Gambling addict who emptied bank account on payday every month lost £250k

A man who struggled with a severe gambling addiction and would empty his bank account shortly after payday every month has disclosed that he lost over £250,000 due to his betting habit. Colin Brown, 42, has bravely shared his story of battling with gambling addiction, which began at the young age of 15 with a £4.80 win on a slot machine. This initial win triggered a dopamine rush that led him down a destructive path of constantly seeking that same high through gambling.

Colin, a distillery worker from Leven in Fife, recounted how his addiction quickly escalated, leading him to take out multiple loans, credit cards, and even resorting to stealing from his own family to sustain his habit. Despite attempts to seek help through Gamblers Anonymous, Colin found himself unable to break free from the grip that gambling had on his life.

The turning point for Colin came when he hit rock bottom, losing £1,500 in just three minutes on a betting platform. This devastating loss prompted him to reassess his life and take proactive steps towards recovery. Through self-education, seeking support from loved ones, and sharing his story publicly, Colin has managed to overcome his addiction and now runs a business called Gambling Leap to help others in similar situations.

Colin emphasises the importance of education and prevention in addressing gambling addiction, advocating for more resources to be directed towards tackling the root causes of the issue. While he acknowledges the recent government measures to curb problem gambling, Colin believes that more comprehensive support systems are needed to effectively combat the widespread impact of gambling addiction.

By sharing his journey to recovery and offering support to those struggling with gambling, Colin hopes to inspire others to seek help and break free from the cycle of addiction. His story serves as a testament to the resilience and determination required to overcome such a challenging and destructive habit.