Hold or Fold

If you’ve ended up in prison because of issues related to gambling, Hold or Fold is a brand new show coming to National Prison Radio that’s just for you! Presenters Ben and Steve explain what you can expect…

Hold or Fold is the first of its kind – a deep dive into the potential harm that can come from problem gambling and how this impacts on the criminal justice system. 

We have both spent time in custody as a result of gambling. Throughout the series we’ll talk to people who can help with gambling harms, as well as sharing our own stories.

Ben: I became addicted to sports betting after a period of depression and soon gambling took over my life. Eventually I became so desperate to gamble that I would do almost anything to fund it, starting with taking out exorbitant amounts on credit cards and loans, before eventually stealing money from my employer. 

I was jailed back in 2019 for 3 years. On release, I secured a position at a leading charity that encourages people to access support for their gambling. I now use this experience to help others start their recovery journey. 

Steve: Stress at work led to me looking for a way to escape, which is when I discovered online gambling. 

At the height of my addiction I was spending up to £50,000 a day on online slots and was treated like a VIP by gambling firms. I was showered with free gifts, bonuses and even tickets to sporting events, including a lavish trip to watch the horse racing in Dubai. 

I also stole money from an employer, and was eventually sentenced to 4 years in prison. 

Like Ben, I now use this experience to help others who are going through the same thing. I’ve created an aftercare programme to help those in recovery move on with their lives after gambling. 

In Hold or Fold, we’ll be sharing our own experiences, and we’ll interview a number of people who know all about gambling disorder, many of whom have lived experience themselves. 

Each episode will focus on a specific theme, covering a wide range of topics including the science of gambling disorder, gambling within the criminal justice system, and how the effects of gambling harm impact not only the person gambling but their loved ones and the people around them as well.

We’ll also have a special edition looking at how gambling can impact women.

This show is all about raising awareness of gambling harms and breaking down the barriers of shame and stigma that are so often associated with gambling disorder. 

We hope that anyone listening to the show who is also struggling with their own gambling will be empowered and inspired to access the support that they need to get on the road to recovery.

The series is packed full of inspirational stories from people who have been at the darkest ebb through gambling but have come out the other side. 

With gambling now so ingrained in British culture, the possibility of harms is ever increasing. 

This show is not just for someone gambling and looking for support, it’s an incredibly powerful and thought provoking listen for everyone. After all, gambling is known as the ‘silent’ addiction, so you never know who is suffering and who you might come across that needs support. 

Starting from Tuesday 11 July, Hold or Fold will run weekly on Tuesdays at midday and 6pm, with a repeat on Friday at 4pm.

If you would like to get involved by asking a question, sharing a story or requesting a track, you can call us on 0808 123 1234 or if you’re concerned about your gambling you can call Gamcare’s national helpline, available 24/7 for free on 0808 8020 133