What was a desperate thing you've done when money was tight?
Sounds like gambling paid off for you.Many years ago I was out in S. London at a regular venue. I had overspent but thought I still had enough to get home. I didn't. So I went to a 24/7 petrol station and bought a lottery scratch card for £1, I won £10, bought another 5 and ended up winning more money than I had gone out with in the first place.
Whilst at University one week I had little money left until my next student payment, I didn't want to ask mum for money so I took £5 to the local casino and played blackjack for half an hour or so, I came out with about £100.
Sounds like gambling paid off for you.