a day ago
From successful business owner to homeless: How gambling addiction changed Adelaide dad Roger's life
Roger's first win at the roulette table changed everything – but not in the way he expected.
A successful business owner, the father-of-three owned multiple cafes and a chicken shop in Adelaide's west and was 'comfortable financially'.
But after winning big his first time playing roulette, he began spiralling into a devastating gambling addiction which took complete control of his life for 14 years.
'You get to a point where money isn't an issue anymore. I was comfortable financially and I fell into an addiction,' he said.
'I was no longer enjoying the game, I was just chasing my losses and trying to make something.
'I had no control of myself.'
At the peak of his addiction, he ranked among Adelaide's biggest gamblers, gambling up to 17 hours daily and spending nearly $500,000 yearly.
In 2019, he paid the ultimate price for his addiction, filing for bankruptcy and separating from his wife of 30 years.
Unemployed and relying on welfare, he left the family home with only $150 cash to his name.
'It was hard on all of us,' he said.
'Losing all my assets and all the luxurious items around me had an impact without a doubt. 'But the legit and serious impact was when I lost my family.
'I attempted suicide after that, I just couldn't take it.'
After being discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt, he began rehab.
However, with nowhere to go, he was left homeless.
It was while staying at St Vinnie's Men's Shelter that he connected with Hutt Street Centre and was given a 'second life'.
The charity provides free meals, access to bathrooms and laundry facilities, and a range of support services, ranging from medical check-ups to employment pathways.
'Most people think it's just a place where you can get food but it's much more than that,' he said.
'From the first second they were so humble and welcoming.
'They made me feel like I'm still alive.'
Now preparing to move into his own home over the next coming weeks, he said it wouldn't have been possible without the charity's support.
'I will have my own space, my own place – that feels amazing,' he said.
'If it wasn't for (Hutt Street Centre) I wouldn't be where I am today.'
Roger is one of thousands of South Australians that Hutt Street Centre supports everyday.
'Every single one of us has an issue, has a story,' Roger said.
'None of us were born on the footpath to be homeless.
'To see (people sleeping rough) out there is heartbreaking.
'We don't ask for too much. We only ask for help.'
