IT’S been almost a year since Springvale tradie Matt Torcasio last gambled.
“I’m a lot happier and I’m pretty proud,” he said.
The 27-year-old is back on television screens after first appearing a year ago in the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s Fight for the Real You campaign.
He documented on camera his first 100 days without a bet since his addiction had taken hold eight years earlier.
“I hope that will help other people, help them realise they can beat it and stay on the right track if they try hard enough,” he said.
“Some good’s come out of my gambling.”
His addiction started as a release from the emotional strain of his mum’s brain cancer battle, and a few big wins got him hooked. But he lost about $250,000.
“All my debts haven’t cleared up as quickly as I’d like, but they’re getting there,” he said.
Mr Torcasio has weekly help from a financial counsellor and a general counsellor, who’s become like a friend.
“Whenever I get that urge to gamble she’s made me visualise a happy place from when I was a kid. That’s down at my aunty’s place where she used to have all my favourite movies. That seems to get me through.”
His girlfriend of almost six years, Lauren, has also been a rock and he couldn’t thank her more.
“Me and Lauren have moved out together, so one of the goals has been achieved.”
Mr Torcasio is even an ambassador for the foundation now, speaking at schools and sporting clubs.
“Even if I only help one person from each of those schools and clubs it’s worth it,” he said.
He can’t see himself ever placing another bet.
“I’m too happy now and have too much going for me to ever want to go back.
“I was never happy. You might be happy for the five minutes that you win. I didn’t like who I was.”
But he does worry about extra pokies slated for Greater Dandenong.
“When you’re surrounded by advertising for gambling and new venues it becomes quite temping and makes it a lot harder to avoid and try to stop thinking about gambling,” he said.
“But there’s so many ways you can beat it with Gambler’s Help.”
For help with a gambling problem phone 1800 858 858 or go to gamblinghelponline.org.au. Sign up for the 100 Day Challenge at www.fightforyou.com.au.
