Share 
A New York man’s recovery story is putting a human face on a broader responsible-gambling concern in the state: support workers say mobile sports betting has made gambling available around the clock, making it easier for problems to escalate.
In an anonymous interview with Spectrum News, the 32-year-old said his gambling started with scratch-offs and small bets with friends before growing into a destructive addiction. He said the behavior led to lying to family, borrowing money, stealing from his employer and experiencing suicidal thoughts before he sought help through Gamblers Anonymous in May 2024.
Support workers say access is changing the risk picture
Shanley Olszowy, program manager at the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center, told Spectrum News that mobile sports betting is available “24 hours a day, seven days a week” across New York, removing the need for players to travel to a store or casino.
Olszowy also said the average age of people struggling with gambling addiction has been “ticking down,” a trend she described as both surprising and worrying.
That combination of constant access and younger help-seekers is one of the clearest takeaways for New York players and families: gambling harm may develop earlier and more privately when betting is available on a phone at any time.
Recovery story highlights the personal cost of addiction
The anonymous man said gambling gradually became the center of his life. At its worst, he told Spectrum News, he stopped responding to friends and family and felt consumed by the behavior. He also described suicidal thoughts as part of his daily life for about a year.
Maureen Holleran, a peer advocate at the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center, said the damage from gambling addiction is not only financial. She pointed to lost time with friends and family and relationships that may never fully recover.
The man said Gamblers Anonymous “saved my life.” He said he still attends meetings every Monday and that recovery has helped him rebuild relationships, keep a good job and regain peace of mind.
What New Yorkers should know
The resource center’s message was that people do not need to wait until they have lost everything to ask for help. Holleran said the first step is simply reaching out, after which support workers can help direct people to resources.
For New Yorkers, the story is a reminder that easier access to legal betting can also increase the importance of recognizing warning signs early and seeking support before the harm deepens.
—
Source: As reported by Hunter Caparelli.
