An Advocate for Change

The Lowest

Ed lowest point came when he found himself stealing from clients of the business he ran. He was sinking deeper into the cycle of gambling harm in a desperate attempt to recover lost money. This harm amounted to a total loss of nearly $1.8 million and ended in his imprisonment.

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“Once I stole money the first time, I couldn’t stop. I kept chasing my losses with more stolen money. Before I knew it, I was nearly $1.8 million in the hole.”

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Ed’s family and friends learned of his crimes through the media, a devastating blow that damaged many of his relationships and left him feeling isolated.

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“My family found out through the media—imagine that, your own parents hearing about your arrest on the news. It was everywhere. Friends had their reputations hurt just by being associated with me. I lost nearly everyone close to me.”

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Prison is not a cure for gambling harm

Prison couldn’t provide a solution for Ed. The gambling harm continued behind bars, with card games and bets on the footy offering a familiar yet dangerous outlet.

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“How, you ask? It wasn’t hard. We’d bet on footy games or play cards inside, or I’d get on the phone and have mates on the outside place bets for me. I couldn’t stop, even though it got me into all sorts of trouble.”

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Healing takes time, but it happens

Ed’s story doesn’t end in despair. He finished his jail term and found the help he needed through a gambling support group. Recovery wasn’t easy—his relationships, particularly with his family, took time to heal. Apologising to his mum and dad was an important step.

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“My parents always suspected I had a gambling problem from a young age, but I was secretive. Apologising to them was one of the hardest and most important steps in my recovery.”

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Through his unwavering commitment to change, Ed began to make amends. His parents, who had travelled from the UK to Australia, acknowledged the changes they saw in him, a pivotal point in his journey towards redemption.

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"Those relationships—my family, my sisters, even some of my old friends—are better now than they ever were before, but it took time and a lot of effort."

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Ed completed his recovery, and slowly but surely started to heal.

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From harmed to advocate

Today, Ed is a passionate advocate for gambling reform and support for those facing the same struggles. As a sponsor at a gambling support non -profit, he’s seen first-hand how sharing his story can inspire others to begin their own journey of recovery. His dedication has led him to establish three new support group meetings in his local area, creating safe spaces for people to seek help. Watching others come into these meetings and for some to never gamble again, has brought Ed a profound sense of purpose.

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“For me, there's nothing better than seeing someone come to a meeting, stop gambling, and knowing I was a part of that. Sharing my story and seeing it contribute to their recovery, inspiring them to get better—that's incredibly rewarding. Success stories can be rare, but when they happen, they mean everything.”

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“I underestimated how much helping others would help me. Passing on the support I was lucky enough to receive, seeing people turn their lives around—it’s the best part of this second chance I’ve been given. And believe me, I’m doing everything I can to make the most of it.”

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Ed’s Advocacy

Ed’s advocacy doesn’t stop at recovery meetings, he is also an Alliance Voice for Gambling Reform. He’s deeply concerned about the societal impact of gambling, especially the influence of gambling ads on younger generations. Reflecting on how betting has become normalised, particularly in sports culture, Ed worries about the ease with which teenagers are exposed to gambling apps and inducements.

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“I went to an NRL game and saw kids—teenagers—on their phones looking at betting apps. It’s become part of the culture, and that’s what scares me. I was consumed by gambling at a young age, and that was before it was anywhere near as pervasive as it is today.”

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Ed is vocal about the need for stronger regulations, especially regarding ending gambling advertisements. He believes the government must act to protect children and young people from being drawn into a dangerous world of addiction. He’s also keen on getting into schools to educate students about the dangers of gambling, understanding that early intervention is key to preventing future harm.

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“We need to educate kids about gambling, just like we do with drugs. By the time they turn 18, it might be too late. This is an epidemic waiting to happen.”

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Hope

For Ed, life isn’t perfect, but it’s far better than what it was. He’s grateful for the second chance he’s been given and is determined to make the most of it. His story of transformation is a powerful reminder of the importance of hope, resilience, and community support.

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Through his advocacy and personal example, Ed continues to fight for better support and understanding for those affected by gambling harm, hoping that no one else will have to suffer like he did to finally seek help.

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"I’ve been lucky enough to get a second chance, and I’m doing my best to make it count. If my story can help just one person avoid what I went through, then it’s worth it."