Former Gambling Addict Who Stole £1.3 Million Shares His Story to Help Others

In a compelling interview with the BBC, Andy May, a 47-year-old man from the UK, shed light on his harrowing journey through addiction to gambling, emphasizing the importance of seeking help before it's too late. May's story serves as a powerful example of the destructive nature of gambling addiction and the possibility of recovery.

Andy May's gambling journey began innocently, with small bets on soccer games for entertainment. Initially wagering just £5 to £10 per weekend, he gradually escalated his bets over time. Despite knowing he shouldn't chase losses, May found himself unable to resist the allure of gambling. Tragically, he even gambled away the deposit he had saved for his first home.

After a period of abstinence lasting seven years, May's addiction resurfaced in 2014 when he succumbed to a free £50 bet offer during the World Cup. Within weeks, he was back to his previous levels of betting. Over the course of six months, he squandered £50,000 and resorted to taking credit to fuel his habit. In February 2015, he reached a breaking point and began using his company's credit card to gamble.

May's fraudulent activities eventually caught up with him, leading to his dismissal from the company where he had worked for two decades. In June 2021, he was sentenced to four years in prison after embezzling over £1.3 million. Fortunately, May connected with the Epic Restart Foundation before his imprisonment, a charity that played a crucial role in his recovery.

Upon his release from prison after two years, May managed to rebuild his life with the help of a new job and financial restitution from the gambling companies he had defrauded. Reflecting on his journey, May considers his lowest point not to be his time in prison but rather the moments he spent gambling recklessly.

Today, Andy May volunteers with GambleAware, sharing his own experience to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction. While he acknowledges that many people can gamble responsibly, he is committed to supporting those facing gambling-related problems and encourages them to seek help without delay.

May's story is a testament to the potential for recovery and redemption, offering hope to others trapped in the grip of gambling addiction.