Reddit User’s Options Trading Behavior: Analysis of Gambling Disorder Risk

On December 4, 2025 (UTC), a Reddit user (OP) posted about their options trading losses, specifically referencing a SPY 696 call option expiring the same day (0DTE)—a highly speculative instrument due to rapid time decay [0]. The thread generated mixed community responses: a top comment (score 104) directly labeled the OP’s trade as evidence of a gambling problem, while other comments ranged from encouraging admission as a recovery step to advising continued gambling with more deposits [0].

The OP’s self-admission that they “can’t help but reinvest in options when they get money” aligns with DSM-5 criterion 3 for gambling disorder, which requires repeated unsuccessful efforts to control problematic gambling behavior [1]. Although a full diagnosis would need confirmation of 4+ DSM-5 criteria over 12 months, this self-reported loss of control represents a critical red flag [1]. The high liquidity of SPY (a S&P 500 ETF) and the extreme risk of 0DTE options amplify the potential harm of the OP’s behavior [0].

1. Community Recognition of Problematic Trading
   : The top comment’s high score (104) reflects widespread community awareness that the OP’s 0DTE trade exhibits characteristics of gambling [0].
2. Loss of Control as a Core Indicator
   : The OP’s self-admitted inability to curb reinvesting, despite recognizing harm, is a defining symptom of gambling disorder per clinical criteria [1].
3. 0DTE Options Amplify Risk
   : The inherent time decay of same-day expiration options means they require near-perfect market timing to profit, making them particularly conducive to impulsive, gambling-like behavior [0].

• For the OP: Continued trading risks worsening financial losses, emotional distress, and strained personal/professional relationships—core impacts of gambling disorder [1].
• For the community: Mixed responses (including encouragement of harmful behavior) could normalize the OP’s problematic trading, delaying recognition and recovery [0].

• The OP’s self-awareness (recognizing their situation is “bad”) is a critical first step toward addressing potential gambling disorder [1].
• Professional diagnosis and treatment (available for behavioral addictions) could help the OP regain control [1].

The Reddit user’s 0DTE SPY option trade and self-reported inability to stop reinvesting raise significant concerns about gambling disorder. 0DTE options are inherently high-risk due to rapid time decay, and community responses include both warning signs and harmful encouragement. A definitive DSM-5 diagnosis requires additional details (e.g., trading history, financial/relational impacts), but current indicators warrant serious attention. This analysis provides objective context to understand the behavioral and clinical implications of the OP’s actions.