This year, McCann Australia and The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation launched the ‘Fight For You’ campaign, which allowed problem gamblers to share their stories with one another. The program has experienced a great deal of success, and many participants have noted that they have made substantial progress in tackling their addictions.
Matt Torcasio is one of hundreds of individuals who took part in the program. He recorded videos and wrote blogs about his experience with problem gambling for 100 days. By the end of his 100 Day Challenge, he notes that he made great progress in kicking his dangerous habit. Today, it has been more than four months since he last gambled. Torcasio started gambling at the legal age of 18.
Like many problem gamblers, he got his start playing pokies and betting on horse races. Over the years, he estimates that he spent $250 000 on gambling. He suffered from the addiction for well over 8 years and, with the help of Fight For You, he can look forward to a bright future. Today, he is somewhat of a celebrity. In an interview with The Herald Sun, he noted that he was approached at a football game recently.
A woman and her husband recognized Torcasio from his blogs and informed him of their own difficulties with problem gambling. He spent some time speaking with the husband, and hopes that he can get on the straight and narrow. This is what the Fight For You program seems to be about. By sharing their experiences with gambling addiction, problem gamblers encourage others to face their demons.
The support throughout the community allows individuals to seek assistance and take the necessary steps towards recovery. The Responsible Gambling Foundation estimates that over 2000 problem gamblers will sign up to the program by the end of the month, joining the existing 1800 members.
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