The Jackpot: Regaining What You Lose Beyond the Win

At the point of bankruptcy, Frederick W. Smith, the founder of FedEx, took the company’s last resources to Las Vegas.

In a risky game of blackjack, he won just enough to cover a crucial fuel bill. That gamble kept FedEx alive. Today, FedEx is a global logistics giant.

Are you thinking what we’re thinking?

Don’t conclude yet.

You’ve probably seen jackpot stories like this: someone who turned a small amount of money into a life-changing fortune overnight. These stories are seductive. They give the impression that the road to success is just one “lucky” decision away.

But pause for a moment and think:

• Why did Frederick choose gambling as his last resort?
• What if Smith had lost that night?
• How many people try the same gamble but never make the news?
• Had Frederick developed a compulsive behaviour towards gambling, would FedEx ever have survived?

The truth is: For every Frederick Smith story you read, there are millions of silent stories of people who gambled and lost everything. This is even worse among young people.

The Rising Tide of Gambling Among Young People

The gambling industry is booming, especially online. Research shows that gambling addiction is on the rise among young people worldwide. Betting apps, football odds, and casino-style games have made it easier than ever to gamble. According to the World Health Organisation, industry analysts estimate global gambling revenue will reach US$700 billion by 2028. But what is the true cost for young gamblers?

To better understand the psychology of young gamblers, we conducted an experiment.

We asked three questions:

1. Can you trust gamblers with money?
2. What is the probability that one bet will win out of ten?
3. By their outcome, can we convince the participants to start learning high-value skills?

Here’s what we did:

• We found two young gamblers and made an arrangement.
• We would provide funding, but the money would be handed to the one who spends almost his entire day monitoring live football scores and placing bets.
• They were asked to collaborate, place 10 bets, and report the outcome.

The Outcome

1. The one who received the money spent it all by himself.
2. He failed to give a proper report of the 10 bets.
3. When questioned, he said none of the bets succeeded.
4. The second participant — who did not control the money — requested instead to learn skills that guarantee sustainability.
5. Months later, we discovered that 1 out of the 10 bets had actually succeeded — meaning there was at least some potential gain.
6. He completed the cycle of gambling addiction: win, risk more, get more desperate, and lose it all. Yes, he lost the money.
7. The first participant’s refusal to share and lack of accountability made the entire experiment a lesson in trust and sustainability.

This experiment revealed something powerful: gambling not only drains money, but also relationships, trust, and long-term thinking. But what if you gambling doesn’t affect your personality?

Question to Ask Yourself

1. How do you feel when you lose?
Does one loss ruin your mood, your day, or even your relationships?

2. How long do you dwell on bets?
Does gambling consume your thoughts when you should be studying, working, or resting?

3. How much money have you lost?
Has it eaten into your savings, forced you to borrow, or left you in debt?

4. Do your loved ones notice?
Are they worried? Have they already tried to talk to you?

5. Is gambling still fun, or a coping mechanism?
Sometimes what starts as a game becomes an escape from real issues.

6. Are you in control, or is it controlling you?
Freedom is key to a healthy lifestyle. Losing control is a red flag.

7. What will it cost you tomorrow?
Will gambling cause financial strain in your family or erode trust with your spouse?

By now, you might ask: What if I have no alternatives?

Why Your Skills Beat Get-Rich-Quick Schemes

In the end, the one thing that outshines gambling and quick wins is your skills.

Your skills are like open cheques. With the right network, marketing, scale, and attitude, you determine how much you deserve. That’s the difference between betting on chance and investing in yourself.

Skills can be a source of motivation, entertainment, and income. But that’s not all.

1. Skills don’t have a price tag — only the value you place on them. Many beginners who invested time in learning have scaled up into successful careers and businesses.
2. Skills help you build a consistent customer base. Unlike betting, customers keep returning when they trust your value. Even going broke on Monday doesn’t require your reinvestment on Tuesday; just show up.
3. Skills provide stability. They enable you to invest and sustain things that pay you even when you’re not actively working. Isn’t the main goal freedom?
4. Skills can become a functional business. With the right structure, your skills can grow into a system that outlives you.
5. Skills enhance your professional experience. You are more likely to get a high-paying job when you are skilled.
6. Skills shape your character­. You eventually develop discipline, patience, creativity, and time management skills. These are qualities you need in your personal and professional life.

Let’s be real: Gambling can give you a win once in a while, but skills guarantee you a lifetime of sustainable wins. You can always adapt your approach to get the best result.

The Real Jackpot

Winning a bet may give you money, but it can also cost you trust, focus, and the discipline to build real value. The real jackpot is not in placing the right bet but in investing in yourself, your skills, and your future.

That’s why we invite you to enroll in Huggers’ Youth Mentorship. Here, we help young people develop skills, mindsets, and networks that secure long-term success.

If you feel trapped in the cycle of betting or struggling with the temptation of quick money, our counsellor is available to assist you. You don’t have to walk the journey alone; there is a healthier, more rewarding path.

Join Huggers’ Youth Mentorship today. The jackpot you’re looking for is already inside you.

Click here to visit the Department of Youth Development.

References and Resources:

• World Health Organization – Gambling Fact Sheet
• Statista – Global Gambling Market Data
• National Council on Problem Gambling – ncpgambling.org
• Gambling Commission (UK) – gamblingcommission.gov.uk
• American Psychiatric Association – What is Gambling Disorder?
• Derevensky, J.L. & Gupta, R. (2007). Internet Gambling Among Youth: A Growing Concern. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.