Dave Ramsey Show: More Gambling Callers Seeking Help
Published:
Oct 15, 2025
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01:25 p.m.
ET
One of America’s most recognizable financial advice programs, The Ramsey Show, has long been a resource for listeners who have had hard time controlling and dealing with overspending, debt, broken budgets and bad investments. But recently, and increasingly so, callers are also asking for help with gambling-related issues.
With the explosive growth of online gambling, more Americans are finding themselves trapped in cycles of financial distress tied to gambling addiction. Ramsey, who employs a no-nonsense approach, has described gambling as “one of the fastest-growing and most destructive addictions in the country.”
From retirees losing their savings to young professionals irresponsibly chasing quick wins, recent callers to The Ramsey Show highlight how gambling can derail lives, families and financial health.
Callers facing gambling-related financial issues seeking help
Spouse with gambling problem squanders savings
In one recent case, Debra, a 69-year-old from Sacramento, called into The Ramsey Show in tears. Her husband, 79, had secretly gambled away nearly $1 million of their retirement savings on sports bets. Despite his six-figure income, their savings had dwindled to $15,000.
Ramsey didn’t sugarcoat his response; he told Debra that gambling addiction requires immediate intervention, and certainly not just another promise to “cut back.” His advice included separate finances, marriage and addiction counseling, and issuing an ultimatum: stop gambling completely or risk losing the marriage entirely.
Young man in Atlantic City loses it all in week
In another powerful call, James, a 25-year-old from Atlantic City, confessed that his casual betting had escalated into a full-blown addiction. After moving to a casino-heavy environment, he lost nearly all his savings ($45,000–$55,000) within weeks.
Despite self-reporting no abuse of substances of any kind, James described his loss of control to Ramsey as a “black out.” The show’s hosts urged James to join a support group, find a licensed therapist, and find a friend group - potentially through church - to spend time with people who do not gamble.
Husband’s March Madness bets lead to massive debts
Another heartbreaking story came from a woman who shared her family’s struggles after her husband lost $25,000 during March Madness, worsening their already-heavy debt.
In the segment, the hosts highlighted how gambling and quick-fix financial schemes often go hand in hand. The couple had sold their home, hoping to rebuild financially, only to watch part of their savings vanish into sports betting.
Ramsey and his team challenged the caller to recognize the pattern of denial and impulsivity common in both gambling and financial mismanagement. Their guidance focused on practical recovery: build a small emergency fund, pay down debt methodically and start working with a specialized gambling addiction therapist and a support group to rebuild accountability.
Take the first step toward recovery by scheduling a consultation with Birches Health today. Or call 833-483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com.
Dave Ramsey’s views on sports betting, advice for gambling problems
In a shorter clip, Ramsey called sports betting “the fastest-growing addictive problem in the money world right now.” He warned that people are “losing their futures on watching someone else earn a living,” underscoring how mobile betting has turned professional sports into a 24/7 gambling environment. From teens placing bets on their phones to retirees wagering their life savings, Ramsey’s message that gambling is an engineered addiction has been consistent
In a separate discussion, Ramsey addressed the growing concern of youth gambling. One mother from Texas called in after discovering her 14-year-old son wanted to gamble online “because everyone at school was doing it.”
Ramsey’s reply: “He’s lying. Not everyone’s doing it. He’s exaggerating because he is 14.” But he added that she is right to be worried. Citing national data, he warned that online gambling is now the second fastest-growing addiction in America.
He referenced research showing 96% of online gamblers lose money, reinforcing the concept that “the house always wins.” For parents, his advice was to protect children’s access to money and technology, and have open, age-appropriate conversations about the realities of gambling chances.
Specialized treatment for Gambling Addiction in the U.S.
True healing requires addressing the psychological and behavioral roots of gambling addiction.
That’s where Birches Health can help. Birches Health provides specialized, insurance-covered care and services throughout the United States. As the nation’s leading gambling-specific treatment program, Birches offers certified counselors and personalized care designed to help individuals and families rebuild from the financial and emotional impacts of gambling addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, sports betting or related financial stress, confidential and compassionate professional help is available.
Take the first step today with Birches Health:
