The Invisible Addiction

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

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 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?  

***  

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 :)

In this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast I speak with Matt Gaskell, the UK's top gambling addiction psychologist.  

Matt is the Clinical Lead & Consultant Psychologist for The NHS Northern Gambling Service, overseeing clinics in Manchester, Leeds, and Sunderland. (The only NHS clinics available outside London). They provide specialist addiction therapy and peer led recovery to people with gambling addiction and are mental health specialists.  

I went into the conversation with 3 main themes:  

How can we define a gambling addiction?  

How can we make gambling safer in the future?  

What help do the NHS clinics provide?  

Matt is a fantastic human being, doing amazing things for so many people affected by gambling. You can follow him on Twitter @MGaskell12 and follow the NHS Northern Gambling Service @NHS_NGS. 👍  

Matt talks openly about the treatment the clinics provide and shares his thoughts on the landscape of the gambling industry. 

It was an honour talking to him and I'm hugely excited for you to hear his expert thoughts and opinions.  

(When it came to finding quotes to use for social media, I could've quoted the whole podcast, there is that much value!).  

Cheers guys,  

Alex

In this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast, I speak with Katie Reynolds-Jones, head of marketing and communications at GAMSTOP. 

For those of you that don't know, 'GAMSTOP lets you put controls in place to restrict your online gambling activities. You will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing'. (Source: www.gamstop.co.uk). 

After last week's podcast, George mentioned the importance of using GAMSTOP in his recovery, which helped him stop gambling on online slot machines. 🚫 

“There must have been 20 times since I’ve since I’ve self-excluded that I’ve tried to join a casino. It’s great because you just can’t join and then it breaks that process. It’s so easy to do. It was previously so easy to join a casino and then just start gambling. All you need is a break in that habit. All you need is a message saying, 'sorry, you cannot join us'. And then you go off and you get on with your day. It’s amazing how easy it is to break the habit once it’s not accessible." (George Cooper - The Invisible Addiction Podcast 8). 

So, in this week’s episode I wanted to find out more about GAMSTOP and the service they provide.  

How easy is it to sign-up?  

How long does using GAMSTOP last?  

Does GAMSTOP affect credit rating?  

It’s a podcast I’ve been looking forward to sharing with you, especially to help people make that first step of stopping gambling and putting you back in control. 🔐  

Katie was chatty, warm and friendly and navigated her way through my ‘thought-provoking' questions! (Read: at times, rather silly questions from this side of the fence!).  

Thanks for listening guys,  

Alex 😊

In this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast, I speak with George, who shares his gambling addiction story.  

George discusses his relationship with slot machines on online casinos, and how at it’s worse led him to gamble £300 per spin. 💷 

He openly talks about how quickly the addiction took control of his life, spending monthly pay cheques within the first few hours and structuring his days around gambling, particularly addicted to the little rushes that slots give you.   

George also mentions how he stopped gambling by using GAMSTOP (which excludes you from betting websites) and shares brilliant advice and tips on how he did it.  

George, a freelance journalist and editor, continues to raise awareness of problem gambling with articles in the media, and on his personal blog. You can reach out to him on Twitter @GeorgeICooper (I definitely recommend giving him a follow!). 👍  

He’s a great guy and his story is one that will be highly relatable to fellow gamblers. 

Thanks for listening, 

Alex

In this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast, I speak with Darren, who shares his gambling addiction story.  

Darren talks openly about his relationship with roulette, in bookies and on online casinos, and how at it’s worse led him to gamble £500 per spin. 💷

He also discusses the strain it took on his personal relationships and how he reached out for help during his darkest days.  

It’s been 5 years since Darren’s last bet, and he shares valuable tips and advice for people wanting to give up gambling, especially that first hurdle.   

Darren continues to help and support others going through a gambling addiction, passing on his knowledge and experience on the @rule_ette_out social media pages and blog. (I recommend giving him a follow!). 👍   

Darren talks with raw honesty and it's a podcast I could relate to a lot. (You’ll have to forgive us having the odd football chat too!). ⚽

Cheers guys, 

Alex

In the final episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast, I speak to Ed Stoner, founder of Now We Win.  

Ed suffered from compulsive gambling in his late teens and early twenties. 

I wanted to find out more about his story.  

How did he get into betting?  

When did it go from being fun to a problem?  

What help did he receive in recovery? 

What is life like post-addiction?  

Ed has a fascinating background, working as a football agent in Africa and Brand Strategist for Adidas in USA and Germany. He’s since setup Now We Win, a social enterprise sports brand hosting workouts to tackle gambling addiction. 

It’s an inspiring podcast and one I’m proud to share with you.  

Instagram: @nowwewin 

*** 

So, this episode wraps-up the series.  

I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to all the guests for taking part. They’ve given up their time for free and I am eternally grateful. Thank you, Emily, George, Shaniqua, Becky, Jouni and Ed. I hope their stories and experiences have inspired you as much as they’ve inspired me!  

And I would like to say a huge thank you - to you – for listening. It wouldn’t be a podcast without any listeners!  

It’s crazy to think the idea for The Invisible Addiction was born out of lockdown. During this time, I released a podcast about my own experience with problem gambling. It had a positive response and was strangely soothing, to let go of several demons.   

And so – in unusual circumstances - the idea to help others in recovery was born.    

I’d like to say a big thank you to my brother Bertie who has been brilliant behind the scenes. He’s helped keep me focused and stay on track. Thanks bro. Love you man.   

I’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone on social media. The recovery community – especially on Instagram and Twitter – is incredible. It’s tight-knit and supportive and you feel like people have ‘got your back’. I’ve met (virtually of course!) lots of people and it’s great to be in touch with people from the gambling industry, journalists, phycologists, researchers, people in recovery… the list goes on.  

It’s been great to hear from so many of you. It makes me feel so happy and proud to know the podcasts are helping you. I’m not going to lie, the other day on Twitter, after someone commented with a ‘loving the podcasts, keep it up’, I had a couple of tears. It means so much. Honestly. You have no idea.   

It’s because of this that I’m absolutely delighted to announce they’ll be a second series of podcasts. There are some amazing guests coming up, people I never thought I’d be able to talk to. (A few pinch-yourself moments!). I’m excited for you to hear them.   

Stay tuned for Series 2 towards the end of the summer.   

In the meantime, look out for videos on YouTube. I’m posting a series of videos, around 10 minutes in length, with stories and anecdotes from my personal experiences with gambling. Look out for them every Sunday at 7pm.    

So, to everyone that’s listened to the podcasts, followed on social media, or been in touch – thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep spreading the message and raising awareness together.  

Wishing you well. 

Alex :) 

P.S. One last thing... 

It would be amazing if you could leave a review and rating of the podcast on iTunes, which helps spread the word about The Invisible Addiction, especially in the mental health category. (Let’s try and get above Fearne Cotton in the rankings, eh?! Not that I’m competitive or anything!). 

Thanks very much guys and speak to you soon. 

Alex

In this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast I speak with Jouni, a trained hypnotherapist. 

I wanted to find out what impact an addiction has on the brain.

How does it effect a person’s outlook on life?

What advice and tips does he have for people in recovery?

How do you get to the root of the problem?

It’s a fascinating conversation that sheds light on how to tackle an addiction. It’s not relevant just to gambling, but to other addictions as well.

***

Check-out Jouni's podcast 'Are Men from Mars?' which treats you to conversations about men's mental health.

In this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast I speak with Becky, a trained and registered mental health nurse.

A few of you recently got in touch wanting to find out what help is available for people struggling with their problem gambling. I've tried my best to point you in the right direction, but as I'm no trained professional I thought it would be good for you to hear from someone who can help you.

I wanted to find out what advice and tips Becky has for people wanting to improve their mental health?

What help is available in the UK?

Who can people turn to in a time of need?

It's a really good conversation that I know will help some of you suffering right now.

In this episode I speak with a woman whose partner suffered from gambling problems.

I wanted to find out whether she recognised any signs of his gambling? 

How did she find out? 

What effect did this have on the relationship?

In this episode of The Invisible Addiction podcast I speak with former Premier League footballer George Parris about his struggles with gambling. I wanted to find out a bit more about his story.  

How did he get into betting?  

How did his addiction affect others around him?  

What help did he get?

In the podcast George mentions his work with Breakeven, a GamCare counselling partner, which offers free counselling to anyone affected by problem gambling.  Visit their website: www.breakeven.org.uk

In the first episode of The Invisible Addiction Podcast, I speak to a secondary school teacher. I started gambling at 18 so I wanted to find out what the situation is like at schools. 

Can we build a picture of young people who gamble?

How do they bet?

What more can be done to educate our youngsters?