Hey friends — Caleb here.
Okay, this one’s a bit different. I’m not here to tell you I hit a jackpot or that my dog ignored another rabbit in the garden (though, yes, that still happens). Today I want to have a real, honest chat — like we’re sitting on the couch together, coffee in hand, maybe half a bag of chips between us — about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: problem gambling.
Now before you scroll away — don’t worry, I’m not here to lecture or go all serious-voice on you. But if you’ve ever had that “uh-oh” feeling after playing longer than you planned, or seeing your account balance look like it ghosted you, this one’s for you.
So here’s the thing… gambling is fun. That’s why we do it. The thrill of the spin, the suspense of the reels, the joy when that bonus round FINALLY hits — it’s exciting. But sometimes… it stops being just fun. Sometimes it gets sticky.
For me, I noticed the shift when I started thinking about slots a little too much. Like, waiting in line at the grocery store and wondering if the free spins would have landed if I just did one more spin. Or finding myself back on the casino site when I knew I told myself I wasn’t playing that day.
It doesn’t happen all at once. It sneaks in quietly. At first, it’s “just a little more,” and suddenly you’re looking at your bank app thinking, “Wait… how much did I spend this week?”
And let’s not forget the mood swings. One minute you’re flying high after a win, next you’re stress-scrolling through your transactions, promising yourself you’ll stop — right after just one more deposit. Sound familiar?
I want to say this loud and clear: there’s no shame in it. This stuff is designed to be addictive. The lights, the music, the little wins, the “so close!” near-misses — all of it is built to keep you spinning. It’s not a moral failure. You’re not broken. You’re just human. And if it starts to feel like things are slipping out of your control? That’s okay too. What matters is that you catch it early and take a step back.
What helped me was just talking about it. With friends, with myself (out loud, like a lunatic), even just journaling it out. I also learned to use those deposit limits and time reminders that pop up — turns out they’re not just for decoration. Go figure.
Some days I win, some days I lose, and some days I don’t open the app at all. That last one? That’s the real win. Being able to walk away and not feel that itch — it’s a whole new level of freedom.
If you ever feel like things are getting too much, talk to someone. There are amazing places like CAMH (they’re awesome, no pressure, no judgment), or even online groups where people get it. You’re not alone in this.
Anyway, I just wanted to share this, friend to friend. Because while jackpots are great, peace of mind is priceless. Your health, your happiness, your rent money — all more valuable than any bonus round.
So here’s to keeping the fun in the game — with our heads clear, our limits set, and our plants watered (even if the bunnies eat them later).
Stay grounded, stay mindful, and spin only when it feels right.
Talk soon,
Caleb
Spin Mindfully | Mindful Spins. Happy Wins.