u/Aromatic_Canary_2696

Hello, I am 37 years old and have had a sports betting problem for about 3 1/2 years now. My first month or so I hit a huge parlay of around $20K, continued to bet and turned $20K into $80K. I even withdrew the money into my bank account, but that was short lived. Instead of paying off debts, I deposited more money into draftkings and eventually the $80K was gone. For years after that, same situation, betting for months on end, there were periods of times where I did go without betting. I eventually got all my credit cards down to $0 and I banned myself on all sportbooks, but then came prediction markets. Recently, turned about $2K into $21k and same situation, gave it all back. I even overdrew my account to fund chasing my losses so now I owe $5000 to the 3rd party that deals with these prediction markets. I currently have no money, owe $5K, had to pay rent on a credit card (thats another $2K) and am now delinquent an old debt from 6 years ago. I don't make much money, roughly $67K and live in the most expensive city in the US (NYC). I go to GA meetings all the time, but still gamble. My monthly expenses are pretty high, not sure how to proceed. I feel that i've put myself in a hole for next year or so in order to be debt free. As for the old debt im delinquent on, thats a government loan which may get transferred to the department of treasury-- they tack on another 30%, so a $30K loan now turns to $39 if it gets to that point. I regret ever getting into gambling, I regret that when I was winning not paying off debts. I will say, my parents did give me $20K which is locked into a CD and have no intentions of touching it (that expires in July). Just angry with myself for being in this place again. I cant tell my parents, they would absolutely shame me and give no sympathy since ive been down this road so many times. Also, my girlfriend lives with me, ive told her I have a gambling problem, but she thinks that I am clean from gambling. $3000 net every month wont cut it, rent, insurance and other bills come out to at least $2200 a month. Not sure how to proceed any, advice would be helpful. I know in time, as long as I abstain, work hard, grow that salary and do the right thing, things will eventually stablize, but I feel like i'll be in my mid 40's til things get somewhat less chaotic. Always had a dream of being a homeowner, seems like that may never happen and if it does maybe in 15 years or so... anyway thanks for the help