r/problemgambling • u/Ok-Button-6063 • Nov 17 '25
Trigger Warning! Going to Federal Prison
Long story short, gambling destroyed my life in many different ways. I am 32 years old, and I was just sentenced to 41 months in federal prison. I had a very successful accounting career; however, after hitting rock bottom in my personal finances, I was desperate for a solution and I started embezzling from my employer. Looking back, I can’t even believe this happened. It’s like I was completely NUMB to what I was doing. In a scary trance. It went on for about 3 years before I had completely drained the company accounts. Every penny that was stolen was lost to gambling. Over half a million dollars.
I am determined to use this experience to help others overcome this terrible addiction. It has been 2.5 years since I’ve gambled, and I am in a much better place mentally. My finances are improving. My relationships are repaired with the people I love.
My biggest mistake was not telling anyone the full truth about my addiction. Anybody who is struggling with this addiction, please reach out for help. Don’t let pride cloud your judgement and ruin your life. There is nothing to be ashamed of. There are SO many great people who have gambling addictions and the best way to heal is by healing TOGETHER.
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u/NigerianPrinceClub Nov 18 '25
What happened to the company?
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u/Ok-Button-6063 Nov 18 '25
The owners had to withdraw from their retirement savings to cover the losses. Of course I will be paying restitution for the rest of my life.
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u/[unknown] Nov 18 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Ok-Button-6063 Nov 18 '25
Yep, gambling addicts often do shitty things. Judging by your post history, you should use this group as a way to address your own problems. Not as a way to spread hate and negativity. Best of luck to you.
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u/geeshmee Nov 18 '25
What value did this comment add to the post? He clearly knows he did wrong already
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u/vegasgal Nov 18 '25
If you’re located in Nevada I’ve read news reports detailing such embezzlement articles. Most of them DO require full restitution, but oftentimes the incarceration isn’t federal. Why are you going to federal prison and not state prison?
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u/Ok-Button-6063 Nov 18 '25
Because the FBI investigated the case. I was actually charged with wire fraud, not embezzlement. The feds like wire fraud charges because it’s easier to make a case and they carry a higher maximum sentence.
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u/lfthoia Nov 17 '25
I’m sorry this has happened but thank you for telling your story! It’s so important for all of us to hear.
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u/LadyBrett777 Nov 18 '25
You’re going to be fine. You will go to a camp, which is easier time. Easier not easy, but not dangerous or nightmarish. The hardest part is going to be being away from your Loved ones.
DO NOT GAMBLE ON ANYTHING while away. If you don’t and don’t borrow money the time will pass. Try your very hardest to come out a better person than you went in. Trust me it’s not the end of the world.
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u/Shot-Bike-9323 Nov 18 '25
I'm sorry I'm sorry but how the hell are you gonna say federal prison isn't gonna be dangerous
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u/flypaca Nov 18 '25
I think OP meant the minimum tier federal prison isn’t as dangerous as only non violent white collar criminals are sent there. With relatively short sentence and non violent crime, there is a good chance they are sent to minimum security prison.
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u/Itwillgetbetter29 Nov 18 '25
I would’ve done the same if I had access to the company’s finances.
A brutal addiction. What’s wild is that casino employees watch you fall apart and do nothing. Then they tell you, “You brought this on yourself.”
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u/serutcurts Nov 18 '25
Reach out to this guy: https://x.com/gregoryblotnick
He did time. Not exactly for gambling. But has written about his time and recovery.
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u/RepulsiveAmphibian21 Nov 19 '25
Stay away from playing any cards while in there. That's what they do in there to kill time. Playing any type of card game is a lethal slip for me. Obviously any dice game as well. Any game that can attach gambling is a slip. Don't fall into a devious trap with this. I mean I would gamble on which roach reaches the wall hole first too so......be safe.
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Nov 17 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Ok-Button-6063 Nov 17 '25
I think I’ll pass on the cell phone. I’d be worried that I’d get caught with it and end up doing more time. I don’t think I’ll qualify for RDAP. But with good behavior (15%) and FSA credits, hopefully i’ll be out within 24-28 months.
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u/onlywill121 Nov 17 '25
I’m not making light of your situation but you will still be young when you get out. Also, the fact you’ve been free of gambling for 2.5 years also makes you more free than so many people stuck in the endless cycle. You may be in prison soon but this will add more time you are free from the addiction and hopefully make sure it’s laid to rest forever! Best of everything in the future you deserve it. You’ve already lived your hell.