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Harj Gahley is a Sikh who began gambling when he was just 23. What started as a ‘fun’ night out with friends at a casino spiralled out of control, nearly costing him his life.

For over a decade, Harj kept his addiction a secret, living a double life that lead him to borrow, steel and defraud from family and friends. His addiction pushed him to the edge of personal and financial ruin. Eventually, his deception came to light, devastating his wife and family. Harj’s hidden truth also revealed a deeper cultural stigma. When he first turned to his faith and community leaders for help, instead of finding compassion he says he was met with shame and judgement. A painful confession to an elder exposed just how little understanding there was around gambling addiction.

Now a campaigner, Harj works to raise awareness about the damage gambling can do, supporting others as they face their own battles with addiction.
Through powerful conversations with the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s Rajeev Gupta, Harj takes us on an emotional journey towards a turning point - where honesty, faith, and family support finally lead him back to his Sikh identity.

Presenter: Rajeev Gupta
Producer: Matt O’Donoghue
Editor: Chloe Walker

(Photo: Harj Gahley sits crossed-legged. Credit: Harj Gahley)