#297: Patrick Foster - My £2 Million Gambling Addiction Almost Cost Me My Life

Patrick Foster is a former professional cricketer, insurance broker and school teacher whose life was shattered by a pathological gambling addiction that brought him to the verge of taking his own life in March 2018. Now, a few years into recovery, Patrick is the Director of Educational Programmes for EPIC Risk Management, a leading independent gambling harm-minimisation consultancy in the UK and Ireland, specialising in the identification and prevention of problematic gambling. Using his experience, he works with schools, companies and individuals, young and old, raising awareness of the dangers of gambling and gaming. By sharing his own story, he hopes to help others identify if they, or someone around them, are experiencing addiction and inspire them to reach out for help. He is the author of Might Bite, his brutally honest account of over a decade of pathological gambling addiction to recovery and beyond. Connect with us: https://freedompact.co.uk/newsletter​ (Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Newsletter) https://instagram.com/freedompact​ https://twitter.com/freedompactpod freedompact@gmail.com Connect with Patrick: Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Might-Bite-Secret-Gambling-Addict/dp/147299213X Instagram: https://instagram.com/patchfoster?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Timestamps: 00:00-00:34 Intro 00:34-04:32 Contemplating Death 04:32-07:14 Stigma Of Gambling Addiction 07:14-09:40 Ivan Toney & Celebrity Addictions 09:40-12:46 The Invisible Addiction 12:46-16:12 Patrick’s First Bet 16:12-20:00 Gambling 2 Million Pounds 20:00-24:40 Increasing The Stakes 24:40-30:28 Borrowing Money To Gamble 30:28-34:48 Losing 50k On One Horse 34:48-39:40 Gambling & Relationships 39:40-44:50 How To Spot An Addict 44:50-48:37 Gambling Adverts 48:37-53:06 Kids Games & Gambling 53:06-55:51 The Problem With Dan Bilzarian 55:51-1:00:00 Educating Children 1:00:00-1:03:04 Where To Find Patrick DISCLAIMER: The content provided by the Freedom Pact Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Our content is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.