Hiding $250,000+ In Gambling Debt | Harj’s Addiction Story

Harj from ‪@SochTalksPod‬ shares his gambling addiction story.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling:    • HOW TO STOP GAMBLING: A Complete Guide  

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Harj grew up in a South Asian household where success meant a prestigious degree, a big job, a German car, and a family by 30. After selling a student social media startup, he suddenly had more money than anyone around him – and a front row seat to extreme wealth. That glimpse of “the next tier” helped pull him into the casino, the bookies, and eventually into a full-blown gambling addiction.

In this episode, Harj shares how a £20 night out win spiraled into nearly £100,000 lost in 12 months, years of secret gambling, and more than £250,000 of hidden debt that his wife eventually uncovered on his phone. He talks about gambling in toilets at work, manipulating friends and family for money, and the suicide attempt that left his car destroyed but him somehow alive – and how three words from his young son became the turning point.

We dive into the shame and stigma in South Asian communities, why men struggle to open up, and how Harj rebuilt his life, paid off his debts, and found a new purpose helping underrepresented communities talk about gambling and addiction. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living a double life or chasing one big win to fix everything, this conversation is for you.

This channel is dedicated to spreading awareness about gambling addiction and helping individuals better understand the risks of excessive gambling. Through powerful storytelling, educational content, and real-life experiences, we aim to shine a light on the dangers of gambling and provide tools for recovery. Whether you're seeking help, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more, our mission is to create a safe space for open conversations about gambling addiction.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/re...
👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out:    • Do You Have A Gambling Addiction?  
1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here:    • Your First 7 Days Quitting Gambling  
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20 question quiz to determine if you have a gambling addiction (if you answer yes to 7 or more, you likely have a gambling problem)

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve
financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your
losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance
gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to
gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of
gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

CHAPTERS
0:00 - 0:38 Hi Harj
0:39 - 5:04 South Asian expectations and pressure
5:05 - 9:04 - First casino visit and early win
9:05 - 12:21 - From nights out to daily gambling
12:22 - 18:24 - Losing £100k and moving back home
18:25 - 25:21 - Paychecks as bankroll and gambling at work
25:22 - 33:13 - £250k of hidden debt exposed
33:14 - 41:14 - GamCare, early recovery, and shame
41:15 - 46:03 - Suicide attempt and surviving the crash
46:04 - 55:03 - Family addiction, purpose, and speaking out
55:04 - 1:02:24 - Paying off £250k and rebuilding finances
1:02:25 - 1:05:30 - Habits, self-worth, and final message