Bright Lights: what one woman's 25-year gambling addiction really cost

‘Sharon’ has been addicted to poker machines 'pokies' since they first arrived in Australia in 1992. Subscribe to The Guardian on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/user/theguardian?sub_confirmation=1 Through this animated documentary, she reveals the devastating impact gambling has had on her life. Her story culminates with an incident that pushes her over the edge: an encounter with her seven-year-old daughter and her precious piggy bank. Warning - viewers may find the content of this film distressing. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://support.theguardian.com/ Sign up to the Guardian's free new daily newsletter, First Edition ► http://theguardian.com/first-edition Website ► https://www.theguardian.com Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/theguardian Bluesky ► https://bsky.app/profile/theguardian.com Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/guardian The Guardian on YouTube: Guardian News ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardiannews Guardian Australia ► https://www.youtube.com/@GuardianAustralia Guardian Football ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardianfootball Football Weekly ► https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast Guardian Sport ► https://www.youtube.com/@guardiansport Guardian Live ► https://www.youtube.com/@GuardianLive #BrightLights #Gambling #Pokies #PokerMachines #Australia