Former conman Pat Sheedy has shared his story of losing eight-figures through his gambling addiction, resorting to stealing from friends, family, and employers to fuel his spending habits. Sheedy, who has received almost 100 criminal convictions, opened up about his struggles in a book he wrote while in prison.
Starting his gambling journey at a young age, Sheedy revealed that his first bet was placed at the age of 12 when his father took him to a nearby retail sportsbook. The addiction took hold of him three years later when he won a significant sum, which fueled his love for the thrill that gambling provided. By the time he was 20, Sheedy found himself resorting to theft to fund his betting habits.
Despite seeking treatment in 1991 to address his addiction, Sheedy eventually relapsed after 12 years of abstinence. This led to a cycle of addiction, where he resorted to selling fake rugby tickets and stealing from employers once again. However, after receiving a four-and-a-half-year sentence in 2020, Sheedy turned his life around by educating himself in prison and taking a creative writing course, which led to the creation of his book, ‘A Hundred to One.’
Reflecting on the destructive nature of online gambling, Sheedy emphasized the accessibility of betting sites compared to the limitations of retail sportsbooks in the 1980s. He expressed gratitude for being incarcerated, as it ultimately saved his life and allowed him to make positive changes. Sheedy also called for stricter gambling legislation in Ireland, urging the government to introduce new regulations to protect players and prevent others from falling into the same destructive cycle.
In an effort to give back, Sheedy returned to his former prison to host writing workshops and distribute copies of his book. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others to seek help for their gambling addictions and advocate for better regulations in the industry.