SummaryIn this powerful and eye-opening episode of the Onward Shift podcast, host Vishal Narbheram sits down with Katy Wilson from the charity Bet Know More and Andy May, who courageously shares his lived experience of gambling addiction. Together, they unpack the hidden realities of gambling harm from the first bet to the deep personal, emotional and financial consequences that follow.

Katie brings insight into the critical role of lived experience in shaping support services, while Andy’s story highlights the impact of addiction on relationships, mental health and identity. The conversation also exposes how advertising and technology normalise gambling in society, especially among younger audiences.

This is more than a discussion it’s a call for awareness, empathy and systemic change. With honesty and vulnerability, both guests show that recovery is possible when community, understanding and the right support come together.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains open discussions about gambling addiction, mental health struggles and suicide. Please listen with care.

Takeaways

• Lived experience is crucial in providing effective support for gambling harms
• Gambling addiction can escalate quickly, often starting as a social activity
• The stigma surrounding gambling addiction can prevent individuals from seeking help
• Support services like Bet No More play a vital role in recovery
• Awareness and education are key to preventing gambling-related harms
• Advertising normalises gambling behaviour, especially among youth
• The impact of gambling extends beyond financial loss to affect relationships and mental health
• Recovery is a personal journey that requires support and understanding
• Community outreach and workplace training help identify and support those at risk
• Open conversations about gambling reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gambling Harms and Personal Stories02:00 Andy May's Journey Through Gambling Addiction06:51 The Impact of Gambling on Relationships09:54 The Consequences of Relapse and Financial Ruin15:53 Facing the Legal System and Prison22:33 Mental Health Struggles in Prison28:05 Raising Awareness and Support for Gambling Addiction34:08 Navigating Professional Repercussions and Policies42:03 The Rise of Gambling Advertising45:38 Andy’s Journey: From Prison to Recovery53:11 Understanding Neurodiversity and Gambling54:46 The Need for Research and Awareness01:01:44 The Impact of Gambling on Relationships01:10:16 Support Services and Final Thoughts

🎙️ 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭.

🎙️ 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.

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Find out more about Onward Shift and the mental health support we offer here- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠ 

Learn more about Bet Known More here - https://www.betknowmoreuk.org

Learn more about Gamblers Anonymous here - https://gamblersanonymous.org.uk 

Learn more about GAMCARE here - https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22316887907&gbraid=0AAAAABtA3mAGz5G0oR_BmHnU8HVxB13NB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgKjHBhChARIsAPJR3xfSj6OYVi8fJUMltiHLLyqTz1ggIr5GkC2GhZ1vu7omHrzTZoGN2k8aAhrqEALw_wcB

Connect with Vishal Narbheram here -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/

Connect with Katy Wilson here -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-cv-wilson-ma/

Connect with Andy May here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymay76/

Keywords
gambling, addiction, recovery, support services, awareness, personal stories, mental health, relationships, advertising, technology