ADDICTED TO GAMBLING #2: 🗣️ ‘I lost £1million over the years… when the threats started, that was the wake-up call’

It took decades for Brian Johnston to overcome his betting problem. He believes gambling is rife among footballers and wants them to learn from his story

Welcome to part II of award-winning sportswriter Stephen McGowan’s investigation series into how gambling addiction blights the lives of a shockingly high number of people involved in our national sport. Yesterday, we heard from Livingston head of football operations Brian Rice about why addicts should be helped rather than punished.

In Part II today, Tranent chairman Brian Johnston reveals how he lost £1million as an addict and how it took him decades to change his life. In tomorrow’s final part, we hear from those who think betting firm advertising is out of control and ask: if safe gambling a realistic goal?

Parts II and III are for paid subscribers. Been waiting for right moment to support our indie journalism? Then sign up for our Nutmeg season ticket offer now…

By Stephen McGowan

A player, manager and now chairman of Lowland League side Tranent Juniors, Brian Johnston estimates he has lost £1million during his ‘40-year career’ as a gambling addict. The 65-year-old father and grandfather came clean on the scale of his problem in a film featured on BBC Scotland programme A View From The Terrace. Here, he speaks frankly to Nutmeg FC about the impact of gambling addiction on his life.

“I lost around £1m through gambling. Every penny I ever earned, I used to lose.

“It pains me, but while you can look back on your life you should never stare. If you do, it starts to affect your mind.

“I reflect on how much money I’ve earned over 38 years in office supplies and the fact that I don’t have terribly much to show for it, apart from a great wife and a very supportive family who stuck by me during my recovery.