A beautiful family and financial security is what most dream of. For Shamil Gillani the lure of gambling resulted in him nearly losing everything which he held so dear.

Shamil talks about his 12-year uncontrollable addiction that saw him turn into a compulsive liar, gamble his family savings the day before his wedding and the steps he now takes daily to battle his addiction.

As well as sharing his destructive experience, supporting others, chairing meetings at the Gamblers Anonymous group where he started his road to recovery, he also actively campaigns for a change in legislation on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.

"Gambling addiction is so hidden it’s easy to be engulfed in; it's the steps you take after that support your recovery" Shamil is a Kingston resident who suffered a 12-year uncontrollable gambling addiction. Turning his life around, he now chairs meetings at the Gamblers Anonymous group where he started his road to recovery. He also actively campaigns for a change in legislation on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx