Ed’s story is one of innumerable challenges, personal collapse, and ultimately, redemption. Amid the public debate today about how we protect our children from gambling harm, Ed’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers when kids slip through the cracks. He began gambling at just 8 years old, and by 15, he was already feeling the devastating effects. Like many others, his struggle with gambling started quietly but gradually spiralled into life-altering consequences.

Split-second decisions can have shockwaves for a lifetime, particularly when poker machines are involved. I was in my late teens when the pokies were introduced into pubs and clubs in South Australia. Not long after they were legalised here, I finally agreed to go to a pokies venue after my boyfriend had been nagging me to join him. He’d been going with his father.

I’m free -free from the shame, and self-loathing, and guilt that comes with gambling. It’s been a hard won freedom but I draw meaning and purpose from it, and will use my story to campaign for what’s true, right and fair. 

 In 2016 at the age of 64 ½, I was sentenced to 18 months in prison for taking money from my place of employment to play the Pokies. I had never even had a parking fine before that. Nothing I am about to say is an excuse for breaking the law but will explain how I turned to the pokies in the first instance.

I found my voice and I share my story to help others. I’m grateful for the domestic violence services that supported me throughout the darkness. I’m proud to work with my gambling reform theatre group, Three Sides of the Coin, ReSPIN and The Alliance for Gambling Reform. And I’m honoured to be the mother of three beautiful girls. They are my rock and light.

Mark Stockwell’s life took a drastic turn when he was sentenced to a two-year jail term for using his employer’s money to pay off gambling debts. His exposure to gambling harm had spiralled out of control, and prison felt like the end of the road. Mark often wondered who would be there for him when he was released and whether life would be worth living. “As I sat in that jail cell for two years, I kept thinking – what do I have to look forward to when I get out?” he reflected.

I remember a relatively happy early childhood. Holidays, my mum always being proud of me and an education that made me love words and learning. High school was harder, with my parents’ divorce and the advent of anxiety and depression which were a constant feature of my teenage years. Nevertheless, I persisted against my black dog and was successful in obtaining entry to Law at Adelaide University. 

I’m now three years without a bet and my life has changed so much. I have a wonderful partner, saved up enough money to afford a permanent visa in Australia and have rebuilt my relationships with my family who didn’t trust me. I live a much happier life without gambling and am extremely passionate about helping others like myself who might be struggling with a gambling addiction.

For a person of 54 years of age, who has worked since leaving school at 17, to have not one cent in savings or any assets and almost no personal effects was very disheartening .