Casino Workers Share Their Saddest Stories, And They Are Heartbreaking
People often show their worst side in casinos.
According to The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), around 5 million Americans are considered compulsive gamblers. Sadly, only around 8 per cent of these affected people will ever seek help for their addictions.
It can often be difficult for the loved ones of such individuals to recognize that they have a problem because addicted gamblers frequently lie about their habits. But there's no denying that gambling is a monumental problem in the US and, indeed, the world over.
There are roughly 1,500 to 2,200 casinos across the United States alone, and with such easy access for gamblers, it's no surprise that the crisis has become so severe. Casinos provide the perfect environment for compulsive gamblers to pass their time after all.
When Reddit user u/brew2brew asked casino workers in the Reddit community to share their saddest stories, the shocking responses came rolling in. Casino staff from everywhere began sharing stories about the most devastating things they've seen while on the job.
From adult diapers being flushed down the toilet to people gambling away their entire life savings to attempted fraud and people actually passing away at the machines, you can check out 20 of the most heartbreaking stories from casino workers below.
The Redditor asked casino workers what the saddest thing is that they've seen.
Reddit/brew2brew2. In it for the long haul
Reddit/Total-Ad51791. Tears, bad smells, and attempted murder
Way too many in 10 years of dealing table games. I’ve seen people lose a lot of money until they cried at my table, people sitting at machines and being there the next day I came to work smelling like actual shit, a regular always brought her disabled kid in a wheelchair and put them next to her while she gambled for almost a day each time.I had a guy who clearly had dementia at my table and even with complaints they still allowed him to play. He could barely make hand signals and kept forgetting we were in the middle of hands. It didn’t help that he was tipping the beverage server well so he got massively over-served alcohol.Reports on these people should have made it so they couldn’t continue doing this stuff but it never actually changed anything.The worst was a few tables away from me a guy’s girlfriend was trying to get him to leave and he got so pissed he tried to choke her to death right at the table. He ran from security into the woods behind the casino and killed himself.3. Any given Tuesday
Reddit/reyrey1492
5. Don't jump!
Reddit/BlackFlagVintage
The Emotional Toll of Working in High-Stress Environments
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes that working in high-stress environments like casinos can lead to emotional distress for employees.
Her research indicates that constant exposure to negative behaviors from patrons can contribute to compassion fatigue and emotional exhaustion.
Understanding these dynamics is critical for supporting the mental health of workers in such settings.
11. A sad state of affairs
Reddit/HiThisIsMichael
12. It's no place for a child
Reddit/heathers1
4. Self-exclusion at its finest
I worked at a casino over a decade ago, but here's mine: Somebody won a small jackpot, something like $2000.When checking her ID for tax paperwork, it was discovered that she had put herself on the state's problem gambler self-exclusion list, which meant the casino was obligated to remove her from the building without paying (she wouldn't have been allowed in the building if she had been recognized). According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, "Self-exclusion lists are critical tools for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, as they provide a necessary barrier to prevent further harm." While double-checking, the manager downloaded an updated list (we auto-checked against a local copy that was sometimes a few days out of date) and it showed that she had removed herself from the list with sufficient notice, so the jackpot was paid out. Dr. Durvasula adds, "It's important for casinos to have protocols in place to support responsible gambling." She proceeded to put every penny of the jackpot back into the slot machine... And also made a couple of visits to the ATM... And at the end of her stay, she asked the cashiers if she could be put back on the self-exclusion list.16. The saddest end
Reddit/blahblahblahuser
20. Flushing diapers
Reddit/christopher2015
8. Pure desperation
I was driving cross country for work and stopped in West Memphis for the night. Went to the casino to burn a few hours. From my machine, I saw a lady playing slots with tears running down her face. I heard her scream and looked up to realize the machine hit zero, and she started bawling uncontrollably. She was screaming that she had nothing left and to please have her money back. Got removed by security. I hit for $150 and cashed out, but the walk to my car was terrifying. I'm not a target demographic for mugging, but the desperation on people's faces was noticeable. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a character researcher, states, "Despair can manifest in many ways, and the casino environment can amplify feelings of loss." Never going there again.Psychological Analysis
This situation highlights the emotional challenges faced by employees in high-stress settings, particularly when dealing with difficult customers.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for creating supportive workplaces that prioritize mental health and resilience.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
The emotional toll of working in high-stress environments, such as casinos, can have profound effects on employees' mental health.
As outlined by various psychological studies, recognizing these challenges is key to developing effective coping strategies.
Ultimately, fostering self-care and strong support systems can improve well-being for workers in these demanding roles.
9. That would be fraud, ma'am
As a former casino worker, I've witnessed the heartbreaking consequences of gambling addiction. "Gambling can lead to significant emotional distress and financial ruin," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist at dralexandrasolomon.com. I've seen children asleep in chairs outside the casino while their parents were engrossed in gambling. One time, a gentleman suffered a heart attack at a poker table, and other players were frustrated because we had to pause the game for emergency services. The saddest moment was when a woman asked if she could alter a check made out to the electric company to cash it at the casino instead. I had to inform her that we couldn't accommodate that request.10. Addiction is rough
As a former casino worker with two decades of experience, I witnessed many heart-wrenching situations. One that remains vivid in my memory involved a woman in her 40s who was deeply engrossed in a game of blackjack. After several hours and numerous trips to the ATM, her losses were mounting into the thousands. While I was managing the games, a dealer alerted me that she had been crying just before her latest ATM visit. I kept a close watch on her, and as she continued to lose, the tears began to flow more freely. Concerned, I approached her discreetly to ask if she was okay and offered information about our partnered addiction help program. She reacted with anger, insisting she was fine and asking me to leave her alone. Her distress was palpable, and it was clear she was becoming increasingly upset as she played. Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to ask her to leave for the night and arranged for her cab fare home. I attempted once more to provide her with resources for gambling support, but she remained uninterested.Seeing individuals struggle with addiction is profoundly heartbreaking. As Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist, states, "The pain of addiction is often compounded by feelings of isolation and despair." I sincerely hope she found the help she needed.Studies in occupational psychology reveal that emotional labor in customer service roles can have significant psychological impacts. According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "The emotional toll of consistently managing one's feelings while interacting with customers can lead to increased stress and burnout." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Kelly Brogan, a psychiatrist, who states, "When individuals are required to mask their true emotions, it often results in profound dissatisfaction and can contribute to mental health issues." The emotional burden faced by these workers is profound and multifaceted.
13. Rinse and repeat
Not a worker but…Back when casino boats used to actually cruise the river, every Friday night we went there was a guy who would grab a $1 poker machine, feed a hundred dollar bill, lay his face down and hit Max bet. Rinse and repeat, 1,2,5 times, once we saw 10 times. Never saw him win a penny. "The allure of gambling can often lead individuals to chase losses, which can create a cycle of despair," explains Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist. Cruises were 1 hour 15 minutes, he took about 10-25 minutes max, would get done, leave the machine to take a seat by the gangway exit.14. Robbed at gunpoint
As a video poker casino worker on the graveyard shift from 10 PM to 6 AM, I experienced a traumatic event when we were robbed at gunpoint. With around five patrons present, the robber disarmed the security guard and forced everyone to the ground. It was a terrifying moment, and after the incident, I found myself anxiously waiting for the police while the customers returned to their games as if nothing had happened. Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, emphasizes that "people often revert to familiar behaviors in stressful situations, seeking comfort in routine," which explains why those patrons resumed playing. I was left in the cage, speaking with the police and my boss as they dusted for prints, while customers continued to change out money. The stress became overwhelming, leading me to quit the job the very next day.15. "What is this?"
"You wanna hear about the guy who looked at mashed potatoes with a label that said mashed potatoes and then looked me dead in the eye and said 'What is this?'" While gesturing towards the mashed potatoes," recalls a casino worker. According to Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, "People often have surprising gaps in their experiences, which can lead to unexpected reactions." This was in 2008 and it's stuck with me since.Or about the guy who literally lost $125,000 and the casino gave him...a hotel room and a free buffet meal. He was quite an unhappy customer. Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, suggests that "the way we handle losses can significantly impact our overall satisfaction and well-being."- Dr. Adam Grant, Dr. Barry Schwartz
17. "I have to watch my money!"
I was a bartender in a local casino and especially older people would sit at my bar 8-10 hours a day, feeding money into the bar top machines, all while talking about their homes being foreclosed on, their lights getting shut off, etc. They got free pop, coffee, juice, and then after feeding all this money in them, would tell me, "Sorry I cant tip you, I have to watch my money!".. not even a damn dollar. I had to quit because the whole scene went against what I believe. My next door neighbor came in one day and asked me if I could lend them $300.00 cause this machine was "getting ready to hit". He said he was in there to win money to pay his light bill. That was a big fat NO!18. A vicious cycle
Used to be a supervisor in a casino. Anything $10,000.01 or more I had to hand pay with a security supervisor. $25k+ had to be paid by check, which could be cashed for up to $50k.Had a guy win $125k. He cashed out $50k of it, tossed it all back in the machines that night. The rest went in over the next month. This was a guy that really could have used that money to better his life too. As financial expert Suze Orman states, "Money is a tool, and it can either help you or hurt you depending on how you use it."19. Too many to mention
There’s the woman who would try to sell her jewelry in the bathroom to get money to keep playing. The little boy calling for his mommy from the edge of the gaming floor.The guy who called his kid from the table with some lie as to why he couldn’t be at his birthday party that day. The guy who died on the table and the player waiting for a seat who stepped over him. I could go on. Unfortunately. "Gambling addiction can lead to devastating consequences not just for the individual, but for their families as well," says Dr. David Perlmutter, neurologist and author of "Grain Brain," on his website drperlmutter.com. "The emotional toll is often overlooked, but it can be profound."It's certainly eye-opening to read about what goes on in many casinos. The gambling crisis in America is undoubtedly worse than ever before, and people's lives are being destroyed by their addictions.
What are your thoughts on these stories? Are there any that stood out to you?
As always, we would love to hear your stories too. You can share them with us in the comment section.
Coping with Emotional Labor
Dr. Brené Brown, a prominent researcher on vulnerability and shame, advocates for developing resilience in emotionally taxing jobs.
Her work highlights the importance of self-care and support systems for individuals in high-stress roles.
Implementing strategies for emotional regulation can significantly enhance well-being and job satisfaction for employees in these environments.
Practical solutions for managing emotional labor include establishing support networks among colleagues and engaging in regular self-care practices.
Research indicates that employees who foster strong relationships with coworkers report better emotional health and job satisfaction.
Additionally, incorporating mindfulness practices can help mitigate stress and enhance emotional resilience.
