Star 'lost £15,000 in online gambling'

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by Change | 23 Oct 2008

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Former rugby star Austin Healey has admitted he has lost £15,000 due to a gambling addiction.

Former rugby star Austin Healey has admitted he has lost £15,000 due to a gambling addiction.

The Strictly Come Dancing contestant claimed he struggled to adapt to life after retirement, reports the Daily Mail.

He told the newspaper he became addicted to gambling on the internet, stating his career left him "hooked on winning" and after he finished playing he was left "missing the competition".

The 34-year-old admitted: "Since giving up rugby, I've been addicted to online poker, where I would sacrifice time with the kids to beat this guy at a poker table."

The former Leicester and England star is now involved with spread betting, despite having lost around £15,000 playing poker over the internet, the publication reports.

Earlier this week, the Financial Times reported ministers are ready to announce a levy to generate funds to help those with a gambling disorder.

Around £19 million will be raised in three years starting from 2009-10 under the new proposal, with the money set to be put forward for research, education and treatment for those with betting problems, the newspaper added.

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