"I Spent Our Wedding Money Gambling" | Mordi’s Gambling Recovery Journey

Mordi didn’t just gamble — he destroyed his life in silence.

In this raw episode of Nothing’s Off the Table, Mordi shares how a single scratch-off turned into a full-blown obsession: sports betting, secret bookies, and a constant need for “one more” — until he drained $150,000 of wedding money meant to build a future with his new wife.

What makes this conversation hit so hard isn’t just the money. It’s the mental prison gambling creates — the way it hijacks your thoughts, rewires your priorities, and convinces you you’re “in control” while everything around you quietly collapses. Mordi opens up about how addiction didn’t just take his bankroll… it took his presence, his relationships, his peace, and his ability to live in the moment.

Inside this episode, Mordi and I talk about:
How gambling starts “small” — and why it escalates faster than most people realize
The hidden stigma around compulsive gambling that keeps people suffering in silence
The lies, manipulation, and isolation that come with protecting the addiction
The obsession: waking up thinking about bets, chasing losses, and never feeling settled
How gambling damages marriage and family — even when nobody “knows” what’s happening
The moment the weight became unbearable, including thoughts of suicide
What finally broke the cycle, and why asking for help is not weakness — it’s strength

Mordi shares the turning point that changed everything: walking into Gamblers Anonymous on October 1, 2014, realizing he wasn’t alone, and meeting people who spoke the exact thoughts he had been terrified to admit out loud. From there, he began rebuilding a life he truly believed was out of reach — one day at a time.

This is the side of gambling you will never see in a sportsbook ad. No bonus bet. No “odds boost.” No smiling influencer. Just the truth: the anxiety, the obsession, the shame, the damage… and the hope that recovery is possible.

If you’re struggling — or if someone you love is — please hear this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. This episode could be the moment things start to change.
If you need help: reach out to me directly. And if you’re ready to take a first step, consider finding a local or online Gamblers Anonymous meeting and simply showing up.

🔔 Real stories. Raw comebacks. Nothing’s off the table.

If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, reach out to Banyan Treatment Centers — the team I personally believe in. They’ve helped thousands of people rebuild their lives.
👉 Call: [(855) 773-1502]
🌐 Visit: https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com...

🎙️ Hosted by Louis Ruggiero
📱 Instagram: @nothingsoffpod📹 TikTok: @nothingsoffpod🔗 Linktree: linktr.ee/nothingsoffthetable

Today’s Guest
🎙️ Connect with our guest:
👉 Instagram: [@mordi_kameo](https://www.instagram.com/mordi_kameo...)

About the Show
Hosted by Louis Ruggiero, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and advocate for recovery, Nothing’s Off The Table is where real people share their real stories. From battling addiction to overcoming life’s toughest challenges, Louis and his guests uncover the moments that spark change and fuel unstoppable comebacks. Expect raw honesty, deep insights, and stories that hit home.

#AddictionRecovery #WeDoRecover #NothingsofftheTable #LouisRuggiero #RecoverOutLoud #ComebackStories #BanyanTreatmentCenters #BanyanxLouis #BanyanRecovery #BanyanPodcastPartner #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryCommunity #gamblingdisorder #gambling #gamblingaddiction
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Disclaimer: The stories and views shared on Nothing’s Off The Table are personal experiences and not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance on personal matters.

Copyright: © Nothing’s Off The Table with Louis Ruggiero. All rights reserved. Feel free to share or embed episodes with proper credit and a link to our official pages.

00:00 Introduction & The Power of Recovery
04:00 Stigma and Challenges with Gambling Addiction
07:00 Morty's Early Life and Upbringing
10:45 First Encounters with Gambling
13:00 Progression: From Scratch-Offs to Poker
17:00 Sports Betting: The Downward Spiral
22:00 Life, Relationships, and the Mental Toll
26:00 Marriage, Secrets, and Hitting Rock Bottom
32:00 Major Losses and Desperation
37:00 The Final Gambles & Decision to Get Help
44:00 Entering GA and The First Steps in Recovery
47:00 Building a New Life After Gambling
53:00 Personal Tragedy: Grieving the Loss of a Child
01:00:00 Resilience, Family & Life in Recovery
01:03:30 Advice for Those Struggling & Final Thoughts
01:05:30 Full Circle: Giving Back and Closing Reflections