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Teenage gambling addiction: my struggle at 14 years old

14-Year-Old Gambler Wagers Over $80,000 Online | Struggling with Addiction

By

Marco Rossi

Apr 16, 2025, 05:31 AM

Edited By

Sofia Petrova

2 minutes reading time

A poignant depiction of a teenager surrounded by casino imagery, representing his struggle with gambling addiction.

A 14-year-old has opened up about his alarming journey into online gambling, having wagered over $80,000 in just six months and losing all his savings multiple times. Despite being underage, the child has found it shockingly easy to access online casinos like Roobet and Stake. What does this mean for regulatory oversight?

Gambling addiction has long been a concern for young people, but this case highlights the glaring gap in protective measures for minors. The young gambler states, "I deposit money every day, and as a child, I find it really difficult to control myself." The ongoing battle with his addiction is compounded by the inability to fully grasp the value of money, a sentiment echoed by many concerned observers.

Interestingly, his experiences have sparked a series of controversial discussions online about the ethics of online gambling platforms that allow minors to play without verification. Users on various forums have raised serious questions about how he was able to access these sites, given the need for identification during cash-out processes.

Three main themes have emerged from the community's response:

  • Concern for Underage Gambling: Community members express alarm over kids gambling online without ID verification.

  • Incredulity Over High Wagers: Many find it hard to believe that a minor would have that much money to wager.

  • Addiction Awareness: There's a push for recognizing gambling addiction as a serious issue among youths.

"You have to be trolling, but then again are those legal casinos?"

A mix of skepticism and outrage flows through the comments, with some voicing doubts about the authenticity of the story while others express genuine concern for the individual involved.

Community Sentiment

  • Negative: Predominantly worrying about the risks for minors.

  • Skeptical: Doubting the validity of the claims.

  • Empathetic: Recognizing the mental health struggles tied to gambling dependency.

Current Status and Impact

The situation shines a light on a growing issue among young individuals navigating the complexities of online gambling. With potential legal reforms being advocated by concerned parents and activists, the socio-economic impact of gambling addiction is becoming increasingly clear.

Important Insights

  • โš ๏ธ Over $80,000 wagered without adult supervision raises serious questions.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Gamblers as young as 14 can bypass safeguards, exposing them to high risks.

  • ๐Ÿ’” "The fact you said youโ€™re a child indicates a lack of self-control."

This evolving issue has left many wondering: How can regulatory bodies effectively protect children from falling into the traps of online gambling? For more on this topic, check out CDC - Gambling Addiction and NCPG - Youth Gambling to learn more about finding help.