In this interview with Soft White Underbelly, legendary gambler Archie Karas reflects on the extraordinary winning streak that saw him turn a $10,000 loan into more than $40 million before losing nearly everything. Looking back on a lifetime of high-stakes gambling, he discusses the mindset that drove his success, the personal cost of his lifestyle, and the lessons he learned after decades spent chasing fortune.
Do It For Her is a short drama that follows Bilal, a university student whose hidden gambling addiction begins to unravel his finances, relationships, and future. As the pressure of debt and secrecy grows, he reaches a crossroads where he must decide whether to continue down a destructive path or begin his journey towards recovery—for himself and for the people who love him, especially his mother. Created to raise awareness of gambling harms among young people and diverse communities, the film encourages open conversations about addiction and highlights the importance of seeking support.
TOPICS: Behavioural Addictions, Gambling Disorder, Youth
This short film follows Brady Thornhill, a teenager whose gambling addiction leads him into a cycle of payday loans, mounting debt, and online gambling. As his financial situation spirals out of control, the consequences begin to affect every aspect of his life, leaving him feeling trapped and increasingly hopeless. Through Brady's story, the film highlights the devastating impact gambling addiction can have on young people and the dangers of chasing losses through borrowed money.
TOPICS: Behavioural Addictions, Gambling Disorder, Suicide, Youth
Filmmaker Michelle Wong shares the story of her brother Phillip, whose struggle with gambling addiction had a devastating impact on both his life and those closest to him. Speaking with family members, friends, and professionals, she pieces together the events that shaped his addiction while exploring the emotional toll it left on those closest to him. Through personal reflection and expert insight, the documentary offers a moving examination of gambling disorder, loss, and the lasting effects of addiction on individuals and families.
Dr. Luke Clark examines gambling disorder through the lens of psychology and neuroscience, explaining how modern research has reshaped the understanding of this behavioural addiction. The presentation explores the cognitive, biological, and environmental factors that contribute to gambling-related harm, drawing on evidence from brain imaging, behavioural studies, and clinical research. Along the way, Dr. Clark discusses how gambling affects decision-making, reward processing, and brain function while highlighting the implications these findings have for treatment, prevention, and public policy.
Joy's story explores the devastating consequences of gambling addiction after she embezzled $700,000 employers to support her gambling. As she awaits sentencing, she reflects on the choices that led to her crimes while trying to help both herself and her children understand the grip of addiction. Alongside her personal story, the documentary features insights from addiction professionals who explain the psychological and neurological factors behind gambling disorder, offering a broader understanding of how behavioural addictions develop and why recovery can be so challenging.
After years of struggling with gambling addiction, Ike Dweck transformed his life and dedicated himself to helping others recover. In this interview, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his addiction, the challenges he faced during recovery, and the purpose he found in supporting those facing similar struggles. As the founder of an outpatient treatment program in Brooklyn, New York, Ike draws on his lived experience to offer insight into gambling addiction, recovery, and the importance of using personal experience to help others rebuild their lives.
