The Bet

In a special interview with The Bet’s producers, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience Dr Simone Rodda explains why humans get such a kick out of gambling, why the potential for harm is so great, and what gamblers and their loved ones can do about it. Topics covered include .. * What is “rapid play” and why is it so addictive? * Why do casinos hide their clocks? * Is there such a thin...

Gambling can mess up your life – but what’s it like for a gambler’s partner? When Laura’s* mother confronts her over an empty bank account, she assumes her daughter has a secret gambling addiction. The reality is different: Laura’s boyfriend has been using her ID, her credit card and her identity to gamble away her university savings. After suffering in silence for a long time she finally finds th...

Gambling isn’t really about the money. Just ask Phil. Even when his travel business became successful, his compulsive gambling meant he never held on to his profits for long. But after decades of using pokies and casino bets to stave off loneliness, thanks to a family intervention Phil got the help he needed at PGF to make real, positive and long term change. Warning: These podcast episodes contai...

At 18, Johnathan panics during a police pursuit, speeding away and leaving his friends and girlfriend stranded on the roadside. Years later, he recognises that same reckless impulse in his sports betting, where he once lost a $20,000 single bet. For a time he can hide his losses – including thousands from a family inheritance – but eventually they catch up with him. Hear how he made some incredibl...

After a childhood marred by bullying and other traumatic experiences, David* seeks the comfort and oblivion of alcohol and gambling. Decades of chaos follow, including homelessness, repeated rehabs and brushes with the law. But after finding the right counsellor at PGF and gaining insight into the effects of complex childhood trauma, a new chapter begins. David finally discovers a pathway to rebui...

The Bet is back – with five new powerful episodes about how Kiwis are successfully overcome serious gambling addictions. New episodes out September 2026. Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care. If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling...

Ivan describes a childhood spent constantly on the move, hiding in the dark from landlords and living in the unpredictable wake of his father’s actions. One moment his father was a superhero who would gift him a musical instrument, the next he was a destructive "tornado" who would sell it to pay off a gambling debt. This is a compelling story about the instability of growing up with a parent’s gam...

For 30 years, Angela's life was caught in a destructive cycle where methamphetamine and gambling "went hand in hand". This episode is her story of that decades-long journey, which started with her father teaching her to bet on horses at age four. She describes how the two addictions fuelled each other, leading to a life of crime, working in the sex industry, and losing tens of thousands of dollars...

Andy's journey with gambling harm is a story of repeated relapses and hard-won recovery. After his wife discovered his betting, a separation forced him into a "real reality check". He worked tirelessly to win back her trust, attending regular counselling sessions at PGF. However, a setback in his business triggered another, more severe two-year relapse. This is a candid account of the triggers for...

In front of over 200 guests at her glamorous 60th birthday party, Mele stood up to share a secret she had carried for most of her life. In this episode, Mele tells the full story behind that courageous moment. She speaks about her long and complicated relationship with gambling, the shame that kept it hidden, and the powerful decision to finally "keep it real". It's a deeply moving account of brea...

For Sally, a woman overwhelmed by the "black noise" and pressures of life, an online casino offered a silent escape. What began as a peaceful refuge on the couch quickly became an all-consuming obsession. This episode explores the psychological pull of gambling, telling the story of how one woman's search for a quiet space of her own led to the "complete destruction" of her life. PGF Services prov...

Ty is a student who has navigated both drug and gambling addiction, and her conclusion is startling: gambling was harder to overcome. In this episode, Ty shares how the dopamine hit from online pokies became more powerful than the drugs she had previously battled. She tells the story of how a casual $20 bet escalated into secretly depositing thousands from her life savings while lying next to her...

Trailer for the new Podcast produced by Te Pūrongo Productions for PGF Services. The Bet is the stories of those who have first hand experience with gambling harm. PGF Services provide free, confidential support for those who are experiencing gambling harm. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to here to help. Contact us via: Phone 080...