Paul Merson opens up about gambling addiction

Ironically I got a betting Ad during this video

When I had a 4 week break from gambling I couldn't believe how gambling adverts are absolutely everywhere, its inescapable!!

Bought to you by Sky Bet

Mad respect for speaking up, Paul. I know this ain't easy, but here you are opening up about one of the most serious addictions out there. God bless you and hopefully things get better.

Most mature footballing discussion I’ve ever heard. Not a fan of Merson as a pundit but this was powerful stuff and changed my mind on the Tonali situation.

i really enjoyed this adult conversation about the troubles of addiction. Education is the key to defeating the illness that is addiction

Want to send some respect and love out to Paul merson. The man doesn't know how he's an inspiration to so many people. Top man

As a fellow compulsive gambler I have the utmost respect for Merson and his words. This addiction is so strong, hence I don’t think he himself has ever truly conquered it.

Respect to Sky for sticking with Paul through his dark times. I saw him at Cheltenham at the clubs and tatts bar and genuinely thought at the time that gambling and booze will take this man. I am glad to be proven wrong and have nothing but respect for him.

Mersons words - Powerful and so true really impressive and humbling. Struggled with all, mastered one, we will get there

I love Paul Merson's comments,....every word a true word, filled with so much meaning. Thank you so much Paul!!! PennyXxx

Well said Paul Merson, he's known the sharp end of all the addictions he mentioned. The FA should be working with people like him on how to handle this.

Completely agree with Paul Merson here and well said. To a certain extent many people have some sort of an addiction. There’s compulsive buying, compulsive eating, compulsive smoking etc…… these problems need to be given love, support and help.

Never been the biggest fan of Paul Merson per se, but he’s definitely speaking from a place of knowledge and experience here, he seems very passionate about the issues of addiction and on this occasion I must say I fully agree with him.

Never been a fan of Merson. But hits the nail here. As a recovering addict I cannot describe the power of addiction enough. Doesn't matter what you earn, addiction doesn't care. It's the same with prisons. Stats show that crime through addiction is not impacted by prison. Treatment centers are the answer. Treat, don't punish!

addiction in general is just so hard and everyone around you turns against you and it turns you into a horrible person. these people need help as well as people in general. its bigger than football

Respect to the "Magic Man" for being so open and honest about his ongoing illness (and it is an illness when your compulsive betting)...Footballers are human beings and normal people outside of the football world so I agree they need help not punishing...If u ban them they are still on top money but then they have more time on their hands when not playing so u would imagine more opportunity to place more and more bets if they wanted too via other sources...Merse is the man the PL and FA need to listen to on this and should enlist his help with his experiences so he can pass it on and hopefully detract more players stumbling into addiction whether that's betting, gambling, drugs etc etc...Well done Merse for speaking up once again 👏🏻👏🏻

Well done Merse for having the humanity and understanding to see this situation with clarity

“Next time you get the runs.. try stop that with Willpower” 😅😂 Legendary

Well said Paul Merson. As a gambling addict who's lost everything and still can't stop I respect you so so much