I know ...I get frustrated too and need to vent. My cousin is the same way ...loves to gamble and can afford it. I can't. Am I angry now that I'm not out there gambling with her ? NOPE ....not one bit. I'm so sick of the emotional ups and downs......mostly downs. My son who knows I like to gamble said to me recently ....Mom ...when you feel the urge to gamble ...takes some money...put it in a jar and then go do something else. He said you will be surprised at how much you will save in short time. He doesn't know I have been saving and he's right !!!

Oh boy, goodie for her, she "gets" to gamble and look a little "crazy" and "wild-eyed". AND she 'gets' to drive 2 hours each way every time. NOT where I want to go - I feel nothing but sadness and fear for her. (But then I have nothing invested.) She is likely frenzied, in mental chaos internally and dead broke all the time. She has made a tiny effort, (self-banning locally), so I am guessing she knows she has a problem. You really would not want to trade places with her. I know I don't. However, it is people in that condition that help me stay abstinent. People stuck in a hell I know too well. I feel for them, I don't tend to try to help them unless they complain about life or ask directly for help. Handing her a card with the national problem gambling helpline number might be what she needs.
As far as the money she owes you, I would hold her accountable. You could ask her for it, or some of it every time you see her. You could take her to small claims court for not a lot out of pocket. (I think you can go up to 10K now - but it might differ from state to state.) Even if you win in small claims court, unless she has money in a bank account or other assets or a job you may not be able to collect. If she files for bankruptcy you have to get in line if it is chapter 13, and forget it if chapter 7. Did you make her sign anything? Or do you have any texts from her admitting she owes you money? If not, you probably need to think about it as water under the bridge.
Ultimately, the important thing here, is to not allow yourself to think that she is getting ahead by gambling or having a great time, or is somehow better off in hell than you are without your $ and without gambling.
Gambling almost cost me my life, and I know I looked just like her at some point before my suicide attempts. This is important to your own abstinence. Do your best, to think about how blessed you are that you are no longer doing that crazy life of chaos. I am blessed that I have no desire to gamble today.

Well said Qwit !!! When I first came to this site ....I wasn't sure I could stay away from gambling ......nor did I feel that I wanted to.......even though I said I did . only to a point ...but something in me secretly wanted not to give it up. .....I felt jealous of people who gambled ...Like I was missing out. I think we all feel that at some point......now .thousands of dollars later and so bloody sick of it ....I'm at the stage that I really see how stupid and crazy it really is and I don't miss it one bit !!!

healing57, This is the best kind of post, straight from your heart. Being aware of your feelings makes them easier to express with words. Jealousy, she gets to gamble and you don’t. Poof, gone. It was rude of her to talk about gambling just yesterday in front of you, and at the same casino. She triggered some bad memories for you, that’s so understandable. Recognize the fact that those bad memories don’t need acting on. They don’t feel good, but they require no further action on your part. Hopefully you won’t run into her again any time soon.
Vent on. We’re here for you.
Today I will not gamble

Thanks everyone. I feel better with some input from people who understand. It was rude of her to talk about it. I know I will never get the money back .She is poor and she never had any intentions to pay me back. I know I can't gamble. Most of the time I am fine with that. I have played gambling games since I was a teenager. I miss the socialization of it. but I still play non-gambling games. I am blessed. I have 14 months gf time. Even though I am a little bored without all the chaos, I know I am better off. Today I will not gamble.