Topics covered: insecurities, psychology of addiction, secrecy, manipulation, shame, suicide ideation, finding meaning.
My first guest of this brand new season of Ready to be Real is someone I’ve wanted to sit down with since the podcast launched back in 2019.
Tony O’Reilly is the co-author of the bestselling book Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All - the extraordinary true story of how a one pound bet in his early twenties spiralled into a devastating online gambling addiction that completely consumed his life.
Over time, Tony gambled more than €10 million and stole €1.75 million from An Post while working as a branch manager and ultimately losing almost everything: his job, his marriage, his peace of mind and very nearly, his life.
But behind the sensational headlines is a real story.
In this conversation, Tony speaks with extraordinary honesty about the psychology of addiction - the secrecy of online gambling, the lies, the manipulation, the fear and the chaos happening quietly behind closed doors - and the moments that still haunt him today.
We also discuss recovery, accountability and understanding the “why” behind addiction, along with the enormous amount of work Tony has done on himself in recent years. He also shares how his teenage daughter has become his greatest motivation to stay on track and keep moving forward.
This is a powerful and deeply important conversation about addiction, shame, and healing.
Tony now works as a gambling addiction counsellor and psychotherapist, helping people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm.
You can connect with him here:
Tony O' Reilly - Gambling Addiction Counselling & Workshops
Resources & Support
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone.
Support links:
Extern Problem Gambling - Free Counselling for Problem Gambling
Ireland helplines and hotlines
Book :
Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All
Documentaries :
All bets are off/RTÉ
Finné/TG4
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