Ep 23. Gambling with Lives: James Grimes on Addiction, Advocacy, and Systemic Reform

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this compelling episode, Alison speaks with James Grimes, Head of Prevention at Gambling with Lives, about the devastating and often-overlooked crisis of gambling addiction. This epidemic has claimed countless lives and continues to disproportionately harm communities in the North of England.

James shares his deeply personal journey, charting a path from despair to redemption, and exposes how a seemingly innocuous pastime can spiral into a life-altering compulsion. Together, they unpack the societal and systemic forces that allow gambling harms to persist—from the legacy of the 2005 Gambling Act to the alarming rise of youth gambling. They also highlight the powerful work of Gambling with Lives, a charity founded by bereaved families advocating for reform and offering support to those affected.

This episode dives into the ethical and social dimensions of gambling-related harms, drawing parallels to Big Tobacco and spotlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Through initiatives like The Big Step campaign and grassroots recovery programmes, James and Alison reveal a hopeful path forward—a way to reclaim lives and challenge an industry that profits from vulnerability.

This isn’t just a conversation about addiction; it’s a wake-up call. It’s a rallying cry for communities, leaders, and policymakers to confront entrenched systems, rethink the way we address gambling harms, and fight for a future where no one is left behind.

Episode Timestamps:

00:42 The Impact of the 2005 Gambling Act

02:18 Gambling’s Effect on Youth and Families

04:32 Comparing Gambling to Big Tobacco: Parallels and Differences

05:29 The Role of Personal Responsibility vs Industry Accountability

06:08 Gambling-Related Suicides: The Hidden Epidemic

13:02 James Grimes’ Journey to Recovery

27:48 The Big Step Campaign: Advocacy in Action

32:35 Support Systems and Recovery Resources

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that real change requires collective action—from grassroots campaigns to bold regulatory reform. James’ story reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, recovery and hope are possible. By amplifying voices like his, Alison Dunn challenges us to confront entrenched norms, spark systemic reform, and imagine a future where no life is sacrificed to preventable harm.

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Host: Alison Dunn

Guest: James Grimes

Producer: Peter Bell

This podcast is produced by Purpose Made, empowering change through intentional leadership and shared knowledge.

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