19/07/2025
I LOST almost ₱500k in ONLINE GAMBLING (Scatter)
⚠️⚠️Warning. Long post ahead!⚠️⚠️
– ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
In February, after returning from the UAE, I began to experience intense anxiety. Two months later, it hit hard—and it stayed with me for eight long months. I disappeared from the spotlight. No clients, no transactions, my business came to a standstill. No passive income. Just stress. I was drained, lost my passion, grew emotionally unstable, aggressive, and completely burned out.
Come January 2024, I saw a fresh start. Slowly, I began to rebuild. I picked up the pieces, returned to business, and found a bit of peace as I recovered from anxiety and depression.
But then came the next battle:
Online Casino — a new challenge that took a different kind of toll.
Fast forward...
– THE BEGINNING —
It all started about a year ago. I began playing just for fun—betting a few centavos, which slowly turned into ₱1, then ₱5, then ₱50… before I knew it, I was betting ₱100 to ₱500 per spin. At first, it felt harmless—a simple pastime. And the wins kept coming. Small wins turned into big ones. I felt unstoppable. I deposited ₱5,000 some days, ₱10,000 on others.
Then came the big wins: ₱16,000, ₱24,000, ₱45,000… the highest was around ₱70,000. I felt ecstatic—lucky, even blessed. I even became an agent to earn commissions. I started buying things I had long wished for—home furniture, appliances, and even did some light house renovations.
In 30th of July 2024, I bought my first car. It felt like everything was going my way. I kept playing, kept depositing, chasing the thrill of another win. But slowly, without realizing it, the game turned on me. I played until dawn, chasing big wins — but got nothing.
The wins stopped. The losses piled up. Still, I chased. I pawned my jewelry. Sold my motorcycle. Borrowed money from family, friends—even my partner. I drained my savings account, including the maintaining balance. Every income I earned from photoshoots went straight into gambling. Even client down payments meant for business expenses were used to fund my addiction.
I lied to my partner. I lost trust. I lost opportunities. My dream of building my own studio? Gone. My passion and motivation for my craft? Faded. I lost almost everything—because of gambling.
– REALIZATION —
Gambling doesn’t lead to prosperity. Maybe for a few, but not for most. As my sister once told me:
"The money you get from gambling has no real value unless you work hard for it."
I felt the truth in those words—but I ignored them. And I kept playing.
Eventually, I hit rock bottom. Emotionally, mentally, physically. I couldn’t focus on my work, my deadlines, my business, or even my health. I was drowning in debt, anxiety, and shame.
Now, I’ve chosen to stop. Because continuing this path would only destroy me further.
Through every storm I faced, God remained with me.
When I prayed, He answered.
When I wished, He healed.
When I knelt, I praised.
When I whispered, He listened.
– A MESSAGE TO YOU —
If you’re thinking of trying online gambling—or just starting—please take a step back. Think twice. Think deeply. It may look harmless at first, but it can spiral out of control faster than you imagine.
Self-control and moderation are everything. I lost my grip on both — and it cost me. Don’t let my mistake become your STORY. Learn from mine.
Thank you. đź”´
- Awesomethony
