Warning: This article contains discussion of gambling addiction which some readers may find distressing.
A former gambling addict has opened up about her regret of joining OnlyFans to pay off her debts.
At the peak of Elisha Cook's seven-year gambling addiction, she racked up £20,000 worth of debts from mobile slot machines.
Now 28, the mum from Bournemouth has revealed that she has 'lost around £200,000 from gambling in total'.
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The TikTok creator, who joined OnlyFans in April 2024, said: "I was just trying to make money [on the slot machines], but it was enjoyable as well when I was in the zone, thinking about the potential of a big win.
"I turned £10 into £20, so I thought I could double larger amounts.
"Next I turned £1,000 into £6,000, then I would go and spend that money back.
"It was like entering a different world. Then I'd step out of it after and think 'what have I just done?'"
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Desperate to pay off her debts, she worked 80 hours a week as both a carer and a factory worker.
Elisha then switched to making OnlyFans content because 'it was an opportunity to make money'.
"It wouldn't have crossed my mind before," she said.
"My daughter was at school then, so I needed to be there at 3pm. I couldn't work 80 hours a week anymore.
"Having sex became about work rather than joy, pleasure and intimacy.
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"I didn't want to do it anymore so I closed it down, it's not something that I'm proud of."
Although she made thousands from selling adult-rated content, her earnings were still being spent on gambling.
In June 2024, Elisha closed the account after telling her mum the truth about the struggles of her addiction.
"A lot of women are ashamed and embarrassed, they don't want to tell their families because they're scared of the judgement," the mum admitted.
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"My mum took control of my finances, I could talk to her whenever I was scared I was going to relapse.
"You have to use the determination you have for gambling to fight to get your life back.
"I'm making the most of every day. I missed my twenties and I'm not going to let it ruin the next ten years."
Elisha is now sharing her story online to raise awareness about the severity of gambling addictions and 'how much better her life is without it'.
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"You just have to keep trying, you can't give up, even if you have relapses," she added.
"You have to tell yourself it doesn't matter how many times you fall, you have to keep picking yourself up every time. Keep going and eventually you will get there.
"You have to use the determination you have for gambling to fight to get your life back."
Please gamble responsibly. For help, support and advice about problem gambling, contact the National Gambling Helpline anytime on 0808 8020 133
Topics: Adult Industry, Gambling, Money, OnlyFans, TikTok, UK News, Mental Health
Anish Vij