You don't need to have the same experience to give someone sound advice - what you need is a solution to solve the problem. Gamblers often underestimate many things, including the financial risks they'll face in the future - including plans to take out loans to gamble. It's true that there's a drive to go to extremes and gamble beyond their means - this is because they believe in a chance of winning that isn't guaranteed. Stop the plan if you really want not get involved in trouble - but otherwise, just ignore it and move on.