The Bet – Six voices. Six journeys. The real-life impacts of gambling harm

My life became pretty consumed by gambling at that point. That [win] tipped me. My whole perspective changed. I couldn’t focus anymore at work…I was thinking I couldn’t wait to get home to jump on the gams…just nothing mattered. It became in my day-to-day routine like how you brush your teeth. I have to gamble…

This is Ty’s story, one of six featured in The Bet, a powerful new podcast series produced by Te Pūrongo Productions (Adam Dudding and Eugene Bingham) for the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF Services).

The Bet shares first-hand accounts of gambling harm, highlighting deeply personal journeys — as well as the resilience and healing that followed.

Andrée Froude, Director of Advocacy and Communications at PGF Services, says the series shows the hidden reality of gambling harm.

“There is so much stigma associated with gambling that prevents people from seeking help until the harm is severe. We hope The Bet helps break down those barriers.”

Co-producers Eugene Bingham and Adam Dudding said the courage and candour of the six interviewees — Ty, Sally, Mele, Andy, Angela, and Ivan — was extraordinary.

“During a career of listening to people’s stories, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard people speak as openly and so raw about their experiences as these kaikōrero,” said Bingham.

Dudding added that the long-form format gave participants space to tell their stories in full.

“They dug deep to explain how they were drawn in, the moment they realised they couldn’t stop, and what happened next. In each interview, they also revealed just how hard it is to take the steps towards recovery – and the vital importance of asking for and accepting help from others – because once a gambling addiction has taken hold, coming back isn’t an easy journey.”

“These stories are also an indictment of the predatory tactics of gambling operators, who profit despite the enormous social costs,” Dudding said.