Tony O'Reilly's first ever bet was a £1 punt at France '98, and the rush of being told he was good at something for the first time set off an addiction that would cost him his marriage, his freedom and very nearly his life. Brian sits down with Tony for an honest conversation about gambling addiction, shame, secrecy and what it takes to rebuild a life after losing everything. Tony was a barman in Carlow who grew up feeling he was never good enough. That first win gave him money, but more than that, it gave him a feeling. Within a few years he had opened an online account called Tony10, was gambling on a credit card from his bedroom, and was lying to the people he loved. He paid for his own wedding with a horse that won three days after the ceremony. He became the youngest branch manager in An Post, and then began taking money from the safe, convinced he could win it all back before the next audit. By the end, he had stolen €1.75 million, all of it lost to gambling. Brian and Tony talk about the anticipation and ritual that hook people as much as any win, the way lying becomes automatic, gambling in the hospital the day his daughter was born, driving through a blizzard to stop anyone opening the safe, and the night his family tracked him down in a hotel room in Carrickfergus. Tony speaks openly about how close he came to ending his life, about three years in prison, and about Marcus, the man everyone feared who quietly looked after him inside. They also explore forgiveness, the guilt that still visits Tony in recurring dreams, and the advice he gives families today: tell the person how you feel, plant the seed, and keep the door open. This is a conversation about addiction, honesty and the hope that you can go to hell and back and still build a life worth living. If anything in this episode affects you, please reach out to someone you trust or a support service near you. Season 3 of Change Is Possible is proudly supported by Turas Nua, helping people build skills and take the next steps towards employment, because with the right support, change really is possible. Learn more at Turas Nua Connect with Tony on his website. Connect with Brian ⬛ Get FREE access to Brian’s online courses ⬛ Buy Brian’s memoir, Bonus Time ⬛ Follow Brian on Instagram ⬛ Follow Brian on LinkedIn Chapters: 0:00 How a £1 bet made Tony feel good enough 7:15 Opening the Tony10 account and gambling from home 13:05 A big win, and the first time he lied about it 19:00 The wedding that gambling nearly cost him 26:55 Rising through An Post while stealing from the safe 35:45 Living a double life as his daughter arrived 44:25 Losing his mind as the numbers spiralled 46:50 Running away, and the last bet he ever placed 58:45 Being found, and facing treatment, court and prison 1:09:40 Learning to forgive himself, and living with guilt 1:13:35 What families and those struggling can do 1:20:15 Hope, and the legacy Tony wants to leave Spotify themes: Gambling addiction, recovery, shame and secrecy, family, forgiveness, prison, hope, mental health
