Nick Phillips told reporters the story of his addiction by saying that he once got so addicted to betting that he tried to bet a year’s salary at a bookmaker’s office.
This is the same man who urges the British government to solve the problem of gambling and tries to promote the idea of banning gambling. He himself has lost almost £250,000 in all his gambling. Since he began to recover, he has been trying to help other addicts and supports stricter rules on gambling advertising.
Nick’s addiction began when online betting was not possible. He used to visit land-based betting shops and also liked to spend time at classic slot machines. Then the army came into his life, where he tried to build a career, but without success. After several years of service, Phillips returned home and took a job as a truck driver. His salary was quite enough not only for life but also for gambling, which he became addicted to again.
With the advent of online gambling, everything went downhill fast. The more so that not only local licensed casinos were available in the UK, but also Canadian casino sites with no deposit bonuses and other foreign operators.
Nick’s life became gloomy because of his addiction, and as a result, he lost everything: about 250 thousand pounds, his house, and almost his entire family.
“I even tried to bet £25,000 with a credit card,” he said. “This was in 2005-2006 when there was a big credit boom. In fact, I was risking my annual salary. Fortunately, the operator refused to accept that bet. “
“But the scariest thing about losing an addiction is the timing. I’ve lost several houses and been bankrupt twice, but the biggest thing is the time with my family that I can no longer get back. I have two children, and with the time I lost, I can’t get back into my life as a father to them and a husband to my wife. That is my greatest loss.
“Every time you wake up in the morning, the first thing you think of is gambling. And every night, you ask yourself, “Should I gamble?” It’s a constant struggle within yourself. I wasn’t wondering “if” I would gamble, but “I should gamble.” It’s a terrible mindset. It took me years to figure it out and get over it, and I had to work hard on myself to get out of it.
Nick, now 47, says he had to hit rock bottom to realize he was addicted. “It took me a long time and a lot of work to recognize that I had a problem and to come to the realization of that.”
Underage gambling is an offence. You must be over 18 years old to gamble.
Any form of gambling should always be fun, playing in a way that is right for you. It’s good to set limits, take time out or set up reminders.
Please gamble responsibly and in moderation.
For more information on the tools available to help to keep you safe or if you want advice or support you can call the National GamblingHelpline on 0808 8020 133 (England, Scotland and Wales or visit Gamblingtherapy.org).
