In the final episode of The Invisible Addiction Paul Buck shares his harrowing gambling addiction story.
This is a Podcast not to be missed. 🛑
Paul covers a wide range of topics including:
- How he started gambling whilst at University of Leeds
- Winning his first bet, placing £10 each way on a horse race 🏇
- How his addiction progressed, transacting £4.8m across 93 betting accounts, losing £1.3m and spending £434,000 in fraudulent money from his workplace Santander 💷
- His time owning 2 race horses and 16 greyhounds
- His time as a VIP member
- 16 credit cards and loans with a £180,00 credit limit 💳
- Attempting to take his own life
- Handing himself into the police
- Getting sentenced to 2 years 8 months in prison
- Opening up in the police interview, telling them about his gambling for the first time
- The help he received, including important support from Dr Henrietta Bowden-Jones (OBE) in London ❤️
- His experience of prison and helping others learn to read
- How he started EPIC Risk Management - the world's leading independent gambling harm minimisation consultancy
- His thoughts on the Gambling Act Review in the UK 🇬🇧
- Advice for others experiencing gambling problems (to talk) and tips for people in recovery (not to let gambling define your life) 📈
We're also joined by Steven Nyandu, Safer Gambling Advisor for Betknowmore UK, who shares his experiences of working in prisons and supporting prisoners for gambling related harm. Steven speaks eloquently and offers plenty of thoughts on what more can be done for the future. 👍
Check out Steven's video clip on Victoria Derbyshire: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid...
It's a jam-packed episode that I'm hugely excited to share with you.
It's the final episode of this series so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for tuning in, and a massive thank you to all of our amazing guests!
I'll be back soon with another series. In the meantime do lookout for some Vlogs on YouTube.
Speak soon!
Alex 😄
***
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:38 Paul Buck (Part 1)
51:27 Steven Nyandu
01:07:05 Paul Buck (Part 2)
***
ℹ️ LINKS ℹ️
EPIC Risk Management:
Website: https://www.epicriskmanagement.com/
Twitter: @epicpgc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicriskman...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic...
Peer Aid:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AidPeer
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-suppor...
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop and Betknowmore UK.
***
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
***
✅ Betknowmore UK are a UK charity helping people take back control of their life from gambling. Betknowmore UK was established by individuals with lived experience of gambling harms, who now use that insight and knowledge to help others.
Website: https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Betknowmore
In this episode Alex Norris, Labour MP for Nottingham North and Shadow Public Health Minister, shares his views on the UK gambling landscape. 🇬🇧
It’s an interesting interview – Alex answered many of my questions (often interrogation!) – with honesty and dignity.
We covered a wide range of topics in the Podcast including:
* What is the difference between health and public health?
* Alex’s thoughts on the Football Index scandal. ⚽️
* Has lockdown been a breeding ground for gambling addiction?
* What are Alex’s thoughts on the normalisation of gambling to young people in this country?
* How would Alex make gambling safer?
* How do we get more people into treatment for gambling addiction? 📈
* Is prevention better than cure?
* How do we prevent gambling related suicide?
* What is Labour’s point of view on gambling related harm?
There’s also a couple of questions Alex answers from Twitter. Thank you to Privateer and GamblingInsight for their questions.
A massive thank you to Alex for coming onto the Podcast. It was interesting to hear from an MP and to see how the land lies in the UK.
We get in at the deep end pretty quickly and Alex shares his views especially around his local constituency of Nottingham and Nottingham Forest’s relationship with Football Index, as well as his views on the Gambling Act Review in the UK.
I’m really excited to share the conversation with you!
Alex
***
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
06:34 Alex’s thoughts on Football Index scandal?
14:47 How would Alex make gambling safer?
26:24 How do we get more people into treatment?
47:01 What is Labour’s point of view on gambling related harm?
***
✉️ Email Alex Norris:
alex.norris.mp@parliament.uk
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop.
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
ℹ️ Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
📞 National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
In this episode Jack Symons, founder and Chief Executive of Gamban, shares his gambling addiction story.
When did he start gambling?
When did it start to become a problem?
How did his gambling addiction lead him to start Gamban and help others?
What advice and tips does he have for others experiencing gambling problems?
What are his thoughts on the UK Gambling Act Review?
Jack speaks eloquently and candidly about his story. From starting out as a young man gambling on poker, to then playing faster, more addictive casino games like roulette, blackjack and online slot machines.
He shares plenty of advice and tips for you, and shares the story behind founding Gamban, and what challenges the company faces moving forward.
It's a fascinating journey to hear, and one that I hope you'll enjoy listening to.
I found it hugely inspiring.
Thanks once again to Jack for appearing on the Podcast!
***
⏱️ Timestamps:
04:15 How did Jack get into gambling?
21:10 What advice and tips does Jack have for others experiencing gambling problems?
30:44 What would you like to see implemented in the UK Gambling Act Review?
***
Check out Gamban's website: https://gamban.com/
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop.
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
ℹ️ Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
📞 National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
In this episode Brian Hatch shares his gambling addiction story.
Brian is the host of All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast, which he founded in 2015. As far as I’m aware, it was the first of its kind in the world. With nearly 250 episodes, it’s well worth checking out. You might remember Jeffrey Wasserman from Podcast 20, who co-hosts alongside Brian? They are both brilliant guys. I love ‘em!
In the Podcast Brian speaks at length about how he started gambling and how it progressed, from blackjack to roulette to slot machines in American casinos. There are some emotional moments in the Podcast, as Brian delicately details his father’s death, and opens up about a dangerous car accident he was fortunate to escape from.
We have a proper heart to heart and Brian talks about how his best friend Chris helped him get help for his gambling. Brian started with Gambler’s Anonymous and suffered a relapse after his father’s death. He attended it some more afterwards, before releasing stories on the All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast, with Chris asking the questions.
Brian is a former stand-up/improv comedian, and he documents his journey from starting out to the stage. We also talk a little bit about music, and life in general.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this one.
Hopefully you enjoy it as much as Brian and I did!
Alex 😌
***
⏱️Timestamps:
01:59 Brian's background and experience
03:29 How did Brian get into gambling?
22:44 'You have a problem and you need to go get help' - Starting at Gambler's Anonymous
41:41 'The last place I placed a bet was at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, July 23rd 2014'
1:12:45 What advice and tips does Brian have for others who want to stop gambling and recover?
***
⬇️ Check out 'All In: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast' ⬇️
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3YJVMZhsHlrQq3PKf6p7mo
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/all-in-the-addicted-gamblers-podcast/id956747473
✉️ Email Brian: leestreetpod@gmail.com
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop.
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
ℹ️ Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
📞 National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
In this episode Bobbie ‘The Awesome’ Malatesta, shares her gambling addiction story with us.
Owner of multiple businesses and podcaster (3-21 No Kiddin’), Bobbie has overcome personal and professional challenges to help clients in both the business and addiction areas. 🙌
I wanted to find out more.
When did she start gambling? 🤔
How did she stop? (She experienced a relapse). 🛑
How has she been able to move on with her life after gambling and help others? 💁
Bobbie was awesome to speak to and she doesn’t hold back, with raw honesty and openness. I really enjoyed our conversation!
And in another special feature for the Podcast, in this episode we’re also joined by Liz Riley, research and evaluation manager at Betknowmore UK, and Jean Mulleary, one of the co-ordinators on the Peer Aid Service. 🙏
I wanted to find out what made them want to work in the charity sector and specifically the problem gambling area? ❤️
How do they hope their work will have an impact in the future? 📈
What are the main differences women may have compared to the struggle’s men may have? 🚺 🚹
We don’t often hear from women on the Podcast, so it was great to get a ‘round-the-table’ look at the wider picture of women and gambling.
I'm hugely excited to share the Podcast with you!
***
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Bobbie (part 1)
37:58 Liz Riley & Jean Mulleary
56:23 Bobbie (part 2)
***
ℹ️ LINKS ℹ️
Bobbie:
Email: bobbie@321NoKiddin.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/321NoKiddin
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bobbietheawesome_321nokiddin
Pinterest: www.pinterest.ph/bobbiemalatesta
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiemalatesta
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCkUV58i4z2Se3jXuDldcXaA
Website: www.321nokiddin.com
***
Peer Aid:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AidPeer
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/find-local-treatment/gamcare-london/peer-aid/
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop.
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
***
✅ Betknowmore UK are a UK charity helping people take back control of their life from gambling. Betknowmore UK was established by individuals with lived experience of gambling harms, who now use that insight and knowledge to help others.
Website: https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Betknowmore
In this episode Kieron shares his harrowing gambling addiction story.
I wanted to find out more:
- When did he start gambling? 🤔
- How did he stop gambling? 🛑
- What made recovery different this time, after an initial relapse? ✅
Kieron speaks brilliantly and offers up some amazing advice and tips for others experiencing gambling problems and poor mental health.
I was lucky enough to feature on his brilliant YouTube Channel 'Second Chance: Addiction' a few months ago, and this is very much the ‘return leg’ (if you’ll pardon the football analogy!).
Kieron sheds light on his story, from starting gambling as a young kid, betting in the bookies on FOBTs, to his experience of Gambler’s Anonymous.
It’s a fascinating journey, that is full of despair, but also one of hope and inspiration. 👍
I’m really excited to share the conversation with you, it’s one I’ve been looking forward to sharing with you for quite some time!
In this episode Nick shares his gambling addiction story for the first time.
Nick has overcome two relapses and so I wanted to find out more.
- Was football the gateway into gambling? ⚽
- What was his experience of betting in the bookies? 🤔
- What advice and tips does he have for others wanting to overcome a gambling addiction? ✅
Nick is a brilliant guy. He ran a successful FIFA YouTube Channel Ingoodnick before setting up the YouTube Channel ‘The Sheff Utd Way’, that has over 12,000 subscribers and garnered over 3 million views! 👏
In the Podcast Nick covers a range of topics, from the roulette machine in bookies, to online betting on football and tennis, the use of pay day loans, FIFA loot boxes, and how useful Step Change (a government approved debt help) has been. 📈
It’s the first time Nick has shared his story, and I hope you will join me in welcoming his share.
It’s a little rough round the edges, (me, not him!), and it’s more of a conversation as opposed to a strict interview.
I’m hugely excited to share it with you!
Alex 😌
***
⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:31 Nick's background and experience
07:01 How Nick got into gambling
35:51 How prevalent are loot boxes among FIFA users?
50:49 Tennis betting
1:04:27 What advice and tips does Nick have for others wanting to overcome gambling?
***
Link to Nick's YouTube Channel 'The Sheff Utd Way': https://www.youtube.com/user/MrNickwylie
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop.
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
***
⬇️ FOLLOW or MESSAGE The Invisible Addiction on social media ⬇️
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddictInvisible
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinvisibl ...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinvisible ...
***
💬 Fancy a confidential chat? Get in touch with me now 💬
Email: info@theinvisibleaddiction.com
***
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This is an informational Podcast. If you are experiencing gambling problems please do seek professional help. Links to support can be found on The Invisible Addiction website.
https://www.theinvisibleaddiction.com/support
In this episode Mike, a former bookie for Betfred in Sheffield, shares his stories, experiences and opinions with us.
- What were his experiences of dealing with customers who had gambling problems? 🤔
- How would he make gambling safer?
- What are his thoughts on gambling football sponsorship? ⚽️
Mike is a great guy whom I met on The Big Step event. He’s walked every single mile of every single event of theirs, and is taking part in the next walk, from Scotland to Wembley! 🏴 🏴
We spoke at length at The Big Step walk from Coventry to Leicester (followers of The Invisible Addiction Vlog will recognise Mike, as he features heavily in The Big Step Vlog!). We had a two-hour discussion during the walk, and I was left thinking: “I wished I’d recorded that!”.
Fast forward a few months and it was great to chat with Mike. 😃
He’s such a fountain of knowledge, and it was really interesting to hear from a person who’s worked behind the counter at a bookies. We got in at the deep end with a wide range of topics, so strap yourselves in for a big’un! 💪
Thanks so much for listening!
Alex 😄
***
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:59 How did you end up working at a bookmakers?
16:29 Can you tell us more about your experience of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs)?
33:07 What is the training process like for a bookmaker to spot a problem gambler?
43:52 How did you get involved in The Big Step project?
01:17:15 Loot Boxes
01:24:04 How would you make gambling safer in the future?
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop.
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
***
⬇️ FOLLOW or MESSAGE The Invisible Addiction on social media ⬇️
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AddictInvisible
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theinvisibl...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinvisible...
***
💬 Fancy a confidential chat? Get in touch with me now 💬
Email: info@theinvisibleaddiction.com
***
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This is an informational Podcast. If you are experiencing gambling problems please do seek professional help. Links to support can be found on The Invisible Addiction website.
https://www.theinvisibleaddiction.com/support
In this episode of The Invisible Addiction Podcast, James Grimes shares his highly relatable gambling addiction story.
James is former football youth coach with Sheffield United, Doncaster Rovers and Peterborough United among his former clubs, and so I wanted to find out more. ⚽️
- How did gambling get in the way of a promising coaching career?
- How did James stop gambling and get help?
- How did he start The Big Step? 🤔
‘I lost all my student loan and grant the day I got it’ – James Grimes
‘I’d roam around Sheffield looking for 20p’ – James Grimes
‘I want people to know it’s not your own fault’ – James Grimes
James shares a story that will be highly relatable to many - James started gambling via football accumulators, then started betting on the roulette machine in bookies, and then started betting online, on football matches at all hours of the day around the world. 🌎
James is now one of the UK’s leading campaigners who’s tackling footballs relationship with gambling. He formed The Big Step, which is a campaign he founded with Gambling with Lives.
You can find out more about The Big Step, including information about their upcoming walk from Scotland to Wembley. 🚶♀️🚶♂️
ℹ️ LINKS ℹ️
Website: https://the-bigstep.com/home
Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_bigstep
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigstepdotcom/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bigstep/
Thanks so much for listening!
Alex 😄
***
⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:20 James Grimes introduction
05:39 How did you start gambling?
28:13 What were the first steps of recovery like?
39:15 Would you like to see football end its relationship with gambling?
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop.
✅ TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
Hello & Welcome to Series 4 of The Invisible Addiction Podcast!
We are joined by Ben Hamilton, founder of Kickin’ The Punt, who shares his moving gambling addiction story with us. Ben speaks with refreshing honesty and offers up inspirational advice and tips for people in recovery.
‘Always remember your life is a lot better without gambling’ – Ben Hamilton
We are also joined by Matt Blanks, service manager of Peer Aid, a new peer support service for those affected by gambling harms.
‘There are other people out there like you that have had similar experiences’ – Matt Blanks
Thank you so much for listening.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:23 Ben Hamilton (Part 1)
24:41 Matt Blanks
44:35 Ben Hamilton (Part 2)
***
LINKS
Kickin’ The Punt Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/59648...
Peer Aid
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AidPeer
***
With very special thanks to the sponsors of this episode, TalkBanStop and Betknowmore UK.
***
TalkBanStop is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
National Gambling Helpline (Open 24/7): 0808 8020 133
***
Betknowmore UK are a UK charity helping people take back control of their life from gambling. Betknowmore UK was established by individuals with lived experience of gambling harms, who now use that insight and knowledge to help others.
Website: https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Betknowmore
In the final episode of The Invisible Addiction Podcast, Peer Recovery Specialist and former US Lawyer Jeffrey Wasserman shares his moving gambling addiction story.
How did he start gambling?
What impact did his gambling addiction have on his work and home life?
What is life like now that he is 5+ years free from gambling…?
Jeff is based over in the USA and is a problem gambling expert, appearing at countless national conferences in America. He is the founder of The Problem Gambling Support Group via Zoom, with hundreds of members across the globe. And besides all this (!), he finds the time to co-host ‘All In: The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast’. (A brilliant gambling addiction recovery Podcast he co-hosts with Brian – highly recommended listening!).
It was nothing but a privilege to talk with Jeff, and hear his inspirational journey, and words of wisdom.
The Podcast is jam-packed with positivity and hope for people looking to turn their life around after gambling problems.
Here's a rough breakdown of the conversation:
00:00 Hearing more about Jeff’s background and experience
3:52 Jeff’s first exposure to gambling
12:58 Jeff’s experiences of playing casino slot machines
27:31 ‘I had a plan that I was either going to flee the country or end my life’
49:52 How did you get involved with the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems?
1:06:07 ‘There’s always opportunity and hope for people to recover’
***
You can reach out to Jeff on Twitter:
@JPWdel1955
Visit the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems website:
https://www.deproblemgambling.org/
***
This Podcast is proudly sponsored by TalkBanStop which is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey:
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
***
Finally, thank you so much for tuning in to Series 3. I’ll be back soon with Series 4 in the next few months.
Take care,
Alex.
In this episode of The Invisible Addiction Podcast former Police Officer, Colin Bland, shares his harrowing gambling addiction story.
How did Colin start gambling?
What impact did his gambling addiction have on him, and others around him?
How did he stop gambling, and get help…?
Since retiring from the Police, Colin has spent time as a drugs/alcohol worker, and now works for Citizens Advice Gambling Support Service in Yorkshire, which delivers training and raises awareness to reduce gambling harms across the region.
He is an amazing man, who shares a powerful, courageous and honest story, that will be highly relatable to many of us with tales from the bookies to talking through the devastation gambling has on your mental health.
I’m hugely excited to share it with you!
Here's a rough breakdown of the conversation:
00:00 Introductions and hearing about Colin’s time as a Police Officer and how he ended up working for Citizens Advice
11:54 What signposts do Citizens Advice offer for people with gambling problems?
17:16 How did Colin start betting/get into gambling?
32:05 ‘Mentally I was exhausted’
42:19 ‘Every problem I’ve had, you can trace back to the gambling’
52:39 How did Colin get help/stop gambling?
103:28 Colin talks about his joy helping others in their recovery
***
You can reach out to Colin on Twitter: @GambleSupportYH
Visit the Citizens Advice website: www.calderdalecab.org.uk
***
This Podcast is proudly sponsored by TalkBanStop which is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
In this episode of The Invisible Addiction Podcast, former Radio Presenter and pay day loans campaigner, Danny Cheetham, shares his gambling addiction story and views on the current gambling situation in the UK.
I wanted to find out how Danny ended up campaigning against pay day loans?
What was Danny’s experience of playing on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in the bookies?
How would he make gambling safer in the future…?
It’s a back-and-forth type conversation, full of opinions and insight from Danny.
We cover a wide range of topics, from the use of pay day loans, online slots, gambling sport sponsorships, the current Gambling Act Review in the UK, and his time co-presenting alongside Rowetta from Happy Mondays.
I’m super grateful to Danny for appearing on The Invisible Addiction Podcast and I’m hugely excited to share the conversation with you!
Here's a rough breakdown of the conversation:
00:00 Introductions and hearing about Danny’s Radio Presenting background
5:19 How did he get into pay day loan campaigning?
18:17 Lunch break gambling at the bookies
27:15 How did he start betting?
38:20 Gambling logos on football shirts
43:58 How would he make gambling safer in the future?
***
Danny has also appeared on BBC Radio 1’s Life Hacks Podcast – which you can listen to here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07gycrq
***
This Podcast is proudly sponsored by TalkBanStop which is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey:
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
In this episode of The Invisible Addiction Podcast @GamblingGuard - reveals his gambling addiction story in full for the first time.
Gambling Guard has built a huge following online, with hundreds of thousands of views on gambling addiction awareness videos on Tik Tok and Instagram.
Earlier this year, his Twitter account went viral, with one of his tweets which detailed his gambling losses – placing more than 15,000 bets, making over 6,000 deposits and betting nearly £500,000 over the course of 12 years.
In the Podcast, I wanted to explore the relationship between the competitiveness nature of sales and gambling.
How did he start betting?
What impact did his addiction have on him and those around him?
What tips and advice does he have for people wanting to confront their gambling addiction…?
It’s a powerful and moving Podcast – full of extreme highs and crashing lows – and is also one that’s highly relatable – from Premier League football betting to trips to Las Vegas.
I’ve been hugely excited to share the conversation with you, not least because of his positivity in recovery and inspiring videos!
Here's a rough breakdown of the conversation:
00:00 Introductions and hearing about the start of his gambling addiction story
13:24 ‘Professional gambling was high up on the list of potential careers’
26:44 ‘I’d had the biggest win I’d ever had and yet I was completely numb to it’
48:10 ‘I just loved winning’
102:04 ‘You can’t recover if you don’t know what you’re recovering from’
121:52 ‘I want people to feel the freedom of recovery, what it can give you, and not something that defines you’
***
This Podcast is proudly sponsored by TalkBanStop which is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey:
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/
In this episode of The Invisible Addiction Podcast former Stoke City and Burton Albion footballer Ben Markall shares his footballer journey and gambling addiction story.
Going into the interview, I wanted to explore the relationship between professional footballers and gambling.
At the time, Ben was of England’s most expensive 14-year-olds, transferring from Cheltenham Town to Stoke City for £70,000.
What effect did that have on him?
What was it like training alongside players like Michael Owen at Stoke?
What made him turn to gambling, and how did he stop?
Ben is a highly driven young man, and has since founded his own football coaching business, Premier Progress. Besides this, he works as a football intermediary for Paramount Sports Management, run by former Jamaican international footballer Daryl Powell, and is also a programme facilitator for EPIC Risk Management, sharing his story to educate sports players on gambling related harm.
It’s a candid and insightful Podcast, and one I’ve been hugely excited to share with you!
Here's a rough breakdown of the conversation:
00:00 Introductions and hearing about the start of Ben’s footballing journey
13:48 Did he feel the pressure at Stoke City?
16:50 How did he start gambling?
25:19 Did anyone at Burton Albion notice his gambling?
27:30 How did he stop gambling and get help? 36:41 What was the reaction from friends and family?
44:56 What advice would he give a young Ben Markall?
***
This Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gamban - which blocks access to online gambling on all your devices.
I also highly recommend accessing TalkBanStop which is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
I’m delighted to announce that the second guest in Series 3 of The Invisible Addiction Podcast is Gamtalk founder Paul Pettigrew.
In the Podcast Paul shares his gambling addiction story.
I wanted to explore the relationship between football and gambling. (Paul used to play for Greenock Morton FC).
Did being released as a footballer lead him to gamble?
What impact did his addiction have on his life?
What advice and tips does he have for people experiencing gambling problems?
Paul has a harrowing story, one of despair, but also one of hope and inspiration.
It’s an amazing journey to hear, and it’s a Podcast I’ve been hugely excited to share with you!
Here's a rough breakdown of the conversation:
00:00 Introductions and learning more about Paul’s footballing journey
13:50 How did he start gambling?
23:10 How did his gambling progress into an addiction?
29:40 How bad were his gambling debts?
46:44 How did Paul get help for his gambling?
55:45 How did Gamtalk come about?
***
As mentioned in the Podcast, the BBC Three documentary about homelessness in Manchester is called 'Britain's Forgotten Men'. Well worth a watch on YouTube!
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This Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gamban - which blocks access to online gambling on all your devices.
I also highly recommend accessing TalkBanStop which is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
I’m delighted to announce that the first guest in Series 3 of The Invisible Addiction Podcast is Lewis.
It’s the first time he’s publicly shared his fascinating and unique gambling addiction story.
Lewis’ first winning bet was at the age of 16 years old, placing 50p on a 128,000/1 odd football accumulator, winning over £63,000.
I wanted to find out what that felt like.
What impact did it have on his life?
How did it lead to a gambling addiction?
How did he stop gambling, and what help has he received?
It’s a powerful, raw and honest Podcast, and one I’m hugely excited to share with you!
Here's a rough breakdown of the conversation:
00:00 - Introductions and learning more about Lewis' background
08:42 - How did his gambling addiction start?
25:58 - What type of betting did he do?
43:44 - What was his biggest regret?
51:16 - What were the years after university like?
108:31 - How did he stop gambling?
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This Podcast is proudly sponsored by Gamban - which blocks access to online gambling on all your devices.
I also highly recommend accessing TalkBanStop which is a partnership between GamCare, Gamban and GAMSTOP to help anyone experiencing gambling harms to start their recovery journey.
In a bonus episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast, we are joined by special guest Chris Murphy, Darts Commentator, and Communications Manager and Gambling Education Facilitator for Sporting Chance.
Sporting Chance is the world’s leading charity providing mental health services to sportspeople and was founded by former Arsenal and England football captain Tony Adams.
You might’ve seen a BBC Sport article this week, in which he said that ‘gambling addiction has become the biggest issue among professional sportspeople treated by the Sporting Chance clinic’.
Their CEO Colin Bland went on to say that the relationship between sport and gambling has reached a “pivotal point”, labelling gambling addiction as a “serious public health issue”.
The podcast is structured into 3 parts:
- Part 1 (00:00): Chris shares his gambling addiction story and recovery from a suicide attempt.
- Part 2 (32:01): Chris discusses the danger of online casino games.
- Part 3 (48:10): Chris chats about his experience as a Darts Commentator, working alongside world number one darts player Michael van Gerwen, and more about the statements in the press this week made by Sporting Chance founder Tony Adams and CEO Colin Bland.
I’m delighted Chris has chosen to talk on The Invisible Addiction podcast and I’m excited for you to listen to his powerful and inspiring story.
If you’d like to connect with Chris, you can reach out to him on Twitter @ChrisMurphy180
If you’d like to get in touch with me, you can reach out to my email info@theinvisibleaddiction.com
Please don’t be shy to subscribe and leave a nice review of the podcast. It helps push us higher up in the mental health category and help reach people who might be struggling with gambling problems.
For a list of support networks available in the UK, please head over to The Invisible Addiction website.
Finally, I’ll be back soon with Series 3 of the podcast, but in the meantime do look out for vlogs on YouTube in which I’ll be talking about my gambling addiction experiences. I hope it will be relatable for you.
Take care guys and speak soon,
Alex.
In the final episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast series, I speak with Matt Zarb-Cousin, leader of the Clean-Up Gambling campaign, co-founder of the betting blocking software GamBan, and former spokesperson for Jeremy Corbyn.
It’s a podcast jam-packed with plenty of conversational topics.
- Matt shares his gambling addiction story and how recovery laid a path into politics and work in the Labour party
- Matt discusses his successful campaign which reduced Fixed Odd Betting Terminals (FOBTs) to £2 per spin – his quote famously picked up in the press as “the crack cocaine of gambling”
- Matt chats about his new campaign Clean-Up Gambling and his viewpoints for the comprehensive review of the 2005 Gambling Act, such as the introduction of stake limits and affordability checks.
It’s a conversation that will be of interest to many of us, especially people in recovery and the wider public.
Matt is a fascinating human being, bustling with ideas and opinions, and it was nothing but a privilege to speak with him. I’m hugely excited to share the conversation with you!
Cheers guys,
Alex ☺️
In the this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast, I speak with Richard Flint, non-executive board member at Flutter PLC and the former CEO of SkyBet.
Richard discusses the current landscape of the gambling industry and uncovers his time at SkyBet between 2007-2018.
In particular, I wanted to find out his experience of problem gamblers/problem gambling and hear what changes he would like to see introduced to make gambling safer in the future.
There’s a wide range of topics covered which include: hearing how Richard started at SkyBet, a little bit about my gambling addiction story, football in-play betting, online casinos (SkyVegas), horse racing, ethics, legislation, regulation, advertising and sponsorships, ‘responsible’ gambling rhetoric, stake limits, and VIP schemes.
It’s an open and frank exchange and is a podcast I know will be of interest to many of us.
I’m hugely excited to share it with you.
Thanks for listening,
Alex :)
