Former Wales and Lions rugby player Andy Powell has revealed how he lost everything because of a gambling addiction. The 41-year-old said that he has been receiving help and is “getting better now.”
Powell made these admissions about his gambling problem during an appearance on The Big Jim Show podcast. He spoke about how he had no help when he was a player when it came to dealing with his gambling activity and acknowledged that players have access to a lot more help these days.
he would have to ask his club for an advance on his paycheck
Powell said he averaged an annual salary of about £170,000 ($209,496) per year while playing professional rugby. One of the main forms of gambling he engaged in was betting on horse racing. At times, he would have to ask his club for an advance on his paycheck after he blew all his money gambling. The Welshman is now a father and tries to stay busy in other ways to help him stay away from his vice.
Powell played for many teams during his 18-year professional career in rugby union, including Leicester Tigers, Wasps, and Sale Sharks. The backrower won 23 caps for Wales and also was a part of the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.