'I lost £200,000 to gambling addiction and blew £15,000 in one weekend – it left me feeling broken'
A father of seven from Salford shares his story of overcoming a £200,000 gambling addiction, including losing £15,000 in a single weekend.Summary
Jerry McCann, a 38-year-old father of seven from Salford, has revealed his battle with a gambling addiction that cost him approximately £200,000 over the years. His addiction began at age 15 with small bets, escalating with the advent of online gambling, which he describes as 'constant' and readily accessible. He recounts losing £15,000 in a single weekend, fueled by chasing losses and the false hope of winning it back. At his lowest point, Jerry experienced intense shame, guilt, and regret, and even took out payday loans, only to lose that money as well. He admits to behaviors he never imagined, such as borrowing money and lying to fund his addiction. After seeking help in September of last year and removing access to gambling, Jerry has now been gambling-free for six months and is focused on building a future, emphasizing that recovery is not always linear but is achievable.
(Source：Manchester Evening News)