“I am a gambling addict,” says 34-year-old Charles. “The past five years, gambling has taken over and absolutely kicked my ass.”
 
The married father says he has probably lost $100,000 or more gambling. He says while he realizes that he has a wife and daughter to care for and hasn’t gambled in two months, he fears he could easily pick up the habit again.
 

“I knew I was addicted to gambling when the day after I lost all my money, I got about $75, and I just felt myself turning the steering wheel to the casino,” Charles says. “When it comes to gambling, you’re like, 'Ooh. I could just get, like, $1,000 real quick, and that would make my family’s life a lot better' … I could gamble any day now. I’m not safe from this.”
 
Hear more of Charles’ story in the video above.
 
On Friday’s episode of Dr. Phil, “For the Love of the Game?” Dr. Phil discusses the legalization of sports betting and if sports fans are taking their “love of the game” too far by online gambling. A podcast host who advocates for sports gambling, a former compulsive gambler, and a professor who has studied the gambling industry and addicts, all weigh in on this hot topic. Check local listings to see where you can watch.

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