Ex-Prisoner Raises Awareness on Gambling Addiction Crisis

Sian Mclear-Dyer, a mother from Wallasey, has emerged as a voice for those affected by gambling addiction after facing the consequences of her own struggles. Her journey, which led to a prison sentence for theft, highlights the growing crisis of gambling addiction, particularly among vulnerable populations.

In 2015, Mclear-Dyer’s gambling began innocently during a work outing to bingo. She downloaded an app that quickly drew her in with enticing promotions. Over the following months, her life spiraled as she spent her wages from her job as a finance manager at a property law firm. Within four years, she estimates losing around £400,000 from gambling-related activities, which included funds from loans, credit cards, and money stolen from her workplace.

Mclear-Dyer describes living “two lives.” By day, she maintained a façade of normalcy, while at night she succumbed to her addiction, often gambling until dawn. She recounted, “I had this normal life in the daytime, and then at nighttime I’d start gambling. I’d literally lie there all night and sometimes not have any sleep.” The shame of her addiction kept her from seeking help, even as the situation escalated.

The turning point came in 2018 when two significant events occurred: she lost her job and discovered she was pregnant. “As soon as that happened, my whole world fell apart, but I was relieved everything had come out. I could speak about it,” she said. This prompted her to seek help from the Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT), a charity based in Liverpool that provides free treatment and support for those grappling with addiction. Mclear-Dyer credits BCT with “saving her life.”

Despite her recovery efforts, Mclear-Dyer had to face the legal repercussions of her actions. She served nearly a year in prison for the theft of more than £320,000 from her employer, during which time she was separated from her newborn son for the first four months of his life. In prison, she took part in a counselling course aimed at helping others with similar issues.

Upon her release, Mclear-Dyer pursued a degree in criminology and psychology from Liverpool John Moores University. Today, she works as an education and brief intervention lead at BCT, focusing on training professionals about gambling addiction and its links to domestic violence.

Her advocacy is particularly relevant as statistics indicate a troubling rise in gambling addiction in the region. BCT reported an 810% increase in third-party referrals for support over the past year. Their outreach teams have engaged with over 20,000 individuals, reflecting the increasing demand for services, especially in areas like Walton, Liverpool, where mental health-related disability claims are alarmingly high.

Mclear-Dyer is now actively raising awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction, particularly its impact on young people. She remarked, “It’s getting worse because there’s just so much of it now and there’s this illegal market that’s coming through as well where younger people become addicted before they’ve even reached the age of 18.”

In response to the escalating crisis, a new public health campaign titled “If I Only Knew” has been launched. Developed by the national gambling harm prevention organization Chapter One in partnership with Liverpool City Council, the campaign aims to educate young people about the manipulative tactics used by gambling companies.

James Grimes, Director of Chapter One, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “When I was struggling with gambling, I wish I knew that it’s almost impossible to win in the long run, and that gambling harms aren’t about luck or self-control — modern-day gambling is designed to keep us hooked.”

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council, noted that gambling harm has become a pressing public health issue. He stated, “This new campaign is tackling the root causes of gambling harm by focusing on the commercial determinants of health, as well as showing hope by involving people with lived experience.”

As the campaign rolls out across social media, Mclear-Dyer continues to advocate for those affected by gambling addiction, underscoring the need for awareness and support in combating this growing issue. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of addiction and the importance of seeking help.