Mark, thanks so much for hosting me. Enjoyed speaking with you. To everyone who took the time to watch my story and comment, it means a lot! With mental health resources becoming more mainstream and accepted, I absolutely believe that discussions surrounding gambling are a necessary part of the mental health conversation. All the best, Saul
It really has become insidious. There is now _always_ talk of over/unders, point spreads etc and ten years ago you almost never heard these topics on major sports shows. Now sportscasters are talking about the bets _they_ placed on betting apps during the broadcasts. And they may not actually be placing said bets but are just contractually obligated to say they are to drive people to the apps. I imagine the personal wreckage will increase at the same time. It’s kind of disheartening. I don’t listen to sports talk radio to hear the money line but now I gotta sit thru thinly veiled ads for sports books.
As a consistently winning Sports bettor, gambling has ruined my life as well. I've made hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit, but I still can't enjoy anything. Despite winning, gambling has absolutely destroyed my dopamine receptors.
@@1250GSX Pro gambler lol. A comment like that is so misleading and I don't believe it. Gambling addiction is the worst of worst, destroys you and everything around you, faster than any drug addiction. The Quran Surah 5: 90 also warns you about it. 1400 years ago :)
I’ve got so much respect for him. Instead of dying silently with his mistakes, he’s deciding to guide others away from them and doing something positive for the community. That’s what it’s all about.
Gambling addiction is the worst. It consumes you fully and no matter how much you win gamblers always give it back. We are truly addicted to the action and thrill. Stay strong gamblers if you are trying to stay away from this horrible addiction. One day at a time... much love
This intelligent young man has whole life ahead of him that I am so glad he realized his problem early, otherwise he may have ended up self-destroyed. Wish him the very best!
You can be aware and still have a problem I use to be a terrible addict now I’m not as bad but I still have a problem I save 20/30 thousand and I’ll blow it all in one night
“I can’t escape my mind unless I just die” was the perfect explanation for what having a gambling addiction is like. It’s a constant warfare on your mind between wanting your life to be better and dealing with destruction.
Saul was OUTSTANDING in detailing how this works. Gambling has infected sports. Advertising for gambling sites is insidious. The addiction destroys lives, just like with any other kind of addiction, but because it does not involve substances, it is not taken quite as seriously. Best wishes, Saul. You've come a long way. Keep telling your story. You will help others.
Im in therapy for gambling addiction. Im glad he got sober so young. Im 55 and i have nothing. My credit is ruined, i have no retirement... but i am out of debt.
Wow. Saul has so much self awareness, and I give him kudos for recognizing the mistakes he made because of his beliefs or how he was pulled in at the time. He is wise beyond his years, and I applaud him for not giving in to peer pressure. It's very difficult these days but admirable that he's been able to do it. I wish you the best, Saul. God bless.
This guy is a hero. Even though the brother accomplished more academically this testimony alone has probably saved hundreds if not thousands of lives. And the way he tells it with such emotion and conviction is truly a gift from God
So well said. I also struggle with mental addiction and what really helped me was getting a life coach who has shown me the light at the end of the tunnel and provided me with the positive reinforcement that I needed. All the best to you Saul, keep pushing forward, thank you for this talk, it helped me a lot. You got this.
Gambling is a devastating addiction and often invisible until it's too late. My friend was always very generous with money to her friends and always seemed to have cash. We knew she liked to spend time at the casino but it seemed like she always won. It was only after she died that we all discovered the double life she had led, the multiple mortgages on her home (that her partner who shared that home with her never knew about) she'd taken out, all the secret casino trips, and then being accused of embezzling money from her place of employment. I thank this man for telling his story. I hope that it can save someone before it's too late.
I am so sorry. There must be some Gamblers Anonymous groups near you. Maybe try to find one. You need someone to talk to. And good luck! @@DuyPham-nz7oe
Another fab interview Mark! Saul has so much going for him and it’s wonderful he’s figured things out being his age. I know a few men in their 50’s who,sadly, will never figure things out. Wishing Saul all the best!😁💫🙌🏻🙏
This is a great interview! Being unable to stop gambling is baffling to most people, including the gambler. Raising awareness of this addiction is extremely important.
Gambling has moved into mainstream society and is now available on your phone! You can sometimes win, or often lose hundreds even thousands in five minutes. Gambling becomes an addiction that leaves people homeless and suicidal.
I’ve lost about 70k in the last 2 years gambling. Trying to get a hold of my shit and realize I’m not winning anything back. It’s the worst addiction I’ve ever been through. Clean from booze for 3 years. Wish me luck!
I feel u man I think gamblings harder to quit then drugs alcohol or *orn . I’m down 45k in 2 years playing online poker n I only make around 30k a year from my job. I got beginners luck curse won first tournament ever played without knowing what a full house was and it’s been downhill ever since. Funny tho because I quit for 2 months longest ever.. I come back and turn 5.50 into 1300 in 6 hours.. and have lost like 18k more since 😂 I swear to the heavens it was easier to lose 115lbs then to quit gambling. We’ll make it tho buddy god bless ya
Yep. I've been off booze and drugs for over 16 months, yet I've gambled away about $600 this year. I can see where this is going, so I'm going to stop.
Saul, thanks for sharing! I did a bit of research regarding this addiction, and it’s true, more needs to be done to support people. There are a few programs in the UK, but we still don’t understand the symptoms enough to treat people successfully. There’s never anyone better to support others than those who have been through it themselves. Good luck with your studies, you’ll be awesome! Thanks for a really interesting interview 👍🏻
Do mindful…always be grateful for what you have…help others if you can…I’ve been alcoholic for 30 years, short-time drug user, gambler for 30 years…I was going to be homeless…but I start practicing mindfulness…and take good care of myself…I quit drinking, gambling and using drug for over 15 months…I now live in $2800/apartment…I am going back to college to pursue in Mechanical Engineering/Math Degrees….Life is beautiful without alcohol and drugs, gambling…God bless you and others…
Raw. Thanks for being raw Saul. It's not easy to open up. An open heart has the power to break through the prisons we build in our chest. Our society has an epidemic of feeling, expressing, and connecting with our fellow man. That genuine human connection creates an energy and magic that lets you know its real. Keep pushing brother. se-lä-vē.
So I've never watched anyone that had a gambling video because I started watching Mark every day for the past few weeks. I made a comment early on so I dk what happened to it but anyway this is interesting. Saul impressed me so much. So well spoken and very smart. I wish him nothing but the best. Another great interview Mark. Honestly one of my favorites so far.
I'm so glad that I don't have addictive issues. I just came back from Las Vegas with a group of friends...but, I'm more into the shows, restaurants & shopping. I work too hard for my money to lose it like that. I'm too cheap...thank goodness. Thank you for sharing this video with us. 👍🇨🇦😊 A cab driver in Vegas told me why alot of hotels in Vegas don't have balconies...because alot of people jumped to their death before. 😳 That makes alot of sense. People losing the shirts off their backs. Yikes! 😮😕
Self esteem plays a big part in addiction because people with low self esteem want to feel better about themselves and gambling, alcohol, drugs etc. can give them that instant fix. I wish everyone peace, love and joy.
Sports gambling addict here. I bet 40k last year profit $40 no lie that’s with the intro promos. This year down 2k and facing addiction. I haven’t gambled in 3 weeks and hope to continue, this is a real problem. Thank you Mark
It seems like Saul has a good grip on his addiction. What a nice guy he seems to be! I think he’ll have great success over his lifetime having learned how to fight this battle early. I really appreciated his compassion for older addicts w few to no resources. Loved his line ‘there’s a tennis match on, no one’s home’. It sounds so innocent but paints the picture very well into his mindset. He’s very inspiring and I believe will make a great counselor. The addictive gene…. its a mind f. ☮️
love gambling stories and hearing what people go thru. it doesn't get covered enough. been gambling since 16. i bet table tennis during covid just to have action. i was betting small but it was just having the bet down that made me happy. it is good to hear myself in others.
In my 50's and gamble a lot, enough to make an outside observer sick. For me, been doing it since around 10 years old. Started with creating games using baseball cards and throwing pennies from across the room into a small helmet winner taking all the pennies that missed. I feel there is something some people are born with, and I just go with. I also have found work that is high risk and I immerse myself in it and at times it satiates my gambling instincts. It is just who I am, and I accept it. Through decades of experience, I have figured out ways to mitigate myself, so I'm never broke, nevertheless like most/all gamblers it is a net loss.
@@Maria_Cap Nothing said about destroying a family, that was your addition. At least in my case, nuclear family intact, and doing well. One kid left to launch, older ones launched and moving up in their fields.
Man this sounds like my life, age 10 putting on carnival type games in my house for the neighbor kids similar to yours throwing dimes to win Glasses if you made it, to throwing dice at the bus stop to win lunch money, this evolved to playing keno and pickle cards at age 18 which evolved into hitting the casinos at 21 and then into the big kahuna of sports gambling which today at my age of 45 i still do, my only savior in my life is that i'm able to keep a great job at a high level which has supported this crazy habit all these years. I've cut back alot but I can tell you back in the day I was wagering 110 on EVERY single college football game on the board on any given Saturday betting on the outcome of the spread and the over/under of EVERY single game. If anyone wishes to do the math, that is ALOT of cash to be wagering on a weekend.
Saul- keep up the great work on yourself, and you are definitely going to have an exceptionally bright future. No doubt. You have wisdom way, way, way beyond your years.
I was a casual gambler all my life, but in 2022 I went down a deep hole for about 12mths gambling online. It's a terrible addiction, the sleepless nights constant lying. Waking up the day after getting paid with 50 bucks in your account for the week. The biggest down for me was winning big, 5 - 6k sometimes more and within a few hours gambling it all away the same night, then sitting up all night in disbelief and facing the reality of all the excuses you have to give of why you can't pay rent that week or knowing you have bills due you can't pay. Thank God I stopped when I did or don't know where I would be now.
Articulate and good hearted guy,I would certainly say there is an aspect of ADHD/ADD which it itself can fuel anxiety and pressures in life ,as a recently diagnosed ADHD adult and a problem gambler,the instant gratification and the dopamine hit you get from the journey and the procrastinating in my head complete validates the end result ,just they feeling while you are gambling is better then the win itself in my eyes,don't get me wrong it hurts to lose ,but it doesn't actually feel all that great to win with me ,it just reassures me that I have enough money to continue the process .it's dangerous and difficult to explain to people but I can see a massive correlation in ADHD and gambling .I'm early days in to talks to start my medication so I hope I can reflect back and be like this gentleman .
Super likable guy wish him all the success going forward, Truly brave to lay it all out there but that is most definitely a step in the right recovery direction
Here in the UK, gambling is a serious problem for young men. The companies will ban or stop gamblers that win big ( as usual). I know so many guys who lose a large percentage of their wages to gambling. They end up betting on random clubs from the Peruvian premiership etc and completely unknown horses. However much the government is pretending that they’re acting on gambling issues, it’s absolutely not making a difference..
Damn that's crazy bro, here in Perú it's becoming a real problem, it's a corrupt mess the gambling houses are getting deals with the government so they pay less taxes etc, and here we bet on the English premiership, small world
I e been searching for someone to relate to. And this guy has opened my heart and eyes. Definitely a problem that doesn’t get talked about as much as others Andy one reading this stay strong. GODS kingdom is waiting for all of us.
Mark definitely seemed more engaging than he normally is in these. I think talking with someone who’s from his social bracket helped him feel more comfortable.
This guy is likable, a good speaker and storyteller, very intelligent at 25, and kinda funny off the cuff. He might do well as a comedian or entertainer.
I can't tolerate a gambler just as much as I can't tolerate anyone who will misuse other people's trust. But this man helped me see hope in people who are stuck in this disease and reason on its behalf by justifying the absence of drugs.
what is significant help factor for this man is his loving family, environment and friends who are supportive of him. As he mentioned for someone on skidrow, most prolly with godawful childhood, no friends/family, toxic/horrible environment, it will prolly only be divine intervention for them to get out, and in most cases it'll be sickness or death
@@JTD472 gamblers are a lot like drug addicts, they'll lie cheat and steal without a second thought to get their fix. I worked in a casino for a few years and I'd see people leave their families and bury themselves in debt just to chase the rush of the big win.
Great interview! I hope he pursues his love for sports commentary. He definitely has the "camera presence," and an easy conversational style, that viewers will love. It’s a way for him to apply his deep knowledge of the inner-workings of those games, and enhance the fan experience--something that a lot of existing talent does not always have. And he has a great head of hair. Go get it, Saul!
Thank you sir! I don’t know how I omitted this from the interview (think I wanted to be mindful of time) but I did broadcast at Trinity and really enjoyed it. Never too late to get back into it! Also, glad the hair looked alright… I was debating getting a haircut before this was filmed. Lol
This story hit home with me. I remember being a kid always wanting to have my parents buy me scratch offs. I never have been crazy when betting in casinos because you actually feel the money leave your hand but betting online or on apps is so different. Losing a few hundred dollars in Vegas totally turned me off for years, but sports betting and fantasy football betting is addictive. I won $100k on a $7 fantasy football bet this year on Fanduel and I am so glad i didnt blow it away by tripling down and gambling it all away. The high i got from that win was insane and i can absolutely see how someone can completely go off the deep-end when getting a win like that and how it can totally make someone spiral into a full blown gambling addict.
I wish he saw more of a correlation with drug addiction and gambling addiction. With drugs, there are rituals and planning that a person gets used to as well. Also I would say gambling isn’t all mental- the physical for the drug addict is the drug, the physical for the gambler is the money and the machine, the bright lights, social aspect. Addiction is addiction, rich, poor, educated, old, young. It’s all the same, just different stuff for different people. Really great interview ❤️ congratulations on 3 years & 10 months free from gambling 😊
This addiction is one of the most baffling. I've lost close to 2 million dollars and I'm only 32 years old. I've lost around $27,000 just in the last 3 days alone. It is sickening. It's brought me to the brink of death. I hope anyone dealing with this addiction find the strength to beat it.
At least you have to go to a store and buy them. With modern gambling addiction you have your supplier with you at all times (your phone) Stuff should be illegal. Destructive for society
My mom hit rock bottom losing her apartment after gambling away the rent. She has her own place now and still gambles regularly but always makes sure her bills are paid first. She's a changed woman I think 😂.
Thank you your story gave me a lot of perspective that I did not have on this situation and people going through it. It would be nice to also see family members of addicted gamblers share their experience and how they coped and dealt with dealing with a close family member with this illness.
The thing he says about winning being the gateway is so true; when i was around 18 i was working a shitty job and was basically broke one Saturday morning so i went to the bookies and did an accumulator bet with my last €1.40. somehow predicted that man utd would draw 2-2 with sunderland 33-1 with another draw and a win for my own team Nottingham forest i ended up winning 440 euros from a euro basically. Safe to say i never repeated such an improbable bet. Never had major problems but definitely through way a few thousand over the next decade or so. In ireland gambling is a major problem. Even quite small towns will often have 2 or 3 bookies and of course horse racing is huge. Glad i dont have any interest anymore, in the end , easy money is bad money and leads to other terrible life choices. Then when you realise so much racing is fixed you see that you were a fool for thinking you could "beat the bookies". Very, very few do.
Saul, I could write a long comment about how my life parralels yours, but I'll keep it short. I always wanted to be a sports broadcaster. Always. It's not going to happen for me, partially because I'm a bit older than you, but mostly because I don't have the voice for it. But YOU DO. Man, I would encourage you as strongly as a random stranger on the internet can encourage another to follow that passion. *If you don't, you may find yourself forever looking for your passion, and trying to fill a void* Good luck. Follow your dream my man edit- You're a born speaker. If not sports broadcasting, I think your voice and your words will be where you make your living.
I’m a 22 year old who can relate to this same exact thing I’ve been gambling since the day I turned 18 I want to know the first time I went and only had $10 in my pocket and put it on number 27 roulette hit 27. From there I continue to go to the casino almost every weekend gambling my whole paycheck. It all started as kid with being competitive and wanting to win I would bet on anything or play any game that was like legal gambling, like that stacker game I always made it to the grand prize and lost I never took the small prize. I do the same thing at the casino win 1500 and gamble it all on one spin. I have lost over 40 grand in the last 3 years (Covid had the casino shut down for a year and sports betting is not legal in my state) between championship games prize fights and the roulette table
I always coped with it by saying I’m not in college and most kids my age are so it was okay to blow the money I’m making cause everyone else was racking up debt or just broke college kids and I don’t drink or go out so it was my way of having some sort of fun I was missing out on by being a college kid
Check out a gamblers anonymous meeting, you'll more than likely find some guys in the boat your in , same age ,etc. ...... .......................aware of what the problem is , and doing something about it ...!!!!....... , give it a try , if its not for you , no problem ..,JUST TRY IT !!!!........................................ Erik
Gambling is the fastest growing addiction with the highest suicide rate. More preventative education needs to be provided. Thank you for speaking out and sharing your story. ODAAT❤
This is intriguing to me because I’ve been sports betting for years and I just keep myself accountable. Every kind of addiction runs in my family including gambling but I set my limit every week and I don’t go over it. I do a little extra on the super bowl but even then it’s $20 max. When me and my partner go to a casino we have a set amount before we walk in (usually $20) and we hold ourselves to it - he has a family history of gambling as well so it’s a with caution thing. I’ve dealt with enough addiction (and am open with friends and family for accountability) to know when things are going sideways. I’m definitely one of those moderation people - cold turkey puts me in like desperation mode
ADHD. 100% Everything he says tracks with the condition. It's dopamine seeking behaviour. The risk/reward - the grandparent with the same thing - this is why we need more coverage of this type of this, lives could be saved.
As someone with ADHD raising a child with ADHD I instantly recognized it. Especially when they talked about the grandfather and genetics. Generations of undiagnosed ADHD.
@@karole7345 I understand your point, the environment has to come first, but also if we don't look after, and diagnose correctly, the folk who could massively benefit from the correct help, are we not continuing to fail each other, just as much as the planet?
Mark, thanks so much for hosting me. Enjoyed speaking with you. To everyone who took the time to watch my story and comment, it means a lot! With mental health resources becoming more mainstream and accepted, I absolutely believe that discussions surrounding gambling are a necessary part of the mental health conversation. All the best,
Saul
Thank you Saul for sharing your story with us. Best wishes on your future.
Come to Sydney and I'll take you to the Star casino bud
We'll do some meth and play slots at $10 a hit!
Very heroic interview, Saul - God bless you and your recovery ✝️
Hi Saul, thank you very much for sharing your story with us. ❤
Thanks for being courageous enough to share this story.
“The stopping part is easier than *staying* stopped”
fckin FACTS man
More gambling addiction related content please! It's exploded in popularity and acceptance, so the collateral damage of that needs to be addressed.
It really has become insidious. There is now _always_ talk of over/unders, point spreads etc and ten years ago you almost never heard these topics on major sports shows. Now sportscasters are talking about the bets _they_ placed on betting apps during the broadcasts. And they may not actually be placing said bets but are just contractually obligated to say they are to drive people to the apps. I imagine the personal wreckage will increase at the same time. It’s kind of disheartening. I don’t listen to sports talk radio to hear the money line but now I gotta sit thru thinly veiled ads for sports books.
As a consistently winning Sports bettor, gambling has ruined my life as well. I've made hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit, but I still can't enjoy anything. Despite winning, gambling has absolutely destroyed my dopamine receptors.
100% agree!!
@@anythinggoes5574 That's surprising. My father has been a pro-gambler for decades and he seems pretty normal. Loves a good show or a meal.
@@1250GSX Pro gambler lol. A comment like that is so misleading and I don't believe it. Gambling addiction is the worst of worst, destroys you and everything around you, faster than any drug addiction. The Quran Surah 5: 90 also warns you about it. 1400 years ago :)
I’ve got so much respect for him. Instead of dying silently with his mistakes, he’s deciding to guide others away from them and doing something positive for the community. That’s what it’s all about.
This is spoiled punk that u respect?? Wow. Like to see who u have no respect for??
Jeez😮
It is so beneficial for the guests on this channel to just talk out their lives
No doubt it can be cathartic.
Sometimes you can figure a lot of stuff out by just talking it out and it might not have come to you if you didn’t say it out loud
Gambling addiction is the worst. It consumes you fully and no matter how much you win gamblers always give it back. We are truly addicted to the action and thrill. Stay strong gamblers if you are trying to stay away from this horrible addiction. One day at a time... much love
It's the action and thrill! Yes! The "Bonuses" were always my favorite and that explains it all. One day at a time.
You can just tell that this is a kind, kind person. Wishing him all the best in life!
Saul is the sweetest!!!
Thanks Fongus!! Good to see you here lol. Fruit Fly thank you for your awesome comment
This intelligent young man has whole life ahead of him that I am so glad he realized his problem early, otherwise he may have ended up self-destroyed. Wish him the very best!
u spelt stupid wrong!
@@baublesanddolls Not to mention it's "You." E-bike is a troll who might (only might) benefit from a dictionary.
You can be aware and still have a problem I use to be a terrible addict now I’m not as bad but I still have a problem I save 20/30 thousand and I’ll blow it all in one night
@@matthewkrotts5058 I agree, but please seek help. God bless.
“I can’t escape my mind unless I just die” was the perfect explanation for what having a gambling addiction is like. It’s a constant warfare on your mind between wanting your life to be better and dealing with destruction.
This!!! Man, it is constant warfare. You explained it perfectly.
Man oh man. This is my life.
This is absolutely correct 100%
As someone who has had a gambling addiction (over 5 years clean now!) It's so important to speak out about the harms of gambling.
How do you overcome it?
Saul was OUTSTANDING in detailing how this works. Gambling has infected sports. Advertising for gambling sites is insidious. The addiction destroys lives, just like with any other kind of addiction, but because it does not involve substances, it is not taken quite as seriously. Best wishes, Saul. You've come a long way. Keep telling your story. You will help others.
I have the honor of calling this guy a friend!
Yes sir!! Nice running into you in the comments
Let me get a couple good picks. ( im also a degenerate).
@Clay Evins stop ✋️ bro. Degenerates always lose in the end, family or $$ will all go away if it gets bad enough
He sounds like a great guy.
This was a solid interview; this guy is really self-aware, intelligent and well spoken.
Parker- thanks so much for the comment. Do I have your permission to attach it to my webpage as a testimonial? Have a great afternoon
@@SaulMalekSpeaking Not a problem, use it as you like.
Im in therapy for gambling addiction. Im glad he got sober so young. Im 55 and i have nothing. My credit is ruined, i have no retirement... but i am out of debt.
nice katie you should find out about trading options and lose the rest of what u have in less than 5 minutes
@@joen3843 wtf?
@@joen3843😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@joen3843 sounds like you’ve been there.
Credit fixable
Damn this guy is beyond likable and open. Happy he’s in active recovery. Great watch.
I would be willing to bet that this young man will get his life together.
I'll take that action
Pun intended 😂
@@sumtxflygrl1 🤣🤣 absolutely
2 to 1 says he gambles again...
Good one 😂
Wow. Saul has so much self awareness, and I give him kudos for recognizing the mistakes he made because of his beliefs or how he was pulled in at the time. He is wise beyond his years, and I applaud him for not giving in to peer pressure. It's very difficult these days but admirable that he's been able to do it. I wish you the best, Saul. God bless.
Great point I suffer from this exactly how you wrote it
Met Saul when we both attended SMU. Such a kind dude. Wishin him the best!
Basil… good to see you on here man!! Thank you so much for your kind message
where is SMU
He explains the mindset of a gambler very well
Well spoken young man. He will surely help a lot of people in the future.
This guy is a hero. Even though the brother accomplished more academically this testimony alone has probably saved hundreds if not thousands of lives. And the way he tells it with such emotion and conviction is truly a gift from God
Need more gambling stories. Great channel. Keep up the great work.
So well said. I also struggle with mental addiction and what really helped me was getting a life coach who has shown me the light at the end of the tunnel and provided me with the positive reinforcement that I needed. All the best to you Saul, keep pushing forward, thank you for this talk, it helped me a lot. You got this.
A wonderful young man that every parent would want as a son. Thank you for this excellent interview.
Gambling is a devastating addiction and often invisible until it's too late. My friend was always very generous with money to her friends and always seemed to have cash. We knew she liked to spend time at the casino but it seemed like she always won. It was only after she died that we all discovered the double life she had led, the multiple mortgages on her home (that her partner who shared that home with her never knew about) she'd taken out, all the secret casino trips, and then being accused of embezzling money from her place of employment. I thank this man for telling his story. I hope that it can save someone before it's too late.
I agree with you , I am gambling addiction,, I didn’t stop until too late now , become older and nothing ,just want to die sometimes 🥲
I am so sorry. There must be some Gamblers Anonymous groups near you. Maybe try to find one. You need someone to talk to. And good luck! @@DuyPham-nz7oe
Love how honest he is. You can tell he cares and he’s willing to be completely vulnerable to help.
Saul, thanks for sharing your journey. I'm glad you're in recovery. I pray those struggling take something from this and use it. Keep the faith.
Another fab interview Mark! Saul has so much going for him and it’s wonderful he’s figured things out being his age. I know a few men in their 50’s who,sadly, will never figure things out. Wishing Saul all the best!😁💫🙌🏻🙏
This is a great interview! Being unable to stop gambling is baffling to most people, including the gambler. Raising awareness of this addiction is extremely important.
Very impressed with this interview. He is in my neck of the woods, so very relatable. Thank you Mark
Gambling has moved into mainstream society and is now available on your phone! You can sometimes win, or often lose hundreds even thousands in five minutes. Gambling becomes an addiction that leaves people homeless and suicidal.
Great interview, thanks saul, youve had a tough journey and your honesty and integrity shines through
This guy’s awesome. Love his message of recovery and acknowledgment of the powerlessness component. You rock dude, keep going
Saul, I enjoyed your interview.
God bless you, all the best.
You are such an inspiring and well spoken young man.
I’ve lost about 70k in the last 2 years gambling. Trying to get a hold of my shit and realize I’m not winning anything back. It’s the worst addiction I’ve ever been through. Clean from booze for 3 years. Wish me luck!
I feel u man I think gamblings harder to quit then drugs alcohol or *orn . I’m down 45k in 2 years playing online poker n I only make around 30k a year from my job. I got beginners luck curse won first tournament ever played without knowing what a full house was and it’s been downhill ever since. Funny tho because I quit for 2 months longest ever.. I come back and turn 5.50 into 1300 in 6 hours.. and have lost like 18k more since 😂
I swear to the heavens it was easier to lose 115lbs then to quit gambling.
We’ll make it tho buddy god bless ya
I'm 2 years clean cold turkey. I was a huge gambler poker and sports betting for over 20 years.
If I can overcome it so can anyone.
Good luck, brother
Yep. I've been off booze and drugs for over 16 months, yet I've gambled away about $600 this year. I can see where this is going, so I'm going to stop.
You sound like me. I wish you all the luck in staying on track. ☮️💜
What a likable human. So much self awareness
This guy sounds like he’s made peace with his addiction and is actively making progress.
Saul, thanks for sharing! I did a bit of research regarding this addiction, and it’s true, more needs to be done to support people. There are a few programs in the UK, but we still don’t understand the symptoms enough to treat people successfully. There’s never anyone better to support others than those who have been through it themselves. Good luck with your studies, you’ll be awesome! Thanks for a really interesting interview 👍🏻
Do mindful…always be grateful for what you have…help others if you can…I’ve been alcoholic for 30 years, short-time drug user, gambler for 30 years…I was going to be homeless…but I start practicing mindfulness…and take good care of myself…I quit drinking, gambling and using drug for over 15 months…I now live in $2800/apartment…I am going back to college to pursue in Mechanical Engineering/Math Degrees….Life is beautiful without alcohol and drugs, gambling…God bless you and others…
He has so much potential! Keep your goals Saul! You got this! 🙏
Also just want to add take that exact hunger for winning and turn it into hunger for achievement! You’re going to SOAR if you can harness this! ❤️❤️❤️
Raw. Thanks for being raw Saul. It's not easy to open up.
An open heart has the power to break through the prisons we build in our chest.
Our society has an epidemic of feeling, expressing, and connecting with our fellow man.
That genuine human connection creates an energy and magic that lets you know its real.
Keep pushing brother. se-lä-vē.
Paper or plastic, cause this game is in the bag. That’s actually super catchy
no its not
@@thedroopywanderer7016yes it is
So I've never watched anyone that had a gambling video because I started watching Mark every day for the past few weeks. I made a comment early on so I dk what happened to it but anyway this is interesting. Saul impressed me so much. So well spoken and very smart. I wish him nothing but the best. Another great interview Mark. Honestly one of my favorites so far.
Rachel, I really appreciate your heartfelt and kind message. Would I be able to use it on my webpage as a testimonial? Thanks and have a great day!
@@SaulMalekSpeaking 💯% yes!!!🤗
One of the better interviews I've seen, though I admit I haven't been watching most of the recent ones. Good stuff, Thank you Saul and Mark!
I'm so glad that I don't have addictive issues. I just came back from Las Vegas with a group of friends...but, I'm more into the shows, restaurants & shopping. I work too hard for my money to lose it like that. I'm too cheap...thank goodness. Thank you for sharing this video with us. 👍🇨🇦😊 A cab driver in Vegas told me why alot of hotels in Vegas don't have balconies...because alot of people jumped to their death before. 😳 That makes alot of sense. People losing the shirts off their backs. Yikes! 😮😕
Self esteem plays a big part in addiction because people with low self esteem want to feel better about themselves and gambling, alcohol, drugs etc. can give them that instant fix. I wish everyone peace, love and joy.
Sports gambling addict here. I bet 40k last year profit $40 no lie that’s with the intro promos. This year down 2k and facing addiction. I haven’t gambled in 3 weeks and hope to continue, this is a real problem. Thank you Mark
I promise it’s not worth it. Best way to stop is forget about the money you lost that can be earned back
It seems like Saul has a good grip on his addiction. What a nice guy he seems to be! I think he’ll have great success over his lifetime having learned how to fight this battle early. I really appreciated his compassion for older addicts w few to no resources. Loved his line ‘there’s a tennis match on, no one’s home’. It sounds so innocent but paints the picture very well into his mindset. He’s very inspiring and I believe will make a great counselor. The addictive gene…. its a mind f. ☮️
He seems like a genuinely good guy
love gambling stories and hearing what people go thru. it doesn't get covered enough. been gambling since 16. i bet table tennis during covid just to have action. i was betting small but it was just having the bet down that made me happy. it is good to hear myself in others.
In my 50's and gamble a lot, enough to make an outside observer sick. For me, been doing it since around 10 years old. Started with creating games using baseball cards and throwing pennies from across the room into a small helmet winner taking all the pennies that missed. I feel there is something some people are born with, and I just go with. I also have found work that is high risk and I immerse myself in it and at times it satiates my gambling instincts. It is just who I am, and I accept it. Through decades of experience, I have figured out ways to mitigate myself, so I'm never broke, nevertheless like most/all gamblers it is a net loss.
What's been your biggest win?
@@markn8535 Not too big...I hit 24k on a craps game a few years back.
Like you said- enough to make an outsider sick and destroy a family
@@Maria_Cap Nothing said about destroying a family, that was your addition. At least in my case, nuclear family intact, and doing well. One kid left to launch, older ones launched and moving up in their fields.
Man this sounds like my life, age 10 putting on carnival type games in my house for the neighbor kids similar to yours throwing dimes to win Glasses if you made it, to throwing dice at the bus stop to win lunch money, this evolved to playing keno and pickle cards at age 18 which evolved into hitting the casinos at 21 and then into the big kahuna of sports gambling which today at my age of 45 i still do, my only savior in my life is that i'm able to keep a great job at a high level which has supported this crazy habit all these years. I've cut back alot but I can tell you back in the day I was wagering 110 on EVERY single college football game on the board on any given Saturday betting on the outcome of the spread and the over/under of EVERY single game. If anyone wishes to do the math, that is ALOT of cash to be wagering on a weekend.
Saul- keep up the great work on yourself, and you are definitely going to have an exceptionally bright future. No doubt. You have wisdom way, way, way beyond your years.
Great interview, Mark. It's really cool how you've branched out with your guests.
What a smart young young man... I hope he succeeds!
u spelt stupid wrong!
@@e-bikeautonomy you’re showing an immense amount of stupidity by commenting before listening to the entire interview.
@@e-bikeautonomy go get a real bicycle. Actually pedaling a bike is good exercise for the mind.
@@ddz1375 Looks like he could use a dictionary as well...
If u think this punk is smart?
Ur i.q.? Ouch
I was a casual gambler all my life, but in 2022 I went down a deep hole for about 12mths gambling online. It's a terrible addiction, the sleepless nights constant lying. Waking up the day after getting paid with 50 bucks in your account for the week. The biggest down for me was winning big, 5 - 6k sometimes more and within a few hours gambling it all away the same night, then sitting up all night in disbelief and facing the reality of all the excuses you have to give of why you can't pay rent that week or knowing you have bills due you can't pay. Thank God I stopped when I did or don't know where I would be now.
Being an addict does not make you an idiot. It is truly a disease and its important to recognize and understand that. It's a disease of the brain.
“Stopping is easier than staying stopped”. God, does that ring true
Relapse Prevention - major issue in/type of treatment.
Articulate and good hearted guy,I would certainly say there is an aspect of ADHD/ADD which it itself can fuel anxiety and pressures in life ,as a recently diagnosed ADHD adult and a problem gambler,the instant gratification and the dopamine hit you get from the journey and the procrastinating in my head complete validates the end result ,just they feeling while you are gambling is better then the win itself in my eyes,don't get me wrong it hurts to lose ,but it doesn't actually feel all that great to win with me ,it just reassures me that I have enough money to continue the process .it's dangerous and difficult to explain to people but I can see a massive correlation in ADHD and gambling .I'm early days in to talks to start my medication so I hope I can reflect back and be like this gentleman .
This. And when I was taking my ADHD meds it was worse
Thank you for your story man! You are so young and smart the sky is the limit
Thanks, Jesse. Very kind of you to say
Comes across as a really, really nice guy.
I could've listened to him for twice as long, great interview and great guest
This was a GREAT interview. So articulate.
I am this guy.
Thanks for the vulnerability Saul, means a lot.
Super likable guy wish him all the success going forward, Truly brave to lay it all out there but that is most definitely a step in the right recovery direction
Gambling addiction is a strange thing. Even now watching this video I feel this pull in my stomach... very creepy. Quiting smoking was easier...
WAY easier!
The thing that’s so sinister about gambling addiction is you’re literally betting against math. And math won’t lose in the long run.
Here in the UK, gambling is a serious problem for young men. The companies will ban or stop gamblers that win big ( as usual). I know so many guys who lose a large percentage of their wages to gambling. They end up betting on random clubs from the Peruvian premiership etc and completely unknown horses.
However much the government is pretending that they’re acting on gambling issues, it’s absolutely not making a difference..
Damn that's crazy bro, here in Perú it's becoming a real problem, it's a corrupt mess the gambling houses are getting deals with the government so they pay less taxes etc, and here we bet on the English premiership, small world
Informative, thank you!
you know, you have a great voice, great delivery, good looks. Dont give up on being an announcer!
I e been searching for someone to relate to. And this guy has opened my heart and eyes. Definitely a problem that doesn’t get talked about as much as others Andy one reading this stay strong. GODS kingdom is waiting for all of us.
Thank you for being honest good luck
Seems like a really nice genuine guy. Good luck buddy.🙏🤞👊
Mark definitely seemed more engaging than he normally is in these. I think talking with someone who’s from his social bracket helped him feel more comfortable.
The dude who runs this channel is not 25. He is at least in his 40s by his voice id guess and no younger than 35.
Amazing interview. Very well said, enjoy this young man.
Very well spoken. Wish him the best!
he is great at describing his feeling at those moments
This guy is likable, a good speaker and storyteller, very intelligent at 25, and kinda funny off the cuff. He might do well as a comedian or entertainer.
Can hear him jonesing as soon as he starts talking about gambling. probably the most destructive addiction. I feel for him
Great video! Thanks Saul and God bless.
I can't tolerate a gambler just as much as I can't tolerate anyone who will misuse other people's trust. But this man helped me see hope in people who are stuck in this disease and reason on its behalf by justifying the absence of drugs.
what is significant help factor for this man is his loving family, environment and friends who are supportive of him. As he mentioned for someone on skidrow, most prolly with godawful childhood, no friends/family, toxic/horrible environment, it will prolly only be divine intervention for them to get out, and in most cases it'll be sickness or death
You can’t tolerate a gambler? What?
@@JTD472 gamblers are a lot like drug addicts, they'll lie cheat and steal without a second thought to get their fix. I worked in a casino for a few years and I'd see people leave their families and bury themselves in debt just to chase the rush of the big win.
@@espoire_ reminds me of adam sandler’s character in uncut gems
Not this interviewee but the experience you described seeing
He reminds me of the kids I went to high school with, very smart but with a very addictive personality
Love the gambling interviews. This is an intense lifestyle.
Saul.....Kudos to you for your transparency and your diligence to do better! I see a book OR motivational speaking engagements ahead for you.
Thank you, I really hope so!! Trying to get myself into the speaking circuit… I will keep at it 🙏🏻
Great interview! I hope he pursues his love for sports commentary. He definitely has the "camera presence," and an easy conversational style, that viewers will love.
It’s a way for him to apply his deep knowledge of the inner-workings of those games, and enhance the fan experience--something that a lot of existing talent does not always have.
And he has a great head of hair.
Go get it, Saul!
Thank you sir! I don’t know how I omitted this from the interview (think I wanted to be mindful of time) but I did broadcast at Trinity and really enjoyed it. Never too late to get back into it! Also, glad the hair looked alright… I was debating getting a haircut before this was filmed. Lol
I don’t know what it’s like to gamble and lose thousands of dollars, but an addiction is an addiction and I wish him the best🌸
go smoke crack you will find out!
U broke girl
@@karole7345 No, U broke boy?
Very insightful and self-aware
This story hit home with me. I remember being a kid always wanting to have my parents buy me scratch offs. I never have been crazy when betting in casinos because you actually feel the money leave your hand but betting online or on apps is so different. Losing a few hundred dollars in Vegas totally turned me off for years, but sports betting and fantasy football betting is addictive. I won $100k on a $7 fantasy football bet this year on Fanduel and I am so glad i didnt blow it away by tripling down and gambling it all away. The high i got from that win was insane and i can absolutely see how someone can completely go off the deep-end when getting a win like that and how it can totally make someone spiral into a full blown gambling addict.
Wtffff what kind of bet was that?
@@aokijannick7616 prolly a free roll 10 leg parlay or something.
That was triggering- lol- im not that lucky !!
I wish he saw more of a correlation with drug addiction and gambling addiction. With drugs, there are rituals and planning that a person gets used to as well. Also I would say gambling isn’t all mental- the physical for the drug addict is the drug, the physical for the gambler is the money and the machine, the bright lights, social aspect. Addiction is addiction, rich, poor, educated, old, young. It’s all the same, just different stuff for different people. Really great interview ❤️ congratulations on 3 years & 10 months free from gambling 😊
This addiction is one of the most baffling. I've lost close to 2 million dollars and I'm only 32 years old. I've lost around $27,000 just in the last 3 days alone. It is sickening. It's brought me to the brink of death. I hope anyone dealing with this addiction find the strength to beat it.
Gamblers anonymous has worked for me
I feel your pain I play scratch offs and I’ve crippled myself this week . It’s sick what the brain will make u do .
Take some responsibility maybe
I play scratchers to... it's a cheaper alternative to my casino trips
At least you have to go to a store and buy them. With modern gambling addiction you have your supplier with you at all times (your phone) Stuff should be illegal. Destructive for society
My mom hit rock bottom losing her apartment after gambling away the rent. She has her own place now and still gambles regularly but always makes sure her bills are paid first. She's a changed woman I think 😂.
Loved this interview.
Saul seems like an awesome guy - I'm rooting for him!
Thank you your story gave me a lot of perspective that I did not have on this situation and people going through it. It would be nice to also see family members of addicted gamblers share their experience and how they coped and dealt with dealing with a close family member with this illness.
What a joy to watch! This guy may just win The Nobel Peace Prize!
The thing he says about winning being the gateway is so true; when i was around 18 i was working a shitty job and was basically broke one Saturday morning so i went to the bookies and did an accumulator bet with my last €1.40. somehow predicted that man utd would draw 2-2 with sunderland 33-1 with another draw and a win for my own team Nottingham forest i ended up winning 440 euros from a euro basically. Safe to say i never repeated such an improbable bet. Never had major problems but definitely through way a few thousand over the next decade or so. In ireland gambling is a major problem. Even quite small towns will often have 2 or 3 bookies and of course horse racing is huge. Glad i dont have any interest anymore, in the end , easy money is bad money and leads to other terrible life choices. Then when you realise so much racing is fixed you see that you were a fool for thinking you could "beat the bookies". Very, very few do.
Saul, I could write a long comment about how my life parralels yours, but I'll keep it short. I always wanted to be a sports broadcaster. Always. It's not going to happen for me, partially because I'm a bit older than you, but mostly because I don't have the voice for it. But YOU DO. Man, I would encourage you as strongly as a random stranger on the internet can encourage another to follow that passion.
*If you don't, you may find yourself forever looking for your passion, and trying to fill a void* Good luck. Follow your dream my man
edit- You're a born speaker. If not sports broadcasting, I think your voice and your words will be where you make your living.
Thank you for this awesome encouraging comment. I’m going out there and looking!!! Gotta start small and keep expectations realistic
I’m a 22 year old who can relate to this same exact thing I’ve been gambling since the day I turned 18 I want to know the first time I went and only had $10 in my pocket and put it on number 27 roulette hit 27. From there I continue to go to the casino almost every weekend gambling my whole paycheck. It all started as kid with being competitive and wanting to win I would bet on anything or play any game that was like legal gambling, like that stacker game I always made it to the grand prize and lost I never took the small prize. I do the same thing at the casino win 1500 and gamble it all on one spin. I have lost over 40 grand in the last 3 years (Covid had the casino shut down for a year and sports betting is not legal in my state) between championship games prize fights and the roulette table
I always coped with it by saying I’m not in college and most kids my age are so it was okay to blow the money I’m making cause everyone else was racking up debt or just broke college kids and I don’t drink or go out so it was my way of having some sort of fun I was missing out on by being a college kid
The rush is what always has got me I’ve never ever left a casino even, sex doesn’t even compare to the rush a good run at the casino gives you
You gotta quit bro. You can do it.
Check out a gamblers anonymous meeting, you'll more than likely find some guys in the boat your in , same age ,etc. ......
.......................aware of what the problem is , and doing something about it ...!!!!....... , give it a try , if its not for you , no problem ..,JUST TRY IT !!!!........................................ Erik
All winnings are future losses
Gambling is the fastest growing addiction with the highest suicide rate. More preventative education needs to be provided. Thank you for speaking out and sharing your story. ODAAT❤
This is intriguing to me because I’ve been sports betting for years and I just keep myself accountable. Every kind of addiction runs in my family including gambling but I set my limit every week and I don’t go over it. I do a little extra on the super bowl but even then it’s $20 max. When me and my partner go to a casino we have a set amount before we walk in (usually $20) and we hold ourselves to it - he has a family history of gambling as well so it’s a with caution thing. I’ve dealt with enough addiction (and am open with friends and family for accountability) to know when things are going sideways. I’m definitely one of those moderation people - cold turkey puts me in like desperation mode
Same
Cool story bro 👍
You need at least like 200$ to have fun at the casino
@@cakeboss1721 different perceptions of fun I guess
Wery well spoken dude wish him the best been struggeling with gambeling too been sober for 2 days rn
This dude is great, wish him all the best
ADHD. 100% Everything he says tracks with the condition. It's dopamine seeking behaviour. The risk/reward - the grandparent with the same thing - this is why we need more coverage of this type of this, lives could be saved.
ADHD is fake!
As someone with ADHD raising a child with ADHD I instantly recognized it. Especially when they talked about the grandfather and genetics. Generations of undiagnosed ADHD.
Putting a label on someone or dosing them up doesnt save lives. Enviornment issue
@@karole7345 I understand your point, the environment has to come first, but also if we don't look after, and diagnose correctly, the folk who could massively benefit from the correct help, are we not continuing to fail each other, just as much as the planet?
Everything you do in life is dopamine seeking behaviour