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:  

[email protected]  

***  

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:  [email protected]

***  

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: [email protected] 

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: [email protected]

***

⚠️  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: [email protected]  

***  

⚠️  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

***

***  

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