During the peak of his gambling addiction, Mark Henson was convinced that a life-changing win was always within reach.

The Sydney resident first fell into the grips of betting in his early 20s, following a significant win of several thousand dollars. This initial success quickly spiraled into a financial downfall as debts accumulated over the years, prompting Mark to reckon with his mounting losses.

Mark is eager to share his experience to highlight that gambling addiction is an issue that spares no one, impacting individuals from every background.

He notes a commonality among those who struggle with gambling addiction: it often places them in an isolating and lonely situation.

“There’s nothing social about it; it becomes their own little secret,” Mark explained.

“There’s nothing social about it and it’s their own little secret,” he said.

“That’s the thing with gambling addiction, you can’t smell the cards on their breath.”

His advice to family and friends of a compulsive gambler is to “stop bailing them out”.

“There needs to be consequences,” he said.

“It needs to be tough love, it needs to be factual, you can’t put sprinkles and fairy floss on top, because it just doesn’t work like that.”

Henson believes there’s strength in numbers when it comes to recovery.

“With numbers you’re strong but if you start doing it on your own, that’s where you’re going to be vulnerable,” he said.

“The first thing is to go and talk to someone.

“Don’t be ashamed to put your hand up if you’re struggling, it’s possible to get help.”