The Russian Casino That Tried to Sponsor Me.

The gambling industry has spent decades perfecting the art of extracting money from vulnerable people.

From celebrity endorsements and deceptive advertising to offshore casinos and predatory marketing, the systems are evolving faster than regulators can respond.

Pawn of God exists to investigate those systems, expose the people behind them, and make the findings accessible to everyone.

15x more likely to die by suicide

A Swedish register study of people diagnosed with gambling disorder found suicide mortality approximately 15 times that of the general population.

1.2% of adults worldwide

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.2% of the world’s adult population has a gambling disorder. Gambling addiction may be under-reported worldwide, so estimates may not capture its full scale. This adult figure does not include underage people with gambling disorder. WHO also warns that heavy gambling promotion risks normalizing gambling for children and young people.

More than just 1

For every person gambling at high-risk levels, an average of six other people are affected. Usually these are non-gamblers: the harm extends beyond the person placing the bet.

Source: WHO gambling fact sheet, 2 December 2024. Reviewed 12 October 2026.

These aren’t just statistics. They’re the reason this project exists.

A FORMER ADDICT

I struggled with gambling addiction when I turned 18 up until my mid 20's. I accumulated roughly $100,000 worth of debt while trying to raise a family, get an education, and navigate the world.

Gambling took some of the best years of my life away from me. I can't get them back. But I hope I can help others avoid making the same mistake that I did.

WITH MARKETING EXPERIENCE

I've been in the marketing industry for over a decade. I've worked with some of the largest companies in North America as a graphic designer and marketing strategist. Knowing how this world of advertising and social media works is my key to understand what's really happening behind the scenes and shed some light on these predatory campaigns.

CREATING CONTENT WITH A PURPOSE

I've been making YouTube videos as a hobby since the platform was conceived. I've followed trends, had viral hits, and dreamed of making it big as a "creator".

Nowadays, I simply want to help, and provide valuable content for anyone willing to watch or listen. My goal is to help at least one person make a positive change in their life.

Using my story, my expertise, and my passion for creating content and telling stories, to put more good into the world, and fight back against an industry that almost took everything from me.

Read more about Andy

If gambling is affecting you or someone you care about, these services can help you find support. You do not need a PawnofGod membership to use them.

USA

National Council on Problem Gambling: find local support through the National Problem Gambling Helpline. Call 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), or visit the site for contact options.

Canada

Find support by province or territory through the Responsible Gambling Council’s Canadian directory.

In Ontario, ConnexOntario provides free, confidential support and treatment referrals, 24/7. This service is specific to Ontario.

Europe

Gambling Therapy offers free online practical advice and emotional support worldwide, including Europe, with multilingual support. It is an international service; local treatment options vary by country.

Chess vs. Gambling

A community-first initiative that uses chess as a healthy replacement for gambling. Learn a fun new skill in a safe community setting.

Visit Chess vs. Gambling

Service details checked 12 October 2026. Follow each provider’s website for current availability and eligibility.