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Hi everyone wanna share one of my friend's story.. he is jr dev and suddenly became heavily involved in skin betting, he is influenced by streamers, after witnessing streamers incredible wins, my friend just wanna try a shoot.. He began by throwing $300 worth of CS:GO skins for fun however things quickly got out of hand. He started selling gear, chasing wins & losing several thousand dollars in virtual loot. He has completely stopped using gambling websites however he is too ashamed of his habit to admit to anyone that he is losing.

Have any of you managed to escape the tidal wave of skin betting? After the virtual casino spiral, how did you regain your boundaries, trust & even your attitude?

Skin betting is new to me. I know you can buy skins when playing a video game, but I dont know you can gamble with it, sell it and make profit.

Your friend at this point dont need any advance, he should learnt from the experience he got in the process. Whenever you lose as a gambler you dont chase after loss, the moment you start to do that, you will most likely lose everything.

You will have to seek out the advice of a professional for help. This is still a gambling addiction and should be handled as such, through professional therapy and support from friends and family.

I think it involves using the virtual assets to gamble as you would normally do with cash. They will acquire these virtual assets by playing games or by directly buying them.

- Jay -

Whatever form of betting as long as you are playing virtual you definitely going to lose and become addicted in the long run if you dont manage yourself properly, starting skin bet on the advice of a streamer os just like taking up bet codes from a random person.

You will definitely lose starting with a $300 first roll is another red flag at least not on the first bet, FL.

I haven't been found in such situation before, but am also happy for him to have discovered for this earlier before it's too late, some would have gone too far before realizing what's at stake, while in some conditions, some might have been more addictive to it goi8back becomes a serious challenge for them to do, because they can't just let go of the last losses, that is why it's always good we often run a check to how we are gambling.

It’s now common to see people get into betting addiction, there is no difference in his type of addiction to others hence, seeking professional help like a therapist is likely the quickest solution to get your friend out of the addiction.

Natural solution is to get him to accept his responsibility or accept the fact that his an addict and from that solutions could be opened up, as not speaking out the root cause to his addiction could be the reason why his not stoping, once he is able to communicate so level of information you could actually talk him out of it.

If you say he is now ashamed of himself and can't really open up to anyone, then it is time family and friends step in and help him see a professional therapist that will give him solution to his problems.  Professional help is all he needs to regain his boundaries.

To those who find it strange that one can bet on skin and even get addicted to skin betting, they should know that they can bet on anything and addiction is not selective. It can happen as long as you derive some kind of interest in that particular thing or activity.

If he feels ashamed of his bad habits, he's on the right track, because it means he's acknowledging them and knows what he's doing isn't right. At least he's taken one of the most important steps, which is accepting the problem. Now, if this causes him stress and anxiety, he should see a professional for an evaluation to see if he needs to take some kind of medication.

As his friend, you should only give him moral support, try to guide him to healthy environments that you know he likes, and avoid being repetitive by talking about the topic over and over again without him asking, because the idea is to get him to banish it from his mind.

But why are people still even following this streamer blindly to the extent of starting gambling with a whole $300? That amount could be a small amount for someone who is a developer, but it's still too much to start gambling with unless you are aiming for high profit.

Since he's already aware that he's addicted and has stopped visiting the casino, he should just continue that way and avoid visiting any streaming channel for the time being. If possible, avoid social media, as gambling ads just fly around without control, especially on Meta, which could easily drag him back to gambling.

I've not heard of it before but regardless, gambling is gambling and risky. If you fail to manage your risk properly, you will eventually fall into addiction. Many people gambling for the fact that they have enough money to risk at that point in time. But fail to see the possibility of losing all their money to gambling once they get out of control.

Controlling your emotions as a gambler is one thing. Risk management is another thing. Most times when we make extreme losses, we tend to go all in on our last cards because we no longer have much use of the little remaining. But if we manage our risk properly from the start, we might not be in such shoe .

I just heard about virtual skin, I don't know the benefits, but your friend spent a lot of money on it, keep an eye on your friend, because he can do it again in secret, if possible cut off his financial access, give him any positive lessons to live his life, slowly he will change

Ops can you give us more insight into what skin betting means because from the look of things, it seems that this game is very new to us and as I googled it nothing really relevant came out.


The dude on the other hand spent a lot on his first bet and that is a bad way to start.

I have hardly played on virtual because of the high risk involved in it and skin betting is one fast way to lose your money. Your friend started wrongly by playing with $300. He should have started lower to try what he learnt on the streamer display because most times what you see watching them isn't really the outcome when you play. However, he was able to realize his mistake and retrace his step.

Generally, chasing of loses is the quickest way to lose in gambling. So the way to regain your boundary is to come back to the consciousness that you are gambling irresponsiblely.


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_gambling

https://gamequitters.com/skins-gambling/

Same here. I knew there was some trade happening but I didn’t know that you could gamble with it?
OP said his friend was too embarrassed to admit to anyone but if he can just admit it to himself, he will be fine. He just needs to acknowledge his mistakes and vow to never repeat them again and find a healthier vice.

He's at the peak of it. I think if he's already stopped, that's good for him. Because someone who's addicted to bet, skins or crypto or fiat.
They'll have hard time in getting out of it. He has to take time in learning how to appreciate what he's got now.
Soon, he'll be able to skip it entirely and will have the courage to tell this story to others. Not just to tell it but also to share his experience to convince others that they need to be in control at all times.

This is the part I don't understand. I paused at this point because I thought that he has overcomed the gambling addiction however it seems that from my understanding is still continues to gamble but not on gambling website.

You shouldn't feel compelled to admit his gambling addiction to anyone especially when he doesn't feel that they can be trusted with his secret or he is not ready to share it. It is a person on decision and forcing it out of the person can only lead to resistance to the healing process. It takes time and patients and understanding for him to open up to a trusted person. Just one person.

well he already stopped so what else is there to do? i just hope he doesn’t go back and get addicted again because then he would have to be professionally intervened in but now that he seems to have realized the consequences it’s already fine

I tried this skin betting and it does not suit my taste.  I prefer the bet with money involved.  I do not think this kind of scenario is different from gamblers who lost huge amount of money on a platform.  The bet method is different, but the psychology behind it is the same.

I can say your friend has regained his control when he stops skin betting, to recover from the "shame" of losing money, it will take time.  The secret of moving on is letting go and accepting the losses. If a person has too much pride, it will take some time, but eventually, they will be ok discussing such stuff with anyone.

Is it any kind of auction? I don't remember skin betting for CS:GO but all I know is people are crazy about these skins and avatars and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars and even I met someone who spent over 1 million dollars for something virtual and I don't understand what people are so obsessed with these that is pretty much not really of any real use.

Games are fun but if you keep spending a lot of money on those game then it is not a good, that's worst and don't compare it with gambling because in here you bet with real money and get real money back in return if you win but that's not the case with games.

The first step, acknowedging the problem are sometime the most important and difficult to take. Until now, I'd never heard of skin gambling, but I think the easy addiction lies precisely on the fact that it doesnot initially involve "real money," like gambling at casinos. It seems like just fun but when you realized the emotional value of the items, it grows and turns into a major loss of control, with an psychological effects similar that a casino when we get into debt.

Accepting shame are first step... its part of the process. Everyone who loses feels ashamed to talk about it and the silence will only prolong his the pain. He have to break the silence and accept that admitting this isnt a sign of weakness, but rather of courage and strength....  the first step toward your friend opening up and seeking professional help, so encourage them to do it.

Support them, beacaus I thing this is very important to show them dont are alone. Sometimes it is easier to open up to a friend than to a close family member.

I remember some of my friends got involved in DOTA II skin betting. I didn't try it myself. I though it was purely for fun, not as serious as betting real money, which I prefer over skins. I even lost interest chasing after skins eventually.

It's only now that I read about somebody who got addicted to skin betting and is even losing several thousands in dollars. Skin betting sounds childish to me. Of course, I can't relate. I might be wrong about the kind of fun you get to experience from it.

Anyway, I'm glad your friend has completely stopped using gambling websites. Never mind that he's ashamed about his past experiences. What's important is that he's gone past that phase in his life. I hope he keeps it that way.

Another typical story when someone wanted to get rich quickly and easily without much effort. For some reason, everyone thinks, after watching streamers, that they will be able to do the same (in gambling, newcomers also focus on "stars", for example, poker or lucky ones who have won the jackpot). It is impossible for everyone to become rich. :) It's like a zero-sum game: someone must always be a loser.

Your friend, having given up gambling, fell into the same trap with skins. This often happens. Online games have already become deeply embedded in the lives of ordinary people and the organizers of casino these games take advantage of this, creating conditions similar to casinos (causing addiction in pursuit of winning). These can be skins, as in your example, and also, another striking example is loot boxes (paid).

I easily managed to avoid it. I just never played CS:GO. :) I suppose that the way to "leave" a virtual casino is exactly the same as in regular gambling. That is, you just need to focus on other activities to distract your attention, which will instinctively return to gambling out of old habit. You need to find a hobby that captivates you more than gambling.

I think if you call it just “an experience” is kinda undersells mate. it not seems anything harmless to me, although he didnt spent too much time on it but it seems very serious gambling disorder to me even more than sports betting/casino betting, spacially when he is very young guy. seems it is no longer at that level, like just a lesson learned, real harm is awaiting. Yeah you could say he is no longer in it quitting is huge however such shit runs deep. i think this friend could not go through a learning curve, he really needs tools maybe therapy or support group.

From fun become curious and then addicted. That is what could happen to someone who insists on winning. He doesn't realize that using small money is enough to know how the work.

I don't know about skin betting. But it is good if your friend stops using gambling websites. It is not easy to stop after losses but your friend can do that.

No, I'm not into this kind of gambling, CS:GO, but yes, I've heard that this is a growing sports/gaming in the last couple of years already and perhaps there are really horror stories of some individuals, regardless of their social standing, like maybe having a good job that's why they were able to spend a lot of money into it and becoming addicted like your friend. But at least though, he had realized his big mistakes and completely stop.

But just imagine those who can't and still find this sports as somewhat a competition obviously as it involves some kind of money and then there are a lot of them falling into the addiction. I managed to escaped gambling addiction though when I realized that I need to change as my kids is growing up and so my priorities are different now.

Just like any other gambling addiction even this one can be overcomed. First is the acknowledge of the problem by the person, second he needs to desire the recovery with all his own determination and lastly finding a new hobby. Since he is a junior developer he has a lot to learn and pursuing bootcamps, certifications and personal development courses can be his new hobbies which will make him busy for a fairly heavy amount of time and he mostly with the involvement in such activities will probably forget about gambling and any addiction he maybe involved. If none of these works and he still continues then only rehab centers can bring him back to reality.

Things are becoming more advanced this days haven't heard of skin betting as ot may seems fun though but in as much as you play for the fun you play safe and bet with an amount you can afford to lose other than throwing money at any bets that comes your way. I know some person's find it thrilling with betting on different things in regards to them having fun.

Solid perspective acknowledgment really is the foundation of recovery without the first step nothing else sticks connecting it to him being a junior developer makes sense since channeling energy into coding bootcamps or certifications can not only fill the time but also build confidence and open doors having a structured path to focus on can replace the urge to gamble with progress that actually pays off long term.Determination has to come from within otherwise slipping back becomes very easy self motivation mixed with new goals can act like an anchor during the recovery process pursuing personal development learning new skills or even working on passion projects could give him that sense of achievement gambling once tricked him into chasing small wins in coding or completing milestones can deliver real satisfaction and slowly rewire the mindset.

If it becomes too overwhelming or he cant manage it on his own professional help like rehab or therapy might be the safety net he needs some people also benefit from support groups or online spaces where they share progress setbacks and encouragement with others on the same journey connection can break the isolation that often fuels addiction. Accountability partners, friends, mentors, or colleagues can also make a big difference having someone to check in with regularly helps keep momentum alive and reinforces commitment even simple things like a friend asking about progress on a project can shift focus away from gambling and onto healthier pursuits.

If the person is a minor and suffers such shock, I also think that he needs to undergo a full therapy or rehabilitation.  The state of mental shock with a minor often times stays, and unless fixed, it will affect everything in his life.

Maybe you can reach out to him and advise him to talk to his parents about what happened, if you can convince him, then that would be great, but if he doesn't agree with the idea, you can try several times :). Just make it in a friendly manner that won't make him feel uncomfortable

In fact just keep away from streamers won't help out at all, yes it is a begin however I guess it is not enough. i think the reallity is, making hype by using influencer, & campaigning by using celebs literally could rewire anyones brain. I have seen time & time again that skin-gambling content & even celebrity-endorsed promos normalize the way of behaving of youths viewers, making them more vulnerable to run after their digital hope. You know ads hit em extremely hard & push them back into the spiral.

I know skins can be bought, I have a kid who spends on them to upgrade his online character but I honestly had no idea they could be gambled. Now it makes sense: since skins have value, they can be traded, so it’s basically gambling in disguise. Instead of money, they just use skins. Pretty clever setup.

But when it comes to addiction, there’s really no difference compared to gambling with real money.
At the end of the day, skins can be converted to cash or traded, so the same risks apply.

Your friend seems to be experiencing psychological distress after losing more money and feeling depressed, becoming mentally unstable. Don't worry, it's treatable. The first step is to tell his family about his problems and allow them to gently persuade him to see a psychologist. After that, I'm sure everything will be fine, as judging by your story, this is the first time your friend has experienced something like this. This will make recovery easier.


Skin betting isn't new and has been around for a long time. These skins have a certain value and can be used to bet in place of money. I recall there was a casino on this forum that offered this kind of betting, and I once bet using Dota 2 skins, but unfortunately, I forget the name of the site.


Edit : https://www.besoccer.com/new/10-best-csgo-gambling-betting-sites-1325012

Skins on steam games like CS:GO/CA2 is the most popular games that skins has high value and often being use by some casino as currency to bet since there’s a market for this item.

This skin gambling was popular few years ago but now I thought this is not popular already.


You’re right. Skin gambling addiction is worst since it’s more expensive to purchase while it’s market value always depleting due to consistent supply in game.

I have suffered from addiction and know what it means to have little or no control over an activity. Some people are not strong enough to overcome this abnormal behaviour without help. I was able to break free through meditation,  reading, and watching videos on YouTube.  Your friend needs help, and you can assist him.

The first step is for him to realise that he has a problem and is willing to seek help. These days you can access almost every service on the internet.  If he is too shy to visit a local therapist, he could seek help online..

I am sorry for your friends but this become the classic issue with gambling. People must be aware that gambling is like a "show" a mistification of reality
its really hard to be able to win with just few spins in a roulette or slot machines. In the most of cases you will lose a small % of your total but always this is a loss!
If you realize this, you will just stop gambling "seeking the good shot or the jackpot". You will just play for fun or at least you are aware that there is "no luck" :( unfortunately.

fear enough bro, actualy confess & wanting to get better is great  however not enough I will say. i could say firmly that skin gambling actually predicts future gambling harm a lot. imo  if he go through cognitive behavioral therapy then it will surely reduce gambling severity. also practical steps are the main key here, he could do lock devices with blockers like Gamban & use self exclusion to block access. if guilt feelings stop him it is not a rare condition, better you could call a helpline of rehab center or NCPG for confidential support if you are from usa

As a softcore gamer that I am I do know about skin gambling and trades but I've never for once tried it out because my level of gaming addict is not on par with those trading skins or gambling it away with the hope to make more money, I only game to have good time, some are captivating while others are boring.

In the end it's all a fun way to waste some free times away, either skin gambling or not it's still a form of gambling and what happened to your pal is what happens to greedy gamblers everywhere.If those skins are precious to him like it is to some gamers in the world he wouldn't need to gamble it away.

First of all, he does not need to be ashamed of himself because of his addiction or the money he has wasted on skin betting, he should even be happy if he has overcome it and not wasting money on it anymore.

It is still the same things as normal betting. Anyone that is gambling or betting should know when they should stop, especially when they are losing. I have not done anything called skin betting before but I like how I have much more control over myself while betting or gambling.

I don't understand with your thread.

You explain a story where your friend fallen to addiction and he has completely stop gambling, which is good since it might be his best way to cure his addiction.

Then you ask how to cure the addiction, I mean, so which one is fall to addiction? is it you? why you didn't ask your friend how to stop from skin-betting since he was the one who had this experience.

I can tell you that the wave or skin betting has not hit my region yet. Because if it had a lot of persons would have been struggling with each addiction.However, I tell you that virtual football betting addiction, is the curse for the young people living in country. It's almost like they can't stop even when they want to. I have spoken to one who was addicted to it and all they could say is that, they wish they can stop.

actually the Q makes sense if you know how problem gambling work, friend. you know leaving from online website is not cure at all. if you are feeling guilty for any reason then your shame & triggers stick around, if you stay away from online casino for long time relapse is not anything rare case, it is very much habitual. Another thing is streamer hype could reignite hungering cause they are being paid high share by casinos, so how to revamp boundaries is the real Q in here. So write it off as resolved is kinda ignoring the risk, mate.

It is surprising that it's still possible to do this, because I remember steam having a big crackdown in the last few years in an attempt to stop this kind of skin trading. It looks so innocuous and people can get lulled into a false sense of security because it doesn't look like traditional gambling. Combined with the fact that some people will pay the game maker or trade for keys to endlessly unlock crates while chasing super rare items and you have some highly addictive tendencies in this game. It's very lucrative for the game company as well, so they walk the tight rope of not condoning gambling but in reality it is very beneficial for it to grow.

Actually your claim is really effective, sometimes I also think skin gambling is a very light game. Have you read this article?

https://www.talkimg.com/images/2025/09/04/UnsYOo.png (https://egw.news/gaming/news/26483/how-valve-cracked-down-on-cs-go-skin-gambling-a0G08O4OX)

They published a report after many days of research. I see that they dropped cease & desist bombs one screen after another. rolled out a weekly  trade delay & after years banned over 40 accounts tied to gambling, so that they could locking up over $2 million in skins.

So it is certain that they are much more fraudulent than we think. They actually target young & emerging youth more and loot boxes and screens create an serious addiction to gambling. So I cannot call it harmless for this era , still it is definitely profitable and risky too.

I have bad news for your friend. If you ever get addicted like he did, you have to stop engaging in these behaviors for the rest of your life. Someone who was previously addicted can never do the thing that they were addicted to in moderation. This is the consequence or punishment that life gives you for letting things go out of hand.

It would be best to quit cold turkey, never engage in any kind of consumptive spending. Skins, gambling, in game currency, NFTs, nothing. It is impossible to regain boundaries. Accept the hard truth, don't think you are smarter than the whole world.

ChatGPT: Please explain this thread to me like I am 5 years old. You're welcome.  ::)

It is not a new case where a fresher started gambling for fun but later became addicted to gambling and loss everything. Though your friend lost a good amount of money but thanks to God as your friend took decision on time and stopped gambling at the same time your friend is ashamed so I think your friend will never gambling.