Real life stories

How does gambling turn into gambling harm?

Listen to people talk about how gambling became harmful for them and how they overcame gambling harm.

ALLEN

Allen is a retired AFL footballer. He talks about how he had to blow up his whole life to get away from gambling. Watch his story about how he got help to overcome gambling harm.

DAVID

David is a community worker. He talks about how he lost all sense of time when he was gambling. Watch his story about when he made the decision to seek help and how it changed his life in more ways than he could imagine.

LOUISE

Louise is a mother and grandmother. She talks about how gambling gave her a rush which she thought made her happy. Watch her story of hope and how she made a new life for herself.

GABRIELA

Gabriela Byrne talks about her frightening “affair” with poker machines.

PETER

Peter Byrne, husband of Gabriela, talks about how Gabriela’s gambling harm affected the entire family.

JULIA

Julia tells how the pokies consumed her every thought.

THOMAS

Thomas tells his story about how he felt "addicted" to gambling and how he got help to overcome gambling harm.

TIM

Tim shares his story about seeking help and overcoming gambling harm.

Contact us

If gambling is impacting your life or a loved one's life, it's okay to reach out for help. It’s free and confidential.

Call the 24/7 Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858

Face-to-face counselling locations