Chris's story

I started gambling about 18. Just card machines at pubs. Rarely horses or casinos. I knew early on I had a problem but I didn't do anything about it.

By 30 I was a lawyer and owned several Sydney properties. I was doing so well banks had loaned me $3m secured against those properties. I had women, cash and respect. Life was great.

In my early to mid 30s my gambling escalated. We moved offices to above a TAB and one of the other lawyers 'taught' me about horse punting. He didn't have a problem though and could manage his bets. I couldn't.

By 40 I have lost my license to be a lawyer, due to gambling, and have no assets at all. I survive on others. My family has turned their back on me as have many friends. No one will take my calls now. I have been to GA and to counselling over my problem but I cannot stop. After losing my license to practise law I bought a business but I can't run it, all I want to do is gamble. I am in debt $500,000 and bankruptcy looms. I was evicted this week from my office for not paying rent.

Gambling is an awful disease.