Autobiographies of Gamblers:
1. “Born to Lose: Memoirs of a Compulsive Gambler” by Bill Lee
Bio: Arnie Wexler, a former compulsive gambler, shares his story of addiction and recovery in this eye-opening book. He provides insights into the nature of gambling addiction and offers hope for those seeking recovery.
Bio: Anthony Wilkenson offers practical advice and strategies for overcoming gambling addiction in this self-help guide. He provides insights into the root causes of addiction and offers tools for breaking free from its grip.
4. “High Stakes: The Rising Cost of America’s Gambling Addiction” by Sam Skolnik
Bio: Sam Skolnik investigates the social and economic impacts of gambling addiction in America in this eye-opening book. He explores the rise of the gambling industry and its consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
5. “Losing Everything: A Memoir” by David Lester
Bio: David Lester shares his harrowing journey through gambling addiction and its devastating consequences in this memoir. He provides a raw and unflinching look at the cycle of addiction and the road to recovery.
Professor Alex Blaszczynski offers a practical guide to overcoming gambling addiction using cognitive-behavioral techniques in this self-help book. He provides step-by-step strategies for changing harmful gambling behaviors and reclaiming control over one’s life.
Bio: Cameron Sharp provides insights into the nature of gambling addiction and offers practical solutions for overcoming it in this self-help guide. He combines personal stories with research-based strategies to help readers break free from the cycle of addiction.
8. “Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat)” by Catherine Townsend-Lyon
Bio: In this memoir, Catherine Townsend-Lyon shares her personal journey through gambling addiction, including the devastating impact it had on her life. She provides insights into the addiction cycle, recovery process, and rebuilding her life.
Bio: Arnie Wexler, a former compulsive gambler, and Steve Jacobson, a sports reporter, collaborate to share Wexler’s story of addiction and recovery. The book explores the depths of gambling addiction and offers hope for recovery.
10. “Going Broke: Why Americans Can’t Hold On To Their Money” by Stuart Vyse
Bio: Psychologist Stuart Vyse examines the psychological factors that contribute to gambling addiction and financial ruin in this insightful book. He explores the allure of gambling, the impact of risk-taking behavior, and strategies for financial empowerment.
11. “Losing Everything: A Memoir” by David G. Allan
Journalist David G. Allan shares his personal story of addiction to online gambling and the devastating consequences it had on his life. He provides a candid and introspective look at addiction, recovery, and rebuilding his life.
12. “Poker Face: A Girlhood Among Gamblers” by Katy Lederer
Katy Lederer reflects on her unconventional upbringing in a family of professional gamblers in this memoir. She explores the allure of gambling, its impact on her family dynamics, and her own journey to find purpose and identity.
Robert T. Kiyosaki shares lessons learned from his two fathers – his biological father (poor dad) and the father of his best friend (rich dad) – in this bestselling personal finance book. He challenges conventional wisdom about money and offers insights into building wealth and financial independence.
Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez present a transformative approach to money management in this book, which emphasizes aligning spending with values, reducing reliance on consumerism, and achieving financial independence.
15. “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason
Set in ancient Babylon, this timeless classic offers practical financial advice through a collection of parables. It covers principles such as saving, investing, and building wealth, presented in an accessible and engaging narrative.
16. “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi
Ramit Sethi provides a six-week personal finance program designed to help young adults take control of their finances and build wealth. The book covers topics such as budgeting, investing, and maximizing financial opportunities.
BeGambleAware: BeGambleAware is a UK-based organization providing information, support, and advice to individuals affected by problem gambling. They offer resources for recognizing gambling addiction, seeking help, and accessing treatment services.
Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous offers support groups and resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Their website provides information about meetings, recovery tools, and personal stories of overcoming addiction.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): NCPG is a US-based advocacy organization dedicated to addressing problem gambling issues. Their website offers resources for individuals seeking help for gambling addiction, including information about treatment options and support services.
Addiction Blog: Addiction Blog offers articles, personal stories, and resources related to addiction and recovery. They cover various types of addiction, including gambling addiction, and provide insights into the recovery process.
The Fix: The Fix is a website dedicated to addiction and recovery, offering articles, personal essays, and news stories related to substance abuse and behavioral addictions. They feature personal stories of hitting rock bottom and finding redemption.
Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery: This website features personal stories of individuals who have overcome problem gambling and found recovery. It provides hope, inspiration, and support for others struggling with gambling addiction.
Clark Howard: Clark Howard is a consumer expert known for his advice on personal finance, saving money, and avoiding financial pitfalls. His website offers articles, podcasts, and resources for achieving financial security and empowerment.
Dave Ramsey: Dave Ramsey is a bestselling author and radio host known for his practical advice on personal finance and money management. His website offers tools, resources, and courses for getting out of debt, building wealth, and achieving financial freedom.
Financial Independence Hub: Financial Independence Hub is a Canadian-based website offering articles, podcasts, and resources for achieving financial independence. They cover topics such as investing, retirement planning, and living a frugal lifestyle.
Mr. Money Mustache: Mr. Money Mustache is a popular personal finance blog advocating for frugality, early retirement, and financial independence. The website offers articles, forums, and tools for optimizing spending, saving, and investing.
The Money Guy Show: The Money Guy Show is a podcast and website hosted by financial advisors Brian Preston and Bo Hanson. They offer practical advice, tips, and strategies for building wealth, investing wisely, and achieving financial success.
Know the Odds: Know the Odds is an initiative by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports aimed at raising awareness about problem gambling. Their website offers resources for understanding the risks of gambling, recognizing problem gambling behaviors, and accessing help.
The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG): The NCRG is a US-based organization dedicated to funding research on gambling disorders and promoting responsible gambling practices. Their website offers resources for understanding gambling addiction, including educational materials and research findings.
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC): The RGC is a Canadian non-profit organization focused on preventing problem gambling and promoting responsible gambling practices. Their website offers resources for individuals, families, and communities, including tools for assessing gambling behavior and seeking help.
The Money Guy Show: The Money Guy Show is a podcast and website hosted by financial advisors Brian Preston and Bo Hanson. They offer practical advice, insights, and strategies for building wealth, managing money, and achieving financial independence.
The Penny Hoarder: The Penny Hoarder is a personal finance website offering articles, tips, and resources for saving money, earning extra income, and achieving financial goals. They cover topics such as budgeting, investing, and side hustles.
The Simple Dollar: The Simple Dollar provides articles, guides, and tools for managing money, reducing debt, and building wealth. They offer practical advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and achieving financial stability.
WalletHub: WalletHub is a personal finance website offering tools and resources for managing credit, comparing financial products, and making informed financial decisions. They provide articles, calculators, and credit monitoring services.
Heroes in Recovery: Heroes in Recovery is a movement and website dedicated to sharing stories of addiction and recovery. They offer a platform for individuals to share their personal journeys of overcoming addiction and finding hope.
The Temper: The Temper is an online publication focused on sobriety, recovery, and mental health. They feature articles, essays, and personal stories of individuals navigating life without alcohol and other substances.
We’re All Addicts: We’re All Addicts is a website and community platform offering resources and support for individuals in recovery from addiction. They provide articles, forums, and recovery tools for staying sober and building a fulfilling life.
Movies:
“Owning Mahowny” (2003)
“The Gambler” (2014)
“Two for the Money” (2005)
“Croupier” (1998) – Directed by Mike Hodges, this British neo-noir film follows a struggling writer who takes a job as a croupier in a London casino. As he becomes entangled in the world of gambling, he grapples with moral dilemmas and personal integrity.
“Hard Eight” (1996) – Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this crime thriller follows a veteran gambler who takes a young man under his wing and teaches him the ropes of high-stakes gambling in Las Vegas. As their relationship develops, secrets from the past emerge.
“The Color of Money” (1986) – Directed by Martin Scorsese, this drama stars Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson, a former pool hustler who mentors a talented but cocky young player, played by Tom Cruise. Together, they navigate the world of high-stakes pool hustling.
“The Cooler” (2003) – Directed by Wayne Kramer, this romantic drama follows a professional “cooler” employed by a Las Vegas casino to jinx gamblers’ winning streaks. When he falls in love with a cocktail waitress, his luck begins to change.
“Two for the Money” (2005) – Directed by D.J. Caruso, this sports drama stars Matthew McConaughey as a former college football star who becomes a successful sports betting consultant. However, his ambitions and ego lead him down a dangerous path.
TV Shows:
“Breaking Vegas”
“High Stakes Poker”
“Tilt”
“Breaking Vegas” – This documentary series explores the true stories of individuals who attempted to beat the odds and cheat casinos out of millions. Each episode delves into a different scheme or method used by professional gamblers and cheats.
“High Stakes Poker” – This televised poker series features high-stakes cash games with some of the world’s best poker players. Viewers get an inside look at the intense competition and strategic gameplay involved in professional poker.
“Las Vegas” – This drama series follows the staff of the fictional Montecito Resort & Casino in Las Vegas as they deal with the challenges and excitement of working in a high-profile casino environment. The show explores the glamour, intrigue, and danger of the casino world.
“Lucky” – This dark comedy-drama series follows a professional poker player with a gambling addiction who is forced to confront his demons when he finds himself in debt to dangerous people. As he struggles to regain control of his life, he must navigate the treacherous world of underground poker.
“Tilt” – This drama series follows a group of professional poker players as they compete in high-stakes tournaments and navigate the cutthroat world of professional gambling. The show explores the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the personal sacrifices required to succeed in the poker world.
Podcasts:
“All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast”
“The After Gambling Podcast”
“The Betrayed, The Addicted, The Expert”
“After Gambling” – Hosted by Jamie Salsburg, this podcast explores the impact of gambling addiction on individuals and families, sharing personal stories of recovery and providing resources for overcoming addiction.
“The Betrayed, The Addicted, The Expert” – Hosted by Ashlynn Mitchell, Coby Mitchell, and Brannon Patrick, this podcast explores the dynamics of addiction, betrayal, and recovery in relationships affected by addiction. They share personal stories and offer guidance for healing and growth.
“The Gambling Rehab Podcast” – Hosted by Mike D, this podcast shares personal stories of gambling addiction and recovery, along with insights into the gambling industry and strategies for overcoming addiction.
“The Mental Game of Poker Podcast” – Hosted by Jared Tendler and Barry Carter, this podcast explores the psychological aspects of poker and offers strategies for improving mental performance and overcoming tilt and other mental challenges.
“The Raising the Stakes Podcast” – Hosted by Ryan Depaulo, this podcast covers a wide range of topics related to gambling, poker, and sports betting. Ryan shares personal stories, interviews industry experts, and offers insights into the world of gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA): Gamblers Anonymous follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, offering support groups for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. Members share their experiences, provide mutual support, and work through the steps toward recovery.
Gam-Anon: Gam-Anon is a fellowship of individuals affected by someone else’s gambling addiction. Similar to Al-Anon for families of alcoholics, Gam-Anon provides support groups and resources for family members and friends of problem gamblers.
Debtors Anonymous (DA): While not specifically focused on gambling addiction, Debtors Anonymous offers support groups for individuals struggling with compulsive spending, debting, and financial issues, which often overlap with gambling addiction.
Celebrate Recovery: Although originally a Christian-based program, Celebrate Recovery offers support groups for individuals struggling with various addictions, including gambling addiction. It follows a 12-step format and incorporates spiritual principles into the recovery process.
Smart Recovery: Smart Recovery is a science-based program that offers support groups and resources for individuals struggling with addiction to gambling and other substances. It utilizes cognitive-behavioral techniques and emphasizes self-empowerment and self-reliance.
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