In this episode of ALL IN The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast with Brian Hatch, Alyx Effron, Founder of Collectors MD, joins the show for an eye-opening conversation about where collecting ends and gambling begins.

Alyx shares his lived experience on both sides: a lifelong collector of sports cards, memorabilia, sneakers, and more—and someone who’s battled the highs, lows, and consequences of gambling addiction. He explains how today’s hobby culture, especially breaks and high-risk products, mirrors the dopamine loops of casinos and sportsbooks, pulling people into cycles of chasing, secrecy, and financial harm.

Brian responds throughout with honesty and perspective, comparing the hidden risks of card collecting to his own gambling journey.

Together, they cover:

• How pack ripping and live breaks mimic slot machines—and why the odds of “hitting big” are even worse.
• The emotional and financial fallout—debt, shame, and fractured relationships.
• Why kids are especially vulnerable in a hobby that normalizes risk-reward behaviors with no guardrails.
• The blurred line between nostalgia and compulsion—and what makes collecting uniquely complicated compared to gambling.
• What Collectors MD offers—weekly peer-support meetings, daily reflections, community contributions, and a growing referral network of therapists and recovery partners.

This episode isn’t about tearing down the hobby. It’s about having honest conversations so people can enjoy collecting without losing themselves in the process.

If you’ve ever felt the line blur between fun and compulsion, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe, comment, and join the movement. And remember: collect with intention, not compulsion.

Watch The Episode On YouTube

Learn More & Join The Movement:

Website: collectorsmd.com

Socials: hopp.bio/collectorsmd

Weekly Meeting Sign-Up: bit.ly/45koiMX

Contact: info@collectorsmd.com

YouTube: @collectorsmd

Instagram: @collectorsmd

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