How did poker and gambling affect Johnny Hamcheck's life?

Johnny Hamcheck told Theo Von that gambling was his worst addiction, outlasting 13 years without drugs or alcohol. Chasing a World Series of Poker bracelet, he says he ruined himself financially many times, damaged his marriage and fell into years of tax debt. His best result was $17,000 for second place in one tournament. He quit on 1 August after losing about $7,000 in a day at the Seminole Hard Rock in Florida.

• Hamcheck traces it to seventh grade, betting dollars on a dice game called Chuck-a-luck at the West Jefferson Ox Roast fair.
• Hamcheck says he once ignored the IRS for seven years because of what was taken from his pay.
• Hamcheck says gambling kept him from being present with his son even though he never missed a game.

▸In their words

“the gambling was the biggest monster, man.” Johnny Hamcheck · at 50:50 — open in the transcript →

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von (2026-10-21). Read the whole episode summary →

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