The Bet

In our new episodes, four survivors of gambling harm tell the unvarnished truth about how although their lives got derailed by dopamine hits and the promise of riches, they have moved beyond their addictions. Or the impact of other peoples' gambling addictions.

And in a special long-form interview, a researcher specialising in gambling harm explains the neuroscience, social norms and profound cynicism that keeps the gambling industry rolling on, despite the enormous harms. She also talks about constructive ways people can overcome this.

We want to thank the team at Te Pūrongo Productions for producing The Bet - we couldn't have done it without them!

Andrew's journey with gambling harm is a story of repeated relapses and hard-won recovery. After his wife discovered his betting, a separation forced him into a "reality check". Eventually after another relapse, it was actually the encouragement of his wife that saved him. She supported him to talk about it, and to get the help he needed from PGF to tackle the immense challenge of his addiction and ultimately get his life back on track.

In front of over 200 guests at her glamorous 60th birthday party, Mele stood up to share a secret she had carried for most of her life. In this episode, Mele tells the full story behind that courageous moment. She speaks about her long and complicated relationship with gambling, the shame that kept it hidden, and the powerful decision to finally turn it around. It's a deeply moving account of breaking down a façade to find healing in honesty. Mele now helps others recover from gambling harm and lives a full, happy and very social life - gamble free.

Ivan describes a childhood spent constantly on the move, hiding in the dark from landlords and living in the unpredictable wake of his father’s actions. One moment his father was a superhero who would gift him a musical instrument, the next he was a destructive "tornado" who would sell it to pay off a gambling debt. This is a compelling story about the instability of growing up with a parent’s gambling harm and the search for solid ground. And it's a story of hope and light as Ivan has worked through his childhood trauma and ended up working to help others overcome their gambling addictions too.

For Sally, a woman overwhelmed by the "black noise" and pressures of life, an online casino offered a silent escape. What began as a peaceful refuge on the couch quickly became an all-consuming obsession. This episode explores the psychological pull of gambling. It tells the story of how after her life almost fallng apart, Sally got the help she needed and did the hard mahi to overcome a powerful addiction. She now lives a happy and healthy life with her family, completely free of gambling.

After a childhood marred by bullying and other traumatic experiences, David* seeks the comfort and oblivion of alcohol and gambling. Decades of chaos follow, including homelessness, repeated rehabs and brushes with the law. But after finding the right counsellor at PGF and gaining insight into the effects of complex childhood trauma, a new chapter begins. David finally discovers a pathway to rebuild his life and his sense of worth –  without gambling. This is a truly inspirational story of change.

*David is a pseudonym

At 18, Johnathan panics during a police pursuit, speeding away and leaving his friends and girlfriend stranded on the roadside. Years later, he recognises that same reckless impulse in his sports betting, where he once lost a $20,000 single bet. For a time he can hide his losses – including thousands from a family inheritance – but eventually they catch up with him. Hear how he made some incredible choices to deal with his addiction and completely turn his life around.

Gambling isn’t really about the money. Just ask Phil. Even when his travel business became successful, his compulsive gambling meant he never held on to his profits for long. But after decades of using pokies and casino bets to stave off loneliness, thanks to a family intervention Phil got the help he needed at PGF to make real, positive and long term change.

Gambling can mess up your life – but what’s it like for a gambler’s partner? When Laura’s* mother confronts her over an empty bank account, she assumes her daughter has a secret gambling addiction. The reality is different: Laura’s boyfriend has been using her ID, her credit card and her identity to gamble away her university savings. After suffering in silence for a long time she finally finds the courage to speak up and move through the trauma of her experience as an affected other. Laura's life is now back on track to taking her where she always wanted to go.

In a special interview with The Bet’s producers, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience Dr Simone Rodda explains why humans get such a kick out of gambling, why the potential for harm is so great, and what gamblers and their loved ones can do about it. 

Topics covered include .. 

• What is “rapid play” and why is it so addictive?
• Why do casinos hide their clocks?
• Is there such a thing as “safe” gambling?
• How to spot gambling triggers and relapse risks 
• Why self-exclusion online and offline can be the first step towards recovery.  
• Practical strategies for families of gamblers.