Rick Benson

To round off the season we speak to Rick Benson about his experiences of gambling which started from a young age flipping baseball cards, before heading to the bright lights of Sin City (Las Vegas) in which he "kidded himself" that he was a professional gambler. During the episode, Rick speaks about the harm his gambling caused to himself and his loved ones, before everything coming to a head and entering recovery through the support of Gamblers Anonymous. In the early 90's Rick founded the Algamus Recovery Centre in Arizona which has since expanded into other territories (more information can be found by visiting the website www.algamus.org). Later in the show host, Ryan Pitcher is joined by his trusted sidekick Chris Gilham to recap the season and discuss the plans moving forward.

To round off the season we speak to Rick Benson about his experiences of gambling which started from a young age flipping baseball cards, before heading to the bright lights of Sin City (Las Vegas) in which he "kidded himself" that he was a professional gambler. During the episode, Rick speaks about the harm his gambling caused to himself and his loved ones, before everything coming to a head and entering recovery through the support of Gamblers Anonymous. In the early 90's Rick founded the Algamus Recovery Centre in Arizona which has since expanded into other territories (more information can be found by visiting the website <a href="http://www.algamus.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.algamus.org</a>). Later in the show host, Ryan Pitcher is joined by his trusted sidekick Chris Gilham to recap the season and discuss the plans moving forward.

S4 EP12: Rick Benson (founder of Algamus Recovery Centers)

Chris Murphy

In this, the penultimate episode of season four, Chris meets Chris. Today's host Chris Gilham speaks with professional darts commentator Chris Murphy about his personal experiences of gambling harm, including relapse, attempted suicide, and his recovery journey.  Chris is also the Communications Manager and Gambling Education Facilitator at the mental health charity Sporting Chance, which helps professional sportspersons suffering from addiction. 

In this, the penultimate episode of season four, Chris meets Chris. Today's host Chris Gilham speaks with professional darts commentator Chris Murphy about his personal experiences of gambling harm, including relapse, attempted suicide, and his recovery journey.  Chris is also the Communications Manager and Gambling Education Facilitator at the mental health charity Sporting Chance, which helps professional sportspersons suffering from addiction.

S4 EP11: Chris Murphy

In July 2021 Dan Cuss, more commonly known by his 'Juron' pseudonym through his popular footballing/FIFA YouTube account with over 60,000 subscribers, released a video detailing his battles with gambling addiction (click here to view). As a follow-up to this, we invited Dan to discuss his own struggles, gambling-related harm in general, and to hear what it's like as a young person growing up in a world in which gambling products are so readily available and liberalised. Undoubtedly, Dan's story has and will continue to encourage young people to reflect on their relationship with gambling and perhaps ask themselves: am I beginning to develop a problematic association with gambling as opposed to having just a bit of fun. Please go and support Dan by checking out his videos and subscribing to his YouTube channel. 

In July 2021 Dan Cuss, more commonly known by his 'Juron' pseudonym through his popular footballing/FIFA YouTube account with over 60,000 subscribers, released a video detailing his battles with gambling addiction (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgxR0e6UGb0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a> to view). As a follow-up to this, we invited Dan to discuss his own struggles, gambling-related harm in general, and to hear what it's like as a young person growing up in a world in which gambling products are so readily available and liberalised. Undoubtedly, Dan's story has and will continue to encourage young people to reflect on their relationship with gambling and perhaps ask themselves: am I beginning to develop a problematic association with gambling as opposed to having just a bit of fun. Please go and support Dan by checking out his videos and subscribing to his YouTube channel.

S4 EP10: Dan Cuss aka 'Juron' (YouTuber)

Dan Potts and Renée Robey from Healthwatch Essex sit down down with Chris Gilham to talk all things addictions in this the latest edition of the All Bets Are Off podcast. Today we learn a lot more about their engagement project ‘Addiction: Gambling, Drugs &amp; Alcohol' that has been conducted throghout 2021 &amp; much more.

Dan Potts and Renée Robey from Healthwatch Essex sit down down with Chris Gilham to talk all things addictions in this the latest edition of the All Bets Are Off podcast. Today we learn a lot more about their engagement project ‘Addiction: Gambling, Drugs &amp; Alcohol' that has been conducted throghout 2021 &amp; much more.

S4 EP9: Healthwatch Essex 

Host Ryan welcomes guest Annie Ashton. Annie, from Leicestershire, is petitioning to put an end to free bets and inducements after her husband Luke tragically took his own life in April this year. In today's programme, we talk about Luke and Annie's relationship. From what was a childhood crush to re-connecting on Facebook a few years later and the life that they had built for themselves and their children. We also hear a little bit about Luke's relationship with gambling and the Luke's Law campaign that Annie is crusading to bring to fruition. At the time of recording the petition was on just fewer than 6,000 signatures. However, just three weeks later when publishing the episode this figure had risen to over 15,000. To sign Annie's petition please click here. This episode is created in the loving memory of Luke Ashton. 

Host Ryan welcomes guest Annie Ashton. Annie, from Leicestershire, is petitioning to put an end to free bets and inducements after her husband Luke tragically took his own life in April this year. In today's programme, we talk about Luke and Annie's relationship. From what was a childhood crush to re-connecting on Facebook a few years later and the life that they had built for themselves and their children. We also hear a little bit about Luke's relationship with gambling and the Luke's Law campaign that Annie is crusading to bring to fruition. At the time of recording the petition was on just fewer than 6,000 signatures. However, just three weeks later when publishing the episode this figure had risen to over 15,000. To sign Annie's petition please <a href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/587806" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>. This episode is created in the loving memory of Luke Ashton.

S4 EP8: Luke's Law feat. Annie Ashton

In today's programme, we hear from Christina, the Founder of The Broke Girl Society, and take in her addiction story and the work that she is now doing to raise awareness of gambling-related harms and support those in need, especially women.  Please go and listen to The Broke Girl Society podcast by clicking here. You can also follow her story, and that of many others via social media: Facebook, Twitter &amp; Instagram.

In today's programme, we hear from Christina, the Founder of The Broke Girl Society, and take in her addiction story and the work that she is now doing to raise awareness of gambling-related harms and support those in need, especially women.  Please go and listen to The Broke Girl Society podcast by <a href="https://anchor.fm/thebrokegirlsociety/episodes/Broke-Girl-e13oa1o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clicking here</a>. You can also follow her story, and that of many others via social media: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Broke-Girl-Society-107443674874802/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BrokegirlCr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brokegirl.Cr/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

S4 EP7: The Broke Girl Society

After a mid-season break, we're back with the re-commencement of season four. In today's episode, we welcome Ian Richards who, as a child, was sexually abused. Ian and podcast host Ryan met a few months ago on The Big Step and became close having discussed their respective chilhood traumas and the similaraties of how this impacted them both and the events that ensued. 

After a mid-season break, we're back with the re-commencement of season four. In today's episode, we welcome Ian Richards who, as a child, was sexually abused. Ian and podcast host Ryan met a few months ago on The Big Step and became close having discussed their respective chilhood traumas and the similaraties of how this impacted them both and the events that ensued.

S4 EP6: Childhood Trauma

In today's show we welcome Dr Steve Sharman, a Research Fellow within the School of Psychology. His research  primarily focuses on the influence of within-game constructs on gambling behaviour, and virtual reality. Later in the programme TalkGEN's Chris Purnell aka CJ gives us a therapy of his lived experience and indicates gaps in research and the reasoning as to why he's so passionate about working in the sector.

In today's show we welcome Dr Steve Sharman, a Research Fellow within the School of Psychology. His research  primarily focuses on the influence of within-game constructs on gambling behaviour, and virtual reality. Later in the programme TalkGEN's Chris Purnell aka CJ gives us a therapy of his lived experience and indicates gaps in research and the reasoning as to why he's so passionate about working in the sector.

S4 EP5: The Researchers

This episode is dedicated to our Scottish listeners as we welcome Darren Crocker a.k.a @Rule_ette_Out on social platforms. Now six years gamble free, Darren likes to utilise his lived experience to share practical advice and thoughts which, he hopes, helps others going through a bit of tough time. We cannot recommend his Instagram videos enough - go and check him out... once you've listened to the podcast! In part two we are joined by Warren Hughes, Gambling Education Project Manager at Fast Forward, a Scottish youth work charity focusing on drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling and peer education. We hear all about what they are doing in their bid to prevent gambling harm in Scotland, the feedback that thy have received from young people and parents, and plans for the future.

This episode is dedicated to our Scottish listeners as we welcome Darren Crocker a.k.a @Rule_ette_Out on social platforms. Now six years gamble free, Darren likes to utilise his lived experience to share practical advice and thoughts which, he hopes, helps others going through a bit of tough time. We cannot recommend his Instagram videos enough - go and check him out... once you've listened to the podcast! In part two we are joined by Warren Hughes, Gambling Education Project Manager at Fast Forward, a Scottish youth work charity focusing on drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling and peer education. We hear all about what they are doing in their bid to prevent gambling harm in Scotland, the feedback that thy have received from young people and parents, and plans for the future.

S4 EP4: Gambling Harm - Scottish Edition

Today we welcome the founder of QuitGamble.com, Anders Bergman. The Swede talks us through his story of how he worked for the gambling industry before having a change of heart and wishing to help those suffering gambling harms and implementing a well-structured methodology via QuitGamble, including a comprehensive programme designed to simplify things for individuals that have a problematic relationship with gambling.

Today we welcome the founder of <a href="//www.quitgamble.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">QuitGamble.com</a>, Anders Bergman. The Swede talks us through his story of how he worked for the gambling industry before having a change of heart and wishing to help those suffering gambling harms and implementing a well-structured methodology via QuitGamble, including a comprehensive programme designed to simplify things for individuals that have a problematic relationship with gambling.

S4 EP3: Anders Bergman (QuitGamble.com)

The All Bets Are Off podcast was established in April 2020 as a gambling addiction recovery podcast. Our diverse portfolio of listening content covers a wide range of discussion points includes everything from recovery stories and signposting through to chats with industry specialists and a wanting for positive change and re-form.

Today we are joined by the author of The Girl Gambler, Stacey Goodwin. Stacey's gambling addiction started at the age of 18 years old when she landed what she thought would be an innocent part-time job working at a betting shop. Little did Stacey know just how much her life would take a dramatic turn and an 8-year addiction would ensure.  Stacey burst onto the recovery scene recently having grown a large following over on TikTok in which she talks through her story, offers advice based on her lived experience and interacts with her followers - go and check out her videos @thegirlgambler. You can purchase Stacey's book The Girl Gambler on Amazon, UK listeners click here to purchase.

Today we are joined by the author of The Girl Gambler, Stacey Goodwin. Stacey's gambling addiction started at the age of 18 years old when she landed what she thought would be an innocent part-time job working at a betting shop. Little did Stacey know just how much her life would take a dramatic turn and an 8-year addiction would ensure.  Stacey burst onto the recovery scene recently having grown a large following over on TikTok in which she talks through her story, offers advice based on her lived experience and interacts with her followers - go and check out her videos <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thegirlgambler" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@thegirlgambler</a>. You can purchase Stacey's book The Girl Gambler on Amazon, UK listeners <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Gambler-womans-gambling-addiction-ebook/dp/B092S7GHZT/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1619735371&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a> to purchase.

S4 EP2: The Girl Gambler

Our first episode of season 4 pays homage to The Big Step’s campaign walk from Scotland to Wembley Stadium which starts on Friday 4th June. We are joined by two integral members of the team that have helped to organise the event, Tom Fleming and Emily Beck. Alongside them, we speak with Chris Hulse who will also be taking part in the gruelling 300+ mile walk in its entirety. Later in the show, we welcome the man charged to get the event on camera, investigate journalist Alexi Phillips. To support The Big Step please follow the link below: - Sign the open letter to support the call to suspend gambling adverts during the European Championships this summer - [CLICK HERE] Sign the petition calling on the government to end gambling advertising, sponsorship and promotion in football – [CLICK HERE] To donate - [CLICK HERE]

Our first episode of season 4 pays homage to The Big Step’s campaign walk from Scotland to Wembley Stadium which starts on Friday 4th June. We are joined by two integral members of the team that have helped to organise the event, Tom Fleming and Emily Beck. Alongside them, we speak with Chris Hulse who will also be taking part in the gruelling 300+ mile walk in its entirety. Later in the show, we welcome the man charged to get the event on camera, investigate journalist Alexi Phillips. To support The Big Step please follow the link below: - Sign the open letter to support the call to suspend gambling adverts during the European Championships this summer - [<a href="https://the-bigstep.com/sign-our-open-letter " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>] Sign the petition calling on the government to end gambling advertising, sponsorship and promotion in football – [<a href="https://www.change.org/EndGamblingAds " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>] To donate - [<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/thebigstep?utm_campaign=p_cp_url&amp;utm_medium=os&amp;utm_source=customer " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>]

S4 EP1: The Big Step (Scotland to Wembley)

The final episode of season three welcomes our loved ones onto the programme to talk about the difference they've seen in us since finding recovery. We look back at the trying times of active addiction and how we've evolved over time and throughout recovery and what it means to them. In part one Chris speaks to Ryan's partner Rosa and later in the show Ryan hears from Chris' brothers Mike and Ian. This episode isn't about self-adulation, we hope it may inspire those that are coming to recognise that they have a problematic relationship with gambling and contemplating recovery life or at the start of their respective journey's to show just how much your loved ones care for you and your recovery, what it means to them, and the difference they see in you as you work through the process.

S3 EP12: The Difference In People

Welcome to the penultimate episode of season three of the All Bets Are Off podcast. In today's show, we welcome Hampshire &amp; London Sprint cricketer Chris Wood and former cricketer Patrick Foster, who both work for EPIC Risk Management.  Although the theme of the programme is cricket, the majority of today's discussion specifically draws on Chris' and Patrick's (Patch to friends) addiction to gambling, their subsequent recoveries, and the work that they are now undertaking to try and prevent others from following a similar path. Enjoy the show!  

Welcome to the penultimate episode of season three of the All Bets Are Off podcast. In today's show, we welcome Hampshire &amp; London Sprint cricketer Chris Wood and former cricketer Patrick Foster, who both work for EPIC Risk Management. Although the theme of the programme is cricket, the majority of today's discussion specifically draws on Chris' and Patrick's (Patch to friends) addiction to gambling, their subsequent recoveries, and the work that they are now undertaking to try and prevent others from following a similar path. Enjoy the show!

S3 EP11: Cricket - Gambling Addiction

This week we welcome Kye Trott and Lewis Holloway from The Peoples FC, a charity YouTube football club from south-east London who was awarded the sponsorship package that we offered-up earlier on in the year. Although not gambling addiction specific, The Peoples FC are a club famed for raising awareness of mental health, and we really wished to introduce them to the community before the end of season three. During the episode we discussed a bunch of things, including the reasonings as to why the club was formed, what they've been doing since football has been interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, the work that they do in the community, and how great it is to be working together.   We released today's episode to coincide with the release of the new kit with the All Bets Are Off logo which is now available to pre-order.  Later in the programme, Ryan and Chris discuss the family fun day scheduled for Saturday 17th July. 

This week we welcome Kye Trott and Lewis Holloway from The Peoples FC, a charity YouTube football club from south-east London who was awarded the sponsorship package that we offered-up earlier on in the year. Although not gambling addiction specific, The Peoples FC are a club famed for raising awareness of mental health, and we really wished to introduce them to the community before the end of season three. During the episode we discussed a bunch of things, including the reasonings as to why the club was formed, what they've been doing since football has been interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, the work that they do in the community, and how great it is to be working together. We released today's episode to coincide with the release of the new kit with the All Bets Are Off logo which is now available to pre-order. Later in the programme, Ryan and Chris discuss the family fun day scheduled for Saturday 17th July.

S3 EP10: The Peoples FC

Neil Banbury

We understand that this episode may not be for all of our listeners and so as per the warning at the top of the show, if you are uncomfortable with discussions between a gambling addiction recovery podcast and a gambling operator then this recording isn't the one for you. However, we believe that it's good to have a healthy debate and discussion with operators especially those that are setting a high bar in terms of ethics and sustainability, and that has set an ambitious target to reach zero revenue derived from harmful gambling by 2023, as is the case with Kindred Group.  In today's show, we speak with Maris Catania (Global Head of Player Sustainability at Kindred Group) and UK General Manager, Neil Banbury.

We understand that this episode may not be for all of our listeners and so as per the warning at the top of the show, if you are uncomfortable with discussions between a gambling addiction recovery podcast and a gambling operator then this recording isn't the one for you. However, we believe that it's good to have a healthy debate and discussion with operators especially those that are setting a high bar in terms of ethics and sustainability, and that has set an ambitious target to reach zero revenue derived from harmful gambling by 2023, as is the case with Kindred Group.  In today's show, we speak with Maris Catania (Global Head of Player Sustainability at Kindred Group) and UK General Manager, Neil Banbury.

S3 EP9: The Operator (Kindred Group - Maris Catania & Neil Banbury)

In today's show, Chris Gilham speaks to four different guests all with one thing in common, they are all authors of books that centre around gambling-harms. See below for the list of guests and links to their respective books. We strongly recommend them all!Tony O'Reilly [Tony  10: The astonishing story of the postman who gambled €10,000,000 ...  and lost it all] - click hereRebecca Cassidy [Vicious Games: Capitalism and Gambling] - click hereBilliejo Priestley [My Addiction Is Just Fixation: Or So They Say] - click hereJody Bechtold [The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals] - click here

In today's show, Chris Gilham speaks to four different guests all with one thing in common, they are all authors of books that centre around gambling-harms. See below for the list of guests and links to their respective books. We strongly recommend them all! Tony O'Reilly [Tony  10: The astonishing story of the postman who gambled €10,000,000 ...  and lost it all] - click here Rebecca Cassidy [Vicious Games: Capitalism and Gambling] - click here Billiejo Priestley [My Addiction Is Just Fixation: Or So They Say] - click here Jody Bechtold [The Gambling Disorder Treatment Handbook: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals] - click here

S3 EP8: Authors

In today's episode, we focus on the children of gambling addicts and how their behaviours have impacted them and shaped their mindset towards gambling and gambling-harm.Last year in a YouGov report commissioned by GambleAware, found that as many as 7% of adults, or 3.6 million people, report having been negatively affected by someone else’s gambling problem in the UK alone. Needless to say, that means there are a lot more people negatively impacted by someone else's problematic gambling, and yet as a recovery podcast, we feel that there still isn't a representative equivalent of their voices being heard and it's recordings such as this that will allow those affected others to talk openly, without judgement, and it may help others in a similar position.In today's show, we speak to UK-based sisters Jess and Em whose father was sent to prison for a crime that was driven by his addiction to gambling. We were keen to unearth how their dad's addiction had impacted them, what their relationship was like before and after his stint in prison (now in recovery), and the wider repercussions. In part two we speak with US-based Tricia whose mother has been attracted to gambling venues ever since Tricia was a teenager, and following many years of health issues, her mum has become reliant on Tricia and others to facilitate her gambling addiction.

In today's episode, we focus on the children of gambling addicts and how their behaviours have impacted them and shaped their mindset towards gambling and gambling-harm. Last year in a YouGov report commissioned by GambleAware, found that as many as 7% of adults, or 3.6 million people, report having been negatively affected by someone else’s gambling problem in the UK alone. Needless to say, that means there are a lot more people negatively impacted by someone else's problematic gambling, and yet as a recovery podcast, we feel that there still isn't a representative equivalent of their voices being heard and it's recordings such as this that will allow those affected others to talk openly, without judgement, and it may help others in a similar position. In today's show, we speak to UK-based sisters Jess and Em whose father was sent to prison for a crime that was driven by his addiction to gambling. We were keen to unearth how their dad's addiction had impacted them, what their relationship was like before and after his stint in prison (now in recovery), and the wider repercussions.  In part two we speak with US-based Tricia whose mother has been attracted to gambling venues ever since Tricia was a teenager, and following many years of health issues, her mum has become reliant on Tricia and others to facilitate her gambling addiction.

S3 EP7: Affected Others: The Children

Please note that this episode contains discussions around sensitive topics such as suicidal ideation and substance abuse. The purpose of today’s show is to try and inspire those that may be amid a relapse, struggling to overcome a blip, and/or for those of us that may be fearful of a regression. To help us in this quest we welcomed two disordered gamblers in recovery, both with very different stories to tell. Part 1: Richie Paxton Part 2: Stephen Gillatt  

Please note that this episode contains discussions around sensitive topics such as suicidal ideation and substance abuse. The purpose of today’s show is to try and inspire those that may be amid a relapse, struggling to overcome a blip, and/or for those of us that may be fearful of a regression. To help us in this quest we welcomed two disordered gamblers in recovery, both with very different stories to tell. Part 1: Richie Paxton Part 2: Stephen Gillatt

S3 EP6: Relapse

Should the press hold the gambling industry to a higher standard of account? Do sports desks need to have an honest reflection on their relationship with the gambling industry? New Statesman journalist Rohan Banjeree gives his views on this and more in our Gambling In Journalism, Media &amp; Advertising podcast.  In the second half of the show, we welcome the founder of Underdog Sports Marketing, Ged Colleypriest. Having previously headed up the sponsorship department at talkSPORT Ged's company Underdog Sports Marketing works with sports clubs and brands with a view to creating more sustainable sponsorship and advertising strategies as opposed to being reliant on revenue from the gambling industry. Today he shares his experiences with us.

Should the press hold the gambling industry to a higher standard of account? Do sports desks need to have an honest reflection on their relationship with the gambling industry? New Statesman journalist Rohan Banjeree gives his views on this and more in our Gambling In Journalism, Media &amp; Advertising podcast.  In the second half of the show, we welcome the founder of Underdog Sports Marketing, Ged Colleypriest. Having previously headed up the sponsorship department at talkSPORT Ged's company Underdog Sports Marketing works with sports clubs and brands with a view to creating more sustainable sponsorship and advertising strategies as opposed to being reliant on revenue from the gambling industry. Today he shares his experiences with us.

S3 EP5: Gambling In Journalism, Media & Advertising

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