiesandknickknacks]

This is why there were so many complaints about the 'near miss illusion' on slot machines and lottery tickets. They're literally designed to show you almost all the jackpot symbols exponentially more often than seeing all the jackpot symbols line up. It makes players think, "I was so close, so a win has to be right around the corner.", when nothing could be further from the truth. There are some very diabolical minds behind this exploitation of human psychological weaknesses.

[@becl1709]

This interview was like watching a scene from a Woody Allen movie - Daniel seems intelligent, neurotic and funny. It ended with what seemed like a genuine epiphany about his life and understanding his addiction.

[@mildred714]

Because he’s Jewish?

[@WaAaAaAaW]

That nonchalance is common among jews, especially thosefrom nyc. It's a kind of denial

[@pirufihho]

I like him, a lovely man

[@dolltall]

Daniel, Thank you for your courage. You will change someone’s life for the better, in the vulnerability of this interview , and that is … what life is all about

[@lachlanmclennan2188]

9 days off marijuana 5 days off alcohol 3 days off gambling I'm 27, and I'm not letting my vices win anymore.

[@VinylToVideo]

@@mackinner Keep telling yourself that bro.

[@allannhlanhla]

Give us an update bro? Did you manage to stay clean?

[@KnockoutweeklyKO]

I'm the same age as you. Lost my pay check today only got paid yesterday. No more gambling. Giving up drinking and smoking weed this weekend and going back to boxing next week. We got this!!!

[@allannhlanhla]

@@KnockoutweeklyKO nahh man, you don't drink your problems away, rise up brother 🫵

[@marknewton6984]

3 months off alcohol cold turkey. Not as hard as you think. I was an everyday drinker. 😎

[@Elizabeth-nr8vo]

I went to high school with Daniel, he was 2 years younger. I remember him just being a nice kid. I had no idea he was being bullied. That kid who bullied him a smarmy jerk and deserves to be in prison. Our community was hard to grow up in; extremely elitist. He’s extremely brave for doing this documentary.

[@JacobTabak]

My jaw dropped when he said he went to WFB, class of 03 here :)

[@paulfix9823]

I used to be a table games dealer in the Seattle area. I didn't last too long only because everyday I felt tremendous guilt. Having to see people there everyday all day long gambling. It was really sad and I felt horrible having to be in that situation.

[@waynesilverman3048]

Did they pretend they didn't care or look a bit crushed ?

[@dougbollacker5444]

You would be amazed on how much free shit the casino will give you when your winning money and how quick they say to get lost after you drop everything.

[@OGRE_HATES_NERDS]

did your coworkers give you any advice about how they deal with it? or did they just not give a shit

[@dougbollacker5444]

@@OGRE_HATES_NERDS shit. Casinos want you to lose as much as possible. They have to act like they care cause the gov forces them to put problem gambling help signs all over. The casino I dealt in gave blue pins to wear for gambling awareness week then I liked wearing the pin cause it was cool looking and my boss calls me in the office and says deadass get that fucking pin off cause it's like being a bartender and wearing a anti drinking badge when he sells alcohol. So that's how they feel. Well they look at like nobody forced these people to play and if we lost we pay them but the huge difference is I'm paying them with company money and it makes no difference one way or another. Also people will play the minimum and some dealers will get players to bet more by nudging them by saying oh you running good you should be upping the bet to win better. Especially in craps.

[@paulfix9823]

@@dougbollacker5444 totally, I remember having a guy win 7k for a raffle drawing. He wasn't even happy about it. I congratulated him and all he could say was "this is only half of what I've lost this weekend".

[@ArthurHill88]

Hard to believe that a self-described compulsive gambler only lost 26k over a 13 year period between 2006 and 2019; that's only 2k a year/$166 a month when you average it out. Not saying he's intentionally lying or anything but given his claims about what his addiction lead him to do and the consequences of it I'm inclined to think the real number is significantly higher.

[@BulkernatorKerb]

Great take. I definitely have a feeling he's either too ashamed about it or in denial, so he's downplaying the amount to avoid thinking about it. Shame can play a huge part in addiction and leave you running back to your vice over and over again to avoid facing it.

[@wesleyalan9179]

Possibly... But, he might not be lying too. It may be based on his budget reason it's low..I mean, he's gotta pay money to live, then when you add addiction to that..I mean,it's not too far fetched to believe he's telling the truth

[@Jay5-0]

He's a videographer. How much money you think he had?

[@David-fu8is]

Regardless if it’s 2k a year or £200 a year he’s lost. Gambling is a horrific addiction, it takes over your life literally and every waking hour, it is also one of the most destructive addictions their is. It doesn’t get enough coverage.

[@Day-ZDuke]

For sure he’s lying, good call. Because we are not just talking his own money he lost. He spoke about stealing from his wife’s parents, his own parents, etc. So it would be well beyond the 26k over all those years

[@RawOlympia]

Thank you so much for these interviews. Wishing everyone the best ~ love how you give people the opportunity to have insight into the machinations of their lives, and the influences behind decisions.

[@jjosten529]

I'm an alcoholic, been sober a year and a half. The closest I felt to losing control of my life again since I quite drinking was when I fucked around on Fanduel for a few months. I went from having fun to degenerate gambling in a week. Spent 6 months trying to "cover losses". Finally I realized what I was doing and was able to stop before I really fell on my face.

[@DrSchor]

I am very confident that you, as an alcoholic gambler , will fall on your face very soon.

[@laurynassungaila5382]

@@DrSchor wow. Very supportive.

[@rezzbuilds8343]

Shit dude that’s a double whammy. I’m an alcoholic and that shit has been a bitch to kick. I already know what gambling could potentially do to me. Plus all the times I’ve been to the casino I’ve never had a big win, so I’ve never actually seen the dragon.

[@Bizzybee1.]

Sorry to hear that. Those sports books are nothing to play with, and it's so easy to bet through your phone so quickly. I had to quit too after loosing a decent amount, still paying it off.

[@TzUuup]

​@@Bizzybee1. it's crazy now. I try to cap myself. Had a good run of up and downs a few years ago where I got up a few grand but than lost it. I haven't gambled since. Crazy cuz I still have the app on my phone with my bank account linked

[@themrmarkprior]

The weight of the game has and still is crushing this poor mans soul. Its obvious to see. And it's obvious it's never going to leave him. From one stranger to another, I truly wish him the very best for the future.

[@cwilsonsr7263]

Hearing him describe that gambling high was pretty much like me sitting there telling my story word 4 word. Even after all I've lost hearing someone else describe that thrill gives me goosebumps

[@meenrobinson3592]

Facts!!! I really needed to hear this

[@joejohn8834]

I’ve been in crypto since 2018 & this video hit hard

[@cwilsonsr7263]

@@joejohn8834 damn bro I can just imagine

[@joejohn8834]

@@cwilsonsr7263 Yeah 2022 has been a rough year

[@carrybylaw]

@@joejohn8834 are you comparing crypto to gambling?

[@Jen_Is_Outside]

I sat and talked with a homeless man and his dog in front of a convenience store one day. He was handed $5's, $10's, even $20's. Every single dollar he was given he walked into the store and bought lottery scratchers. Lost it all. He lost his house, wife, and kids over his gambling. I had never met anyone with a gambling addiction before. It was very humbling to sit with that man and his dog. I will never forget that moment. Thank you for your work, Mark.

[@DEfittness24-7]

You talked to the dog too?

[@Jen_Is_Outside]

@@DEfittness24-7 Of course. Who wouldn't? ❤🐕 It was a one sided conversation tho.

[@voteZDLR]

When people are genuinely addicted to gambling it's no longer a choice anymore it's a compulsion.

[@commentcraftsman]

Lol.. Comment Craftsman likes

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

I worked at a gas station a long time ago and all day long poor looking people would buy scratch tickets sometimes on credit cards. There was a limit to how much we were allowed put on credit. Not a single person ever won a dime.

[@mooooooooooooove]

You can see the shame in his eyes, in his demeanor, and most importantly in his photograph. Addiction is a hungry monster that eats, feeds, feasts upon men and women whose lives could have gone thousands of different ways.. Addiction turns your free will into determinism. You don't really have a choice once you're hooked, it seems.

[@mikebb1000]

Very well put. I’m in recovery and you hit the nail on the head.👍

[@darrellwood1594]

@Genevieve Pilz I agree

[@joshuaburgess4730]

@Genevieve Pilz yup ! All these addicts have one thing in common. Lack of accountability! It's that simple! Get better and get to living, or die. It's cut and dry

[@The_Majestic_Ibis]

@Genevieve Pilz Well how do you know you have a choice?

[@JacksonDunnoKnows]

Always the choice to get clean, from whatever it is your doing. It's sounds cliché, but it's all about our choices in life. I've been clean from opiates for around 4 years now. Now there is no medically assisted treatment for gamblers, but there is counseling, money management classes for gamblers, "road blocks and red tape" methods one could put up to deter it. And not to make it seem easy, cause no addiction is easy to kick. Be it cigs, drugs, sugar, or cards. All of em hold a bitter sweet, special place in the heart of the "addict". I still find myself dreaming of having a magical garden full of poppy plants, cannabis and cacti. But it isn't worth what I've gained from getting off the opiates. I have found a good woman, making a family,, built my own blacksmithing shop, and trying to make it a small business. I still smoke every once in awhile. I have a few beers here and there, when the moods right I'll eat some mushrooms or get some San Pedro but the difference is the control I gained. And again, everyone has a different experience, a different time to make these choices, if it ever comes. I have hope for anyone wanting to get a monkey off there back. I think some just have no clue where to start... Have a good day everyone, thanks for the rant🍻

[@deliafredericks7578]

I'm at home and not at my usual place So damn proud of myself Difficult but one step at a time

[@Hooozyer]

good for you

[@jsquaredm]

one day at a time

[@zacklande5159]

Happy to hear this.

[@ValleyOfGump]

I thought this was a poem bud!

[@ineedtostopwatchingyoutube5211]

That’s good, crawl before walk, and then you can run.

[@grixloth]

When you're bad at it, they call you an addict, but when you are GOOD at it, they call you a PROFESSIONAL

[@Eskimobrille]

yeah, professional heroin consumer :D There is a difference between setting yourself a boundary and not crossing it, and setting yourself a boundary and nostop crossing it, because you cant help yourself.

[@bentegel3783]

The average professional poker player, of whom there are under 50,000 worldwide, makes an average of $28,000 per year. You could make more working at McDonald's.

[@abcdefg54321x]

🤔 professional crack addict

[@mamarobyn]

OMG Daniel.. We have the exact same story. My paypal theft was what brought me to my knees. Not even a serious opiate addiction got me arrested... I would love to connect with you. Gambling is a very unique impulsive addiction we have to lean on others for recovery.

[@nancybogart3899]

ROBYN RAGONE. --- please please tell me more. Of how that works. T Y.

[@tiggtiggs]

Everything you are looking for IS within you, Daniel. No-one is going to love & take care of you, more than yourself.✌️❤️

[@Nikki-ec1zb]

☕️

[@thepitpatrol]

Jesus

[@zzky666]

@@thepitpatrol no real person is going to love you more than yourself*

[@thepitpatrol]

@@zzky666 that's what I meant.

[@zzky666]

@DreadPirateDrake the problem is when people constantly drag religion into comments that dont mention it.

[@bisola7775]

Gambling addiction is one of the most difficult to break! Wish him the best

[@leahdavis8446]

Very true. My dad had it horrible. He would bring me to gambling places and a lot of times to the horse races to bet on the horses...he used to leave me alone with weird drunk men that he barely knew. He would always do that. He finally got his life together and went to GA (Gambling Annonymous) he said it helped him. But yeah I was super little I don't remember going. He had to tell me. And my mom followed him there a couple times too, she told me she grabbed me off a random drunk guys lap. She was so pissed. I'm glad he is done with all that though.

[@jorgegonzalezquintero]

i bet u are rigth

[@dowogenesthedog7186]

You've never had heroin, that is a REAL addiction, gambling isn't.

[@tiggtiggs]

@@dowogenesthedog7186 I had an uncle who was a heroin addict & an ex who was a gambling addict, both were traumatized. Almost all addictions are related to trauma, ALL are horrible. It's not a competition.

[@laurieg2436]

@@dowogenesthedog7186 addiction is addiction…..

[@bonki8594]

My family fell apart because of my fathers gambling addiction. It will always be a frustrating thing for me but this gives me more insight on what my father may have felt.

[@spklyunicorn]

He just seems so terribly burdened and sad. I want to give him a hug.

[@cherylc4468]

sadness is real. I watch these videos because I have chronic major depression, seeing others with problems makes mine seem smaller. nonetheless this man needs to move on with his life. Seems like he has lived nearly his whole life chasing a fantasy of a lost love. That never works. I have done it before and what you have in your mind is rarely what it really is.

[@lauran9864]

I wish you healing and strength. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your story!

[@Contingentx]

love hurts

[@cherylc4468]

@@Contingentx I certainally have loved and lost more than once. Im a targeted individual and I can tell you mass hate hurts worse

[@rossbattaglia8132]

love is sad

[@4d827]

Folks, It doesn't matter if it is smaller or a bigger problem than that, it's a warning, I think everyone should stop by now, I have decided to stop, because I don't want to constantly drown again and again.

[@26Redcar]

That episode just made me sad. Hope this man finds happiness.

[@Triv1umxxx]

I really feel like he made some ground on the latter end of this interview, you could almost hear the light bulbs turn on. I hope he finds himself in a better place soon.

[@Bassgirl42]

I concure...realising if he had been taught by dad about how to approach and how to be around, and with, woman... the power of sharing.

[@RobLavinci]

Felt that when he said “it was never about the money, it was just about the high and the thrill of feeling good”

[@TheGregcawthorne]

I can't belive hes thrown his current girlfriend under the bus on this public video. I guess she won't be his girlfriend for very long. Typical gambler mentality, undervalue what you have and over value something you can't have.

[@BSCTrainerRob]

I am related to a gambling addict who spent 20 years barely functioning and took out second mortgages etc etc then he won a jackpot of like $500k! enough to fix his life and clear is debts and start over. he blew that too. incredibly sad

[@mattym8]

There is no way he only lost $26k. I know he says that. That was just what he stole from his dad. He is deep in denial. Before he stole from his dad he lost all his own money repeatedly. He wrote bad cheques. He lost all the money he and his wife earned. He lost his house. That all doesn’t happen if you lose $200/mo for 20 years. More like 10x that.

[@taylorferguson2589]

100% this dude is in denial. I didn’t even have any money and lost wayyyy more than 26k especially over a fucking decade!!! These amounts he’s saying aren’t gambling addict numbers

[@taylorferguson2589]

I almost feel like Bob saget in half baked, this dude is a puss

[@taylorferguson2589]

This dude gives all addicts a bad name

[@chris_2714]

He comes across as a bit disingenuous. He admits he has an issue but still seems to blame others and hides the true depth of his addiction. Kind of a "woe is me" attitude. I find him hard to sympathize with unlike other addicts Mark has interviewed. Hopefully with ongoing therapy he gets to where he needs to be.

[@rabidrabbitshuggers]

It’s like any other addiction: if an alcoholic tells you s/he spends $20 a day on alcohol, it’s actually at least $50.

[@wesleyalan9179]

He looks like a Blues Brother...he needs some dark shades and he'd be ALL set😎👍 I like this guy, he seems cool and chill..I hope the very best for'm!🤟

[@carlycaye90]

4 whole fried chickens and a Coke

[@wesleyalan9179]

@gg allin haha 😄

[@wesleyalan9179]

@@carlycaye90 funny!! 🤣👍👍

[@TourDead]

I'm a recovering addict and gambler. Probably lost 6000 or more gambling online and I can really see how it is ruining me. Haven't gambled in a couple of days, hopped back on the wagon about 2 weeks ago. The temptation is still there but I'm trying to get past it and I'm taking it one day at a time. I can really see how gambling is able to take over your whole life. When I go at something I go full force and there is no moderation. I gambled like a fiend everyday and would sell stuff to pay for it. So gambling has become a sickness in my life and I need it gone.

[@DrSchor]

Cleatmouth;; it is not a sickness in your life; it is your life now

[@natasharush8604]

My daughter's father the same. It's heartbreaking

[@Lmaoo128]

The first 6k you lost is just the beginning. Ban yourself before it’s too late and you’re stuck 50k. It gets worse. I’m at 100k lost. Life doesn’t remain worth living

[@TourDead]

@@Lmaoo128 I haven't gambled since January 10, 2023. I've been saving my money. I want to save up to where I can buy a house.

[@nataliepopper6012]

Wow this guy really only pities himself…

[@tamedshrew235]

A long time ago i waitressed at a restaurant with ties to the mafia. Every Saturday afternoon there was a card game going in the bar. One day all of a sudden there was a tremendous commotion and a guy was screaming "please no" and " what are you guys going to do." As they hustled him out I asked what happened- he just lost his house. I asked if they were really going to take it- yeah we're going to take it. Imagine being that guy's wife and kids.

[@LadyAngela678]

Man, thats bad.

[@dspsblyuth]

You can just sign away your house on the spot like that?

[@tamedshrew235]

@@dspsblyuth note: ties to the mafia!

[@artifactsantlersoh]

This man harbors a ton of guilt. I hope he can bring himself to start seeing a therapist to work through this and let it go. New slate, start fresh.

[@morgenmachen2400]

Can you explain to me what gave you the impression that he experiences guilt? I'm asking sincerely because I got a much different impression and I think it's important for me to challenge myself on that.

[@artifactsantlersoh]

@@morgenmachen2400 I personally see the pain in his repeated expressions, long sighs, deep exhausts and staring at the ground when he talks about the painful things he’s done to the people he loves to me it seems like he is holding onto a lot of guilt about what he did to his father.

[@wrenchhead6840]

Well deserved guilt…. He stole from his family, and his wife’s family…. Thats pretty low..

[@artifactsantlersoh]

@@wrenchhead6840 agreed.

[@morgenmachen2400]

@@artifactsantlersoh I watched the interview again, on 2x speed and the mannerisms you describe are seemingly his general demeanor. In other words, he looks down often and sighs frequently - not just when discussing his wrongs. I think it's possibly that because he knows that some of the things he did are wrong he tries to emote guilt, or perhaps you're inferring that he experiences guilt because YOU know what he did is wrong. As a third option, maybe his mannerisms reflect the way he feels about himself in a more general sense. Either way, I don't observe that he genuinely feels guilt. In fact, I recognized more examples of blame shifting than during my first watch. Of course this is only my opinion and I respect yours, and appreciate you taking the time to reply. Even though I don't feel the same way, I see your capacity for compassion and admire that.

[@trippyliquids]

i’ve heard mark ask many addicts if they thought the underlying issue was a desire for love…. but damn he really called this one…. that ending slapped harder than will smith i love this channel dawg

[@miapdx503]

😂😂😂

[@coreymichael1880]

This man bares a lot of guilt. You can tell it wears so heavily on him. Gambling addiction must be taken as seriously as drug addiction. If you have an addictive personality then don’t even think about it.

[@leonardmulrooney3806]

How could his current GF NOT dump him?

[@garethglitter5932]

Gambling has seemed to me to be the worst addiction. With drink and drugs you'll eventually get so bombed that you collapse unconscious but a gambler can keep going and going.

[@wintvrose]

That’s true… hmm

[@juliettezea9507]

Can’t gamble if your broke

[@Casinogirl56]

@@juliettezea9507 you sure can.....just like can drink when you're broke or get high when you're broke......you just help yourself to someone else's money/ posessions if all your money is gone.

[@rayhill5767]

Gamblers destroy themselves and those around them.

[@seanycaufield6809]

@@juliettezea9507 Gamblers who have bookies usually accept credit which is money they don’t have etc

[@aboredbochur]

"My current gf is cool but not like that girl" is something you should never say. And if it's truly bothering him he should really tell her. She deserves to know where she stands.

[@gdaymates431]

I know. What a jerk. Sorry but move on before you get involved with someone else. It's such user behaviour.

[@primordialpouch565]

probably will be his ex after seeing this

[@jessebeahm348]

he shouldn't be dating anyone

[@wilsonfisk2134]

I mean, he did tell her where she stands... He even recorded it for her. The ball's in her court.

[@sexpistols015]

@@gdaymates431 you act like it’s that easy when you’re depressed and feeling guilty.

[@cynthiarouse]

This channel is interesting because he illustrates via his interviews that many who others may consider the 'dregs of humanity' are still humans. Most of them experienced profound early trauma, if not torture. The B&W gives the work more depth...very interesting work...I subscribed and I rarely do...great job! ; - )

[@angurisloud]

I can relate to making a switch in high school and getting toxic people out of your life. That saved me. I'm 61 and still close to those 5 guys all these years later.

[@carolineconnor2156]

The fact that he lost 26k from ‘06-‘18 is really impressive. I would have guessed much more . It’s literally 2.5 thousand per year, certainly money lost but not enough to warrant the drama I’ve seen with gamblers I know. I mean I’m talking 40-50k lost in 6 months

[@carolineconnor2156]

@THE SANDMAN yeah you win 🏅 that round 🤣😉☮️

[@paulc3749]

I think he isn’t revealing the true figures. The amounts he talks about are not a big deal to many people, but it’s all relative to the gambler’s earnings 💰

[@ceasarwright7567]

Yeah I was rhinking the same

[@sarahkeller7630]

I know this feeling too well I don't have a gambling addiction but I still have dreams of my ex from 4 years ago I haven't seen him in 2 years. I try to turn it into something else I am grateful. I am grateful I got to feel that way I did when I was with him Even if I can never feel it again

[@ts9576]

Damn this dude only lost 26k in 12 years and looks like his life is about to end lol. That's literally like nothing, roughly 2k per year haha. Unless he wasn't telling the truth about the amounts, which could be possible. Because compulsive gamblers can also be compulsive liars sometimes.

[@globefm]

It feels like 260K

[@brolickscholar3083]

You know damn well he’s lying 🤥 He probably fuqqed up some comma’s and he’s too ashamed to say how much. He needs to tighten up , though.

[@julespeace8026]

I know people who had gambling problems and they were at their lowest and they asked Jesus Christ to help them because they couldn't do it on their own and the urge to gamble left. I was one of these people was me. It truly works.

[@scottlo8583]

The Lord showed me that the Roman soldiers gambled for Jesus' clothes as he's being crucified. It doesn't get any more twisted than that

[@sagemaster3408]

I don’t think gambling is the problem here. It’s a problem. But it’s not the problem. The gambling is coming from something else. I’m not a doctor . But I think it’s obvious

[@richhomiespidey]

I gamble 🎰 I love gambling 🎰 I lose as well I love the idea of being on the edge It's high. i think gambling is not the problem The problem is not holding yourself accountable. Understand that you are where you wanna be and once you lose just understand your great just waiting to happen people who gamble My fellow gambler's dont be to hard on yourselves just be a big boy and keep moving slowly but surely but atleast your moving REMEMBER NOONE CAN MAKE YOU FEEL UNWORTHY OR INFERIOR WITHOUT YOU IN AGREEANCE IF YOU LOSE YOU LOSE BUT YOU WAKE UP THE NEXT DAY AND KEEP PUSHING FOR GREATNESS AND MAYBE ONE DAY NOT SURE WHEN THAT DAY WILL BE BUT ONE DAY YOU MIGHT OVERACHIEVE BE GREAT AND BE GREAT AT IT ...... LOVE YOU ALL FROM RICH HOMIE SPIDEY

[@whoswatchingme766]

A true gambler he is because he is lying about $26k

[@paulc3749]

😄, spot on 💯

[@Yzjoshuwave]

This one brought up quite a bit of emotion for me. I’ve had different coping strategies, but the pain over what happened with that girl is deeply familiar. The powerlessness to do anything about it or to care about anything else the same way rang true - compulsively doing something to get those deep wounds to cool down. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Hope you find a full sense of love again somehow, though I think it always starts with ourselves.

[@samuelary8476]

This was a beautiful interview. When the past becomes the present you lose the future. I really can relate to Daniel on multiple levels of his journey and crossroads in life. Thank you, Mark, for this interview.

[@NothingToPointOut24]

The worst part about the "doubling your money" mindset, is in the few times that you actually do double your original buyin, then you'll look to double your winnings. And so on and so on. Chances are if you dont lose it that day, you'll lose it eventually. EDIT - Well its look like he said the same thing later in the interview. All gamblers really do think alike

[@andrewpandis]

I truly appreciate a video like this. It's real and raw.

[@SM-ol9nb]

1.5 is a much better speed

[@casspirburns]

I watched this a few days ago and have had online gambling app ads in my Instagram feed since then. I don’t even gamble. So the creators of those apps are targeting people watching videos on gambling addiction, and that’s an accepted norm on these platforms. Along with information comes its maligned misuse by the channels providing it. Nothing is free.

[@rmmm4268]

What's scary is this guy was describing how he went to live far away from casinos and thus making it harder to fall into bad habits again. The new generation font have that luxury with online gambling.

[@dustinray9011]

26K? Bro we out here playing 25k hands on blackjack.

[@Larrair]

Exactly what I came here to comment

[@danr3dman259]

You're lucky to have that much money

[@Franciscasieri]

Of course the Jews would not give up a revenue stream ie: get from their own people...classic.

[@allformsinsuranceagency5453]

Don’t feel bad for gamblers they play the sympathy game as a part of their con.

[@sheepnomore8063]

You have to be able to love yourself, and Daniel looks for other things or people to fulfill that need. This is where the problem lies.

[@BassForever44]

Oh man... If you still got your current gf after what you said in this interview she's a keeper.

[@hmu05366]

She must be fat

[@APJ4]

This was an amazing interview. Thank you for sharing all sorts of first person perspectives in this journey we call life. Everyone has a story!!!

[@LamneYokaMou]

I am also a compulsive personality type. I have learned that you have to channel your compulsive instincts towards healthy activities like work, exercise, walking, guitars, socialising with family and so on.

[@osibih]

this helped me more than you think you a legend for speaking out

[@scy1038]

I was bullied by a kid really bad for 7 years straight, and it bothered me at the time but as an adult I quit giving a damn about him. Anyway, years pass since high school and eventually my wife gets a new job and comes home one day and says this guy is a co worker of hers. Long story short, he came to her one day and told her he had pieced together that she was married to me and asked her to tell me that he is a different person now and he is sorry for tormenting me when we were kids. I thought that was nice. But you never know the damage you do to someone when you treat them like they are nothing.

[@zsazsarose]

Coming in being interviewed by Mark is more than entertainment for us. These folks bare ugly truths that no one wants to admit. I applaud this fella for opening up that’s not easy to do. Addiction is gripping in every way, crippling and shameful.

[@mattv8434]

"My childhood was sheltered, my parents didn't let me watch porn as a child". LOL.

[@zwinbtwn365]

lol….I know right!

[@Cheeseguyguyguyy]

Gambling addiction is just a mask on him. There's a much more deeper rooted issue within him that he needs to dive into. I sensed it when he wrongfully blamed his father for not having "the girl of his dreams". I recommend changing your diet, exercise, self excluding yourself from online sportsbooks / casinos, saving 15% of your income in a separate bank account (Tell your account manager you have a gambling addiction, I've done this and some banks will help you). It's tough to change, but not impossible. Change your actions and you'll discover what the deep rooted issue's in your life are.

[@dominicconnor3437]

Let me be clear! It's not sheltering your kids because you don't let them watch adult content on television.

[@paulinesims393]

😂 right

[@chrisinglett3704]

It’s so crazy to hear this mans story and how much I can relate to it. I also was very addicted to gambling and also have a very addictive personality. I’ve found that if you’re addicted to something and you stop, something has to fill that void. That’s why the overeating and shopping also became an issue. Gambling, shopping, eating, etc. all trigger the reward system in the brain when you have an addictive personality. Banning myself from all the casinos nearby was the only way I was able to stop. Great video! Good luck to you.

[@DevHazy]

Same. Sex cheating food. Etc etc

[@BulldogBoxing]

Yes

[@TheBlackCat1337]

fishing, foraging, hunting seem to help.

[@bennettburris3446]

Jesus Christ can feel that void man, I’m sorry if it sounds cringe

[@chrisinglett3704]

@@bennettburris3446 it doesn’t sound cringe at all. You’re absolutely right. God bless!

[@Spankyscorner316]

He sounds abnormally fixated on a woman that friend zoned him. The way he carries himself screams he's in pain and I hope he gets help.

[@aprillovesgolf7042]

Good for her. Who would want a sneaky, whiney, gambling degenerate inhaling all the energy? This guy is a blamer.

[@eggyeggbean]

I struggled with the same thing during my early 20s. Came to realize that it was a pattern I was hooked to. It’s so much easier for me to pine after a woman and wait for the glorious day when her approval will complete me than it is to be in an actual relationship with someone who’s human just like me. Recognizing that was part of my process of becoming an adult.

[@Flossin1987]

Def. Seems like he’s still stalking her.

[@ML-kx9gz]

I thought that story was bizarre too and seemed to come out of left field, he doesn't talk about his ex-wife in this way at all. To me he comes off extremely delusional remember how he ripped off like 8 poker players names that only people in gambling/poker would even know to begin with and matched with the bizarre story about the girl who he loved but she didn't share the same feelings just sets off delusional alarm bells. If I'm that chick I'm firing up the olddddd restraining order if she hasn't already. What happens when all his fail safes pass away (ie, parents) he chunks off his inheritance at the casino and all he has left is...her. Scary to think about, you should always fear someone who doesn't care about anything or has nothing to live for. This is exactly that guy.

[@BillyG563]

I relate on so many levels. Hung up over the one that got away all these years later. Chasing empty addictions. Etc etc. Wishing I could go back and undo mistakes. Unsure how to proceed in life. I get it. I get it.

[@thematriarchy2075]

❤

[@wintvrose]

😔

[@juliettezea9507]

all of this self destructive behavior just over a female?

[@8JFJK8]

@@juliettezea9507 Lol sad. Would never let a woman take anything from me😂

[@Sloimer]

@@juliettezea9507 try stepping outside of yourself for a minute

[@doylejodi7502]

First off; even before watching this, I want to say, good for him that he’s still alive. Many check out.

[@stevenwaller7201]

This dudes face just hits me as the typical gambling addict look