Gambling Addiction Took His Son, Apps Continued Bonus Offers

GamblingHarm.org’s Brian Pempus spoke for about an hour with Pittsburgh-area resident Ray Mikesell, who lost his beloved 24-year-old son, Ray Jr., in 2024 to an online gambling addiction.

His son was on the verge of eviction from his home when he took his own life. Mikesell said Pennsylvania-sanctioned gambling apps continued to send his deceased son bonus offers to his phone after he died.

In June 2026, a new bill inspired by the life of Ray’s son was introduced into the Pennsylvania Legislature. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Jason Ortitay, could help prevent underage access to state-sanctioned gambling apps in schools.

“If this legislation helps even one person, it is worth it,” Mikesell said. “This is for my son.”

Listen to Mikesell’s story and fight to prevent other gambling-related deaths.

Gambling addiction has the highest rates of suicide among recognized addictions, according to numerous studies.

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