Gambling addiction: Robin’s gripping story, ex-addict now working for Ksa

Robin, 49, confides to Rijnmond about his addiction. For him, it all started at a young age when he was drawn to the flashing lights and sound of slot machines. The first trigger happened in a small local cafeteria, where as a teenager he would put his last coins into a machine after going out with friends. What seemed like a harmless distraction slowly turned into a vicious spiral.

“The flashing lights and the atmosphere of the casino were intoxicating, almost magical.”

During his university years in Rotterdam, the situation got worse. Rather than follow his classes, Robin spent entire days in the gaming rooms, hiding his habit from his parents. This double life, fueled by lies and secrets, becomes his daily life.

Lies and financial ruin

Over a period of 20 years, Robin lost around 200,000 euros in gambling halls. He admits that this figure was an electroshock for him. He took out loans, multiplied credits and made sure to intercept bank statements to hide the truth from those around him. His first attempt at treatment in 2005 failed: although he attended meetings regularly, Robin did not adopt better behavior.

However, in 2010, his partner discovered a suspicious bank statement and confronted Robin.

“I still remember the moment she called me at work. It was humiliating, but also a relief. I had learned to lie to cover everything up.”

The trigger for change

This ordeal pushed Robin to seek deeper help. A psychologist helped him identify the source of his self-destructive behavior: his difficulty managing emotions.

“When my father died, I fell apart. I had never learned how to deal with difficult situations.”

Today, Robin practices open communication and shares his emotions. He is also involved in support groups such as AGOG (Anonieme Gokkers Omgeving Gokkers), a self-help association.

“I lead meetings to help others who are going through the same ordeal. It gives me comfort and a sense of purpose.”

A daily struggle

Robin does not consider himself cured. However, his journey is inspiring proof that it is possible to transform suffering into strength and find meaning in your life.

“Addiction is a constant battle. I know that I can never gamble again, because it could destroy everything.”

Today, Robin works for the Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch gambling authority. From his job interview he was transparent about his past, by joining the KSA he wants to help prevent what he experienced. He promotes tools like the Gokstop register, which blocks access to casinos for at-risk players.

Finding help in Belgium

If you think you suffer from a gambling addiction, or if you think that one of your loved ones suffers from it, several resources and associations are at your disposal to provide you with help.

Here are some of these resources:

• SOS Gokken (0800 35 777) offers an anonymous and free helpline
• De kliniek voor speel- en andere gedragsverslavingen
• De site gokhulp.be  offers different tests to see where you are in relation to gambling
• The site www.stopoptijd.be of the gaming commission

In addition, voluntary self-exclusion can be activated via the EPIS registry, blocking access to casinos and online gaming platforms.