The Personal Stories of People Who Have Overcome Gambling Problems:

On this page you will find links to the courageous, real-life stories of people from the Central Coast who have faced, challanged and overcome their gambling problems.

Reading about other people's experiences shows us that we are not alone. Stories provide education, support, and reassurance; can help people understand and reflect on their own life journey; and most of all provide hope.

If you would like to share your story, please contact us.

We are deeply grateful to the clients who have shared their stories here. Thank you.

Amy (daughter of Cheryl) - happy and proud of mum.

Hi, my name is Amy and I am 19 years of age. It has been 1 year since my mum has been gambling or been to the club. I am very happy and proud of her. If it wasn't for her gambling counsellor I don't think she would have made it this far. My life is so much better now because mum is so much better and I feel I don't have to worry about where her last $50.00 is going. It may only seem a small thing putting money in the poker machines, but believe me it's not...

John's story - an arrested habbit

Well, it was just before going to court. I blew $100,000 of fraud money, and I was looking at a gaol sentence of around 12 months or more. But all that stress wasn't the only reason why I came to counselling. The main reason was to get rid of this habit. It was taking over my life. I was hurting my family, the people I love most, and it was destroying me! I just wanted to stop and knew I had to have some help....

Mark's Poem - push the button, I'll win for sure:

Mark's poem clearly shows the distortions in thinking experienced by problem gamblers.