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Show notes

Chris Murphy became addicted to gambling at 17, within weeks of placing his first bet he was gambling daily and beginning a downward spiral that eventually led to a suicide attempt. He’s now employed at Sporting Chance as a communications manager and gambling education facilitator as well as working as a darts commentator.

We discussed:

• how Chris started gambling and the impact it had on his life as his addiction developed;

• his suicide attempt and coming clean about the extent of his problem;

• his recovery journey and relapses;

• what has really helped him stay gambling free;

• the connection between addiction and wider mental health;

• Sporting Chance and the needs of sports people for specialist mental health and addiction services;

• how to recognise gambling addiction in yourself and others;

• where to get help with gambling issues.

Chris recommends checking out:

• Gamban App which blocks gambling websites worldwide;

• GAMSTOP and other self-exclusion services;

• NHS support for problem gamblers to learn about the warning signs and the help that is available to stop;

• Support groups: Gamblers Anonymous for people with gambling addictions and GamAnon for those close to them.

You can learn more about Sporting Chance and support their work.

You can follow Chris on Twitter and Instagram.