A Derby man has told how his addiction to gambling ruined his life and spiralled out of control – so much so he attempted to take his own life because he felt so ashamed by his habit. Chris Kershaw told how he had breakdowns, would live on basic means to save money for gambling and would seek any excuse to get away from family and friends so he could gamble in person or online.
He said for around 15 years “there was not a period of time that I went more than an hour without placing a bet”.
Chris revealed his life story as part of an investigation into people’s gambling habits in Derby and how the addiction is currently affecting people’s health. The year-long Derby City Council-led investigation, carried out by the director of public health Dr Robyn Dewis, found that more than 500 people living in the city currently have a severe or dangerous gambling addiction.
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The research comes at a time when gambling “is now increasingly being recognised as a public health issue.”
Chris said that he first got hooked on gambling in his home county of Lancashire at the age of 14/15 when he became hooked on the lights and sounds of fruit machines in his local snooker club. The early likeness then progressed into a habit which took control of his life as he moved to Derbyshire.
“It (gambling) was something that grabbed me by the throat. I’m a huge believer this is an illness and it's progressive in nature.
“There was not a period of time between the age of 14/15 and 30/31 when I finally sought help that I went more than an hour without placing a bet. The advent of internet gambling within that time only served to make it worse.
“It had an awful lot of impact. What I failed to realise then, but I do now, is that I was unable to form any relationships because nobody or nothing mattered to me as much as gambling. It was very controlling. The lies would creep in at any opportunity. If I was with my family I’d be on the phone under the table gambling and I made excuses to go out so I could go to the bookies.
“It might be hard for people to realise but this is a real public health issue. I had a breakdown, I was coughing up blood every day. I had to sit next to doors at work meetings to make sure I could escape as soon as possible to gamble or use the toilet because of what it was doing to my body and my mind.
“I wasn’t making great decisions anymore. I was borrowing money right, left and centre and everything was spiralling out of control. I wouldn’t do full shops at the supermarket knowing all my other money was going elsewhere.”
Chris said problems alarmingly escalated to the point where he couldn’t take anymore of his addiction and attempted to take his own life. But the realisation from that was the “starting point” of his healthier future and recovery. The very same computer he placed many bets on, was the same one he used to seek therapy help in Derby.
Chris says he has not put a bet on since 2006 and is in a much better place now than he was 20 years ago when his gambling addiction reached its peak. “It’s rare I have a bad day now,” he said.
His full interview is available to watch on Derby City Council’s YouTube channel here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PP27x4RLo8.
Dr Dewis’ annual report states that gambling-related harms are diverse and affect not only the health and wellbeing of the individual, but also that of their families, communities, and wider society.
It is estimated that Derby residents spend at least £314,000 on gambling activities every week.
In January 2024, there were 39 licensed gambling premises in Derby. Nearly three quarters of these premises are located in areas which are amongst the 20 per cent most deprived nationally.
Where to find help
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
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