It’s something he’s struggled with since he was eight years old, when Jonathan was introduced to betting on horse racing.

It was 1982, and he asked his grandparents if he could place a bet, which he did, and won. In his words, it was “one of the worst things that could have happened” because it sparked what became a lifelong interest in gambling on horse racing.

Jonathan says that each year, his obsession with gambling got worse.

He’d spend more and more money and time at the TAB, and then, when it became available, he would also bet online.

“I had a hard time at school, so I would use it as an escape,” Jonathan said.

“I would ring up and put $5 on a horse, and that would get me through a couple of weeks.

“As the years went on, it got to the point where I was betting most days. When I got a full-time job, I spent a lot of my money. 

“I didn’t have many friends, so I guess I used it to pass the time.”

At 21, Jonathan realised he had a problem and “tried and tried and tried” to give it up.

For years, he’d block websites, try different counselling and groups, and avoid visiting the TAB or watching the racing, but nothing ever stuck. Jonathan would get through a couple of months without gambling, but would then break.

About 18 months ago, he decided he needed some extra help, so he reached out to GambleAware Hunter New England, a program run by CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning.  

This is when he met Gambling Counsellor Tammy, who has been in his corner ever since, providing guidance and a listening ear on his journey.

"My GambleAware counsellor is just amazing,” Jonathan said.

“Tammy understands what I am going through, is very supportive, and never judgy.

“She is genuinely excited when I tell her about a milestone too – she's helped a lot."

Fast forward to now, and it’s nearly been nearly 12 months since he last gambled. Jonathan is not sure why “quitting” this time around has been so successful, but he is so grateful.

“I'm almost up to a year now, so I've gone 10 months without a bet,” he said.

“It’s amazing. It’s the longest I've ever gone, and it hasn't been that difficult. The only thing I have wanted to bet on was the election, but I avoided it.

“I don't watch any races. If one comes on, I just change the channel – I haven't had any serious attempts to put a bet on at all.”

Even when Jonathan sees a betting ad on TV, something he thinks should be more regulated by the government, he has been able to avoid any temptation.

While he knows it’s something he will continue to battle with for the rest of his life, Jonathan is determined to keep marking milestones – every month without gambling is a huge win.

He is sharing his story to raise awareness of gambling harm and encourage people to get help during GambleAware Week.

Jonathan encourages people who are struggling not to give up. If it weren’t for his persistence, he would still be losing money, and he knows a lot of people are probably in situations just like him.

GambleAware Week is an annual initiative aimed at increasing community awareness of the risks of gambling and gambling harm. It also highlights support services that are available to anyone affected by gambling: for people who gamble and their families and friends.

This year it’s happening from Monday 21 October to Sunday 27 October. If you need help, or would like to find out more, call 1800 497 065 or visit www.catholiccare.org.au/GambleAware

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