This episode (The Gambling Files RTFM 187) features a conversation with Matt Smith, the Director of External Affairs for Bet No More, who shares his personal journey of recovery from gambling and alcoholism. 

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Let’s be real—while we discuss all things gaming, Clarion Gaming are out there championing businesses, connecting people, and handling all the hard stuff. Meanwhile, we get to sit here and yap on about it. Thanks for doing the heavy lifting, Clarion. We’ll see you in Barcelona for ICE 2025! 

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In a nutshell:

* Matt discusses the importance of addressing addiction holistically, considering root causes such as mental health and social isolation, rather than solely focusing on the behavior itself. 

* Our society (sorry to get on our high horse here!) needs more empathy and understanding so we can support those affected by gambling harm. 

* Lived experiences—such as Matt’s—can help shape effective responsible gambling initiatives. 

Choice quotes:

* Matt Smith: “If you just treat gambling issues in isolation, then there’s a big chance you'll miss something else that’s going on, like alcoholism or another related problem.”

* Matt Smith: “I wasn't showering. My mental health had deteriorated. I had no income and no hope. I reached out to someone at a treatment center for alcohol. I said, I need help. He said, Come.” 

* Jon Bruford: “Critics treat gambling as the problem in and of itself. But we need an interagency approach to gambling treatment. A main driver for gambling issues among women is domestic abuse. So, if all you treat is the gambling addiction, you're pissing in the wind because you're avoiding the root cause of the problem.”

Thanks to Matt Smith for being on the show! 

Learn more about Betknowmore: https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/ 

Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-betknowmoreuk/ 

UK National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133. 

The Gambling Files podcast delves into the business side of the betting world. Each week, join Jon Bruford and Fintan Costello as they discuss current hot topics with world-leading gambling experts.

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