From playing the lottery to a flutter on the horses, many of us place the occasional bet. But for some people, like former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, gambling stops being fun and leads to a devastating addiction.
Over 45 years, Peter, who became the nation’s most capped player and starred in three World Cups, lost millions to his habit. Now his wife Steph, 53, who helped him beat the addiction, is hoping to support other people whose loved ones have a gambling disorder, through charity ARA’s pioneering Six to Ten Project.
Based on research that found the gambling addiction of one person impacts six to 10 others, it provides resources from counselling to financial advice. “As a loved one you are just as much a victim as the addict,” explains Steph. “It’s like being hit by a tornado.”
