From Bets to Breakthroughs: Mark Bradshaw's Battle Against Gambling Addiction

In this episode, my guest is Mark Bradshaw, who shares his personal journey with gambling addiction. Mark recalls his early exposure to gambling as a child through seaside holidays, and how his love for playing sports later led him to place bets on rugby matches. His introduction to casinos at 18 only exacerbated his addiction, eventually leading him to spend hours daily in high street betting shops.

Mark highlights the manipulative strategies of bookmakers and online gambling platforms that exploit addictive personalities. He details the severe impact gambling had on his life, including job losses and financial ruin, noting how the accessibility of online gambling accelerated his downward spiral. Mark also discusses the industry's lack of accountability and the predatory nature of their practices, which often lead to severe consequences like increased suicide rates among addicts.

Finding himself at rock bottom, Mark eventually sought to change his life, starting by isolating himself from gambling opportunities and reevaluating his priorities. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, reaching out for help, and the need for independent support systems. Now, Mark is actively involved in lobbying for stricter gambling regulations and raising awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction through collaborations with various organizations, including the World Health Organization and political figures. He concludes by stressing the significance of genuine apologies and living an honest life to rebuild trust and purpose.

Have you ever felt like you’ve become lost in your own life? 

Many men struggle to talk about their problems and mental health and grew up believing that to do can be perceived as a sign of weakness or failure. There is also a lack of open discussion in society around men’s mental health, especially aimed at mid-life men.  As a result, at times many men can feel alone and lost in their own lives. 

In this podcast series, I talk to mid-life men about their stories; the challenges, the turning points, and the support received to help them find their way so that others who may be suffering in silence or don’t know what to do next, realise that they are not alone and there is help available. 

Stories will cover a whole range of challenges faced by mid-life men mainly relating to the causes of mental health issues including feelings of isolation, depression, job dissatisfaction, addiction, PTSD, and long-term illness.

The podcast is NOT a replacement for professional support and we signpost to organisations and their contact details by episode. 

If you have a story you would like to share or any feedback on the podcasts, please email me: [email protected].

• No. of episodes: 62
• Latest episode: 2025-07-10
• Society & Culture Health & Fitness Personal Journals Mental Health

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