Gambling Addiction, Shame, and Starting Over — Tony Kelly’s Story
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into the hidden struggles behind professional sport — and few stories capture that journey more powerfully than Tony Kelly’s.
A former professional footballer who made history at just 16 with Bristol City, Tony went on to play over 200 league games across six clubs. But while his career looked like a dream from the outside, behind closed doors, Tony was battling a devastating gambling addiction that cost him over £500,000, three houses, three cars, a 20-year relationship — and nearly everything he had.
In 2010, after hitting rock bottom and filing for bankruptcy, Tony chose to turn his pain into purpose.
Today, he’s a published author of 3 books; My Redemption, Red Card and Red Card: A Bet You Can Win!, a public speaker, and the founder of the RED CARD Gambling Support Project, helping to educate young people and advocate for gambling reform across the UK.
In this episode, we cover:
• Why athletes are more vulnerable to gambling harm
• The psychological roots of addiction in high-pressure environments
• The long-term impact of gambling into midlife and beyond
• How to recognise the early signs of gambling addiction
• What recovery looks like — and where to start
• What clubs, organisations, and families can do to help tackle this hidden epidemic
• Tony’s raw, honest journey from breakdown to breakthrough
Whether you’ve experienced gambling addiction yourself, know someone struggling, or want to understand the silent crisis impacting lives across the country — this conversation is essential listening.
Tune in now — and please share it with someone who needs to hear this.
Connect with Tony Kelly:
RED CARD Project: https://redcardgambling.org/
My Redemption: https://www.amazon.co.uk/MY-REDEMPTION-TONY-KELLY-ebook/dp/B0DSLWDYXH
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