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Might Bite: The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict
This is the shocking story of a life secretly shattered by pathological gambling addiction, and the first steps to putting the pieces back together.
For more than 12 years, Patrick Foster lived a double life. Turning 31, a popular and sociable young teacher and former professional cricketer, he had a lovely girlfriend and a supportive family. But he was hiding a secret and debilitating gambling addiction from even those closest to him.
Huge bets had led to huge debts, thousands of lies and mental health issues that pushed him to the edge of the platform at Slough station, where he was moments from taking his own life in March 2018. That month he had turned a £30 bet into £28,000, then lost £58,000 on a single horse, Might Bite, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, watching the race in
a silent classroom as his students undertook a mock exam in front of him.
Gambling addiction affects more than 1.4 million people per year in the UK alone. It is a growing and pervasive issue: gamblers are getting younger, more women are betting every day, and the industry is worth more than £14 billion.
This book explores the reasons behind gambling addiction and its terrible consequences, through the eyes of one man – who almost didn't survive.
For more than 12 years, Patrick Foster lived a double life. Turning 31, a popular and sociable young teacher and former professional cricketer, he had a lovely girlfriend and a supportive family. But he was hiding a secret and debilitating gambling addiction from even those closest to him.
Huge bets had led to huge debts, thousands of lies and mental health issues that pushed him to the edge of the platform at Slough station, where he was moments from taking his own life in March 2018. That month he had turned a £30 bet into £28,000, then lost £58,000 on a single horse, Might Bite, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, watching the race in
a silent classroom as his students undertook a mock exam in front of him.
Gambling addiction affects more than 1.4 million people per year in the UK alone. It is a growing and pervasive issue: gamblers are getting younger, more women are betting every day, and the industry is worth more than £14 billion.
This book explores the reasons behind gambling addiction and its terrible consequences, through the eyes of one man – who almost didn't survive.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
242 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2022
12 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 13, 2022
In brief - Gut wrenching, powerful, important - a real insight into addiction.
In full
This is Patrick Foster's story. He was a promising young cricketer who was playing county cricket at an elite level in his teens. He did well at university and had a good circle of friends. After that he became a teacher and schools were impressed by him. However he managed to keep his gambling addiction a secret from family, friends and employers for many years. In addition to his gambling addiction he was also probably an alcoholic and an extremely skilled and convincing liar. Until the point where everything started to unravel...
And that is where this book actually starts. In March 2018 Patrick realises he is close to the end of the road. Twice he feels suicide is his only option. On the 2nd occasion he is very close indeed to going ahead with that. The first chapter ends there and the book then goes back to October 2006. This is when he started to gamble. At university, with a group of mates, he gets a win. It feels good. Then he gets another and then a big one. From there on his addiction grows, slowly at times and then at an increasing speed. Much of the time it makes for some dark reading.
As far as I can see Patrick is completely open about his addiction(s) and problems generally throughout this book. The opening of this book leading to his 2nd suicide plan makes for difficult - gut wrenching even - reading. In practice going back to the autumn of 2006 and the start of the addiction is something of a relief. This period simply feels like looking into a cavern - dark and potentially threatening but something you might walk away from. In the early stages his addiction is somewhat under control. However as time goes by he gets into debt to fund his habit. To start with this is bank loans or similar. However he then starts to get payday type loans (2013/14) and the debt spiral sharpens. From there he seeks funds from friends and then parents of children he teaches (and then frankly anyone anywhere who will lend him money!).
"I was quite brilliant at hiding what I needed to hide" sums up some of his life quite well. It is remarkable just how ultra efficient he was with his life and that allowed him to function while addicted. At times he gets really substantial wins however they simply go on further bets and he loses big time too. The worse things get the more gambling became the outlet and the attempt to put things right again.
He does make the valid point in later stages that "mens mental health was a taboo subject" at that time and his self esteem falls rapidly. By 2015 he has 50k debts. In 2016 his parents become involved and he does partially disclosure aspects of his problem. They give him a loan to pay off his debts. He tells them he has and goes on gambling.
By the following year he has met a new partner and is very close to her. He moves in with her in the summer of the following year. By then he considers himself an alcoholic too and does actually want to stop gambling - a first. The latter part of the book has parts that are his partner Charlotte's views of the relationship contrasted with his. It made for fascinating reading but it was obvious his skills at lying were no longer enough. By now his debts were far higher and he cannot even begin to service the loans he has. The book then returns to his final suicide plan. What follows does make for very powerful reading. At the end of the book there is a "final thoughts" section. While they were interesting they felt a little disjointed and more like a set of notes.
I found this a remarkable read. As a story it is powerful. As an insight into addiction it is extremely good. There are plenty of ideas to consider in this other than the simple buzz of/addiction to gambling. Were there aspects of Patrick's background that made him more susceptible to this and if so what where they for example? I can see this book working for someone who is simply interested however I think it would be great for counsellors or psychologists too.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
This is Patrick Foster's story. He was a promising young cricketer who was playing county cricket at an elite level in his teens. He did well at university and had a good circle of friends. After that he became a teacher and schools were impressed by him. However he managed to keep his gambling addiction a secret from family, friends and employers for many years. In addition to his gambling addiction he was also probably an alcoholic and an extremely skilled and convincing liar. Until the point where everything started to unravel...
And that is where this book actually starts. In March 2018 Patrick realises he is close to the end of the road. Twice he feels suicide is his only option. On the 2nd occasion he is very close indeed to going ahead with that. The first chapter ends there and the book then goes back to October 2006. This is when he started to gamble. At university, with a group of mates, he gets a win. It feels good. Then he gets another and then a big one. From there on his addiction grows, slowly at times and then at an increasing speed. Much of the time it makes for some dark reading.
As far as I can see Patrick is completely open about his addiction(s) and problems generally throughout this book. The opening of this book leading to his 2nd suicide plan makes for difficult - gut wrenching even - reading. In practice going back to the autumn of 2006 and the start of the addiction is something of a relief. This period simply feels like looking into a cavern - dark and potentially threatening but something you might walk away from. In the early stages his addiction is somewhat under control. However as time goes by he gets into debt to fund his habit. To start with this is bank loans or similar. However he then starts to get payday type loans (2013/14) and the debt spiral sharpens. From there he seeks funds from friends and then parents of children he teaches (and then frankly anyone anywhere who will lend him money!).
"I was quite brilliant at hiding what I needed to hide" sums up some of his life quite well. It is remarkable just how ultra efficient he was with his life and that allowed him to function while addicted. At times he gets really substantial wins however they simply go on further bets and he loses big time too. The worse things get the more gambling became the outlet and the attempt to put things right again.
He does make the valid point in later stages that "mens mental health was a taboo subject" at that time and his self esteem falls rapidly. By 2015 he has 50k debts. In 2016 his parents become involved and he does partially disclosure aspects of his problem. They give him a loan to pay off his debts. He tells them he has and goes on gambling.
By the following year he has met a new partner and is very close to her. He moves in with her in the summer of the following year. By then he considers himself an alcoholic too and does actually want to stop gambling - a first. The latter part of the book has parts that are his partner Charlotte's views of the relationship contrasted with his. It made for fascinating reading but it was obvious his skills at lying were no longer enough. By now his debts were far higher and he cannot even begin to service the loans he has. The book then returns to his final suicide plan. What follows does make for very powerful reading. At the end of the book there is a "final thoughts" section. While they were interesting they felt a little disjointed and more like a set of notes.
I found this a remarkable read. As a story it is powerful. As an insight into addiction it is extremely good. There are plenty of ideas to consider in this other than the simple buzz of/addiction to gambling. Were there aspects of Patrick's background that made him more susceptible to this and if so what where they for example? I can see this book working for someone who is simply interested however I think it would be great for counsellors or psychologists too.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
March 5, 2022
This is a hard book to rate. I flit between 4 star and no rating because it seems hard to rate someone’s life experiences.
I didn’t understand a lot of the betting or cricket terms which made it hard to read at times for me but I enjoyed it anyway, it was really insightful.
I didn’t understand a lot of the betting or cricket terms which made it hard to read at times for me but I enjoyed it anyway, it was really insightful.
January 8, 2022
Wow; I almost cried at the end of this, what a well written and just unwaveringly true book, the right level of text and information passed on and the whole process of being an addict of any kind comes through. You can tell the author really cares about gambling addiction education, a worth while book for everyone to read (unless it will be too triggering for you!)
December 30, 2022
I read this book within a week. I liked it and was emotional while doing it. I think this is a very good book and I recommend it to everyone, even those who are immune from addiction of any kind.
July 11, 2023
Very rarely dish out five stars for a book, but this raw, moving and inspirational account of one person's descent into addiction hell and emergence into a brighter, more stable future really hit home for me. Foster's decision to go all out in opening up on the pivotal points in his life that led to his gambling addiction, the rollercoaster when under its thrall and treatment to address it finally should be required reading for anyone who thinks they might be vulnerable or family and friends who are working out how to help someone who is struggling to help themselves with addiction. Foster's decision to include passages from his now wife also mark this out as special as we see how the lying and destructive behaviour that goes hand in hand with addiction affects those closest to you.
February 1, 2025
I really enjoyed listening to this. Gambling addiction is such unknown territory to me (gratefully) and I am glad to know more about it. This was a really informative and emotional read!
April 13, 2024
Good book covering a very serious issue I don’t think is spoken about anywhere near enough
November 25, 2021
A riveting, deeply moving and very important story that will resonate with everyone who has ever been a gambler.
February 26, 2022
First off, I don’t have a ton of experience with gambling/sports.. but WOW. This book was just so so so thought provoking, because you either will gamble yourself or you will know somebody that gambles. I would definitely recommend this to anyone tbh. I finished this book last night and I’m still processing my thoughts.. there’s just so so much to say!
This book covers Patrick’s journey through his addiction to gambling, right from the start and all the way through to his present day recovery. It gives details about the thought processes behind certain actions that were taken throughout his addiction.
There is such a stigma attached to addictions overall, but gambling addictions come with no physical signs and there’s no physical addiction there (like how there is with alcohol/drugs) and I think most people take a very blasé approach ‘why don’t you just not spend your money on that’; but after reading Patrick’s story, it’s so easy to see how it would be difficult to manage once the addiction starts.
Before reading this book, I’d never even considered the concept that things like buying ‘loot boxes’ etc on a game, could literally be a gateway into gambling. It’s just something that gets done, often without much thought and they’re so easily accessible even for young children..
After reading this, I really think more needs to be done to try and prevent gambling addictions. Patrick was in a very very unfortunate situation, and the signs should have been so obvious to the betting companies but they were ignored. I just hope people can get the appropriate support moving forward.
This book covers Patrick’s journey through his addiction to gambling, right from the start and all the way through to his present day recovery. It gives details about the thought processes behind certain actions that were taken throughout his addiction.
There is such a stigma attached to addictions overall, but gambling addictions come with no physical signs and there’s no physical addiction there (like how there is with alcohol/drugs) and I think most people take a very blasé approach ‘why don’t you just not spend your money on that’; but after reading Patrick’s story, it’s so easy to see how it would be difficult to manage once the addiction starts.
Before reading this book, I’d never even considered the concept that things like buying ‘loot boxes’ etc on a game, could literally be a gateway into gambling. It’s just something that gets done, often without much thought and they’re so easily accessible even for young children..
After reading this, I really think more needs to be done to try and prevent gambling addictions. Patrick was in a very very unfortunate situation, and the signs should have been so obvious to the betting companies but they were ignored. I just hope people can get the appropriate support moving forward.
March 17, 2022
I picked this up on impulse at the local library, attracted by a subject that I'm aware of - gambling addiction - but know very little about. I like an odd punt here and there, but the pain for me of losing frequent bets always outweighs the thrill of winning the odd one in compensation. I've known plenty of blokes who like gambling, and some who I'd say are quite heavy gamblers, but this book puts all that into perspective. This is like comparing people you know who you suspect are "heavy drinkers" with actual alcoholics. There's a world of difference and true addictions are a Hell on earth, as this book grippingly demonstrates. The majority of the story chronicles the worst days, months and years of the author's addiction and you feel for him as he goes through it. He can't explain why he's caught up in this crisis and seems unable to stop even as he sees and causes the damage it is doing. Other addictions, such as drinking and eating, attach themselves to him too and you believe that he is almost powerless to stop it all until the bottom of the pit is reached. Will he climb out when he does reach it?
This is a gripping, powerful account that makes you think about the poor souls caught up in addictions beyond their control. It's a complex subject, but you can't help but feel that the bookies, the advertisers, the sponsors, the promoters and all the enablers should read this and take a hard look at themselves. They are seriously hurting a lot of people and should be doing much more to recognise and support the vulnerable people they literally exploit and damage through their current approach.
This is a gripping, powerful account that makes you think about the poor souls caught up in addictions beyond their control. It's a complex subject, but you can't help but feel that the bookies, the advertisers, the sponsors, the promoters and all the enablers should read this and take a hard look at themselves. They are seriously hurting a lot of people and should be doing much more to recognise and support the vulnerable people they literally exploit and damage through their current approach.
April 16, 2023
This was a very brave story and one which I am thankful I read. I don't have an addiction to gambling but I enjoy biographies and I really enjoyed this. A little too technical at the beginning regarding statistics and racing etc as it's not my area but once that was out of the way, to hear his story in the absolute truth was remarkable.
I can only begin to imagine the struggles Patrick found himself in, and with the book opening, with him describing how he was about to throw himself under a train, it immediately grabs you in and makes you want to find out how indeed that didn't happen and he ended up writing his story instead. I found that a great way to bring us in and tempt us to read on! Very clever.
The story was so honest and open and the levels of debts he accrued over the years was absolutely astonishing. He had a very good support network and I think that really helped, we have to bare in mind not many people have a good support network and this is how things spiral. I think he was very honest to admit that he lied to those he loved, to protect them from the horrible truth of how much money he really owed.
Very brave story and an enjoyable read.
I can only begin to imagine the struggles Patrick found himself in, and with the book opening, with him describing how he was about to throw himself under a train, it immediately grabs you in and makes you want to find out how indeed that didn't happen and he ended up writing his story instead. I found that a great way to bring us in and tempt us to read on! Very clever.
The story was so honest and open and the levels of debts he accrued over the years was absolutely astonishing. He had a very good support network and I think that really helped, we have to bare in mind not many people have a good support network and this is how things spiral. I think he was very honest to admit that he lied to those he loved, to protect them from the horrible truth of how much money he really owed.
Very brave story and an enjoyable read.
December 17, 2024
Of all the vices and habits that my brother and I could have inherited from our wayward father, we're both pleased that it wasn't gambling. Sure, I might be known to throw in the odd fiver here or there on football accumulators or boxing matches, but never more than that and only rarely other than a Saturday. Some people though aren't so lucky. Take Patrick Foster for instance whose book Might Bite: The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict (2022) shares with us, in ruthlessly honest detail how sports betting can get completely out of hand. Ex-cricketer Foster spares no punches in detailing his story from promising pro-athlete to city boy to private school teacher who managed to racket it up huge debt, borrowing from everyone and anyone (including student's parents), often betting over a hundred times a day and coming to the very brink of disaster. His story is a worryingly common one in the age of gambling apps and even 'purchasable add-ons' in kids video games. Foster, as he says himself, is lucky to have come from a place of privilege, but addiction in any form destroys lives and has no regard to class, age, sex or age. A gripping and educational read.
March 14, 2022
A candid and illuminating account of Patrick's descent into a gambling addiction.
Over twelve and a half years, Patrick accumulated thousands of pounds worth of debt, and spent close to four million pounds, both online and in betting shops and casinos.
As his habit spiralled out of control, he lost jobs, friends and lied to loved ones. He was too ashamed to admit his secret gambling addiction, and saw suicide as his only way out.
But he came back from the brink, and finally opened up fully to his family and girlfriend. Their support enabled him to seek help, and to deal with the debts.
Patrick is now passionate about raising awareness of the dangers of gambling, giving talks to schools and offering practical and heart felt advice in this warts and all account of his own recovery.
A really compelling story of despair turned to hope and an important issue to talk about.
Over twelve and a half years, Patrick accumulated thousands of pounds worth of debt, and spent close to four million pounds, both online and in betting shops and casinos.
As his habit spiralled out of control, he lost jobs, friends and lied to loved ones. He was too ashamed to admit his secret gambling addiction, and saw suicide as his only way out.
But he came back from the brink, and finally opened up fully to his family and girlfriend. Their support enabled him to seek help, and to deal with the debts.
Patrick is now passionate about raising awareness of the dangers of gambling, giving talks to schools and offering practical and heart felt advice in this warts and all account of his own recovery.
A really compelling story of despair turned to hope and an important issue to talk about.
November 3, 2022
Quite the tale! I've heard this man speak at my son's school and his message is impactful. You can't imagine how he lived this life for a decade without those close to him being fully aware of what was really going on.
It's a strong message he delivers and great to see he has made it through and has his life well and truly on track, working to help others become aware of the murky side of gambling and how it can take over your life - it's an addiction just like any other and continued raised awareness is vital. His work in schools is to be commended, and in my case, not just aimed at the students, parents equally affected by what he had to say.
It's a strong message he delivers and great to see he has made it through and has his life well and truly on track, working to help others become aware of the murky side of gambling and how it can take over your life - it's an addiction just like any other and continued raised awareness is vital. His work in schools is to be commended, and in my case, not just aimed at the students, parents equally affected by what he had to say.
June 8, 2022
The main problem I had is that I didn’t like the writer very much. Not a big fan of loud always at the centre of attention people.
I struggle to understand gambling as an addiction as opposed to a weakness, likewise the abuse of his position as a teacher and treatment of family and friends is abhorrent.
He only stops gambling when the World comes crashing down not really through choice.
So congratulations on stopping but perhaps banning online gambling is the solution not books like this or giving lectures. Ban fucking gambling.
I struggle to understand gambling as an addiction as opposed to a weakness, likewise the abuse of his position as a teacher and treatment of family and friends is abhorrent.
He only stops gambling when the World comes crashing down not really through choice.
So congratulations on stopping but perhaps banning online gambling is the solution not books like this or giving lectures. Ban fucking gambling.
March 9, 2022
I don’t think I’ve ever been so vocal when reading a book! Sat in bed saying “oft” and “Jesus” and the occasional swear word, feeling a horrible cold sweat of panic rise for Patrick, the protagonist of this tale. His personal testimony is frightening, and ultimately inspirational (at the very end!). What a story.
July 21, 2022
Wish this was a seriously stunning book, a in depth look at how it is to be a gambling addiction and just how it takes over every aspect of your life, sad in a lot of parts but also brilliantly written. Even though the matter was sad and shocking I really liked it and it’s helped me look at people differently who may have this…
January 29, 2022
What a great informative book. It gave me an insight into addictive behaviour. Often people just consider addictions as a choice. I am so happy that he was able to overcome and take responsibility for his choices and was supported by such loving people.
June 21, 2022
This is such a direct look at how gambling addiction can have an effect on a life. The author does not hold back and is completely honest about what happened to his life as a result of his addiction. This really tugs at your heartstrings.
July 5, 2024
A very interesting and personal story covering a topic that, while relatable to many, is not often told. However, the book itself really could have done with a few more rounds of editing as the narrative was hard to follow in places.
June 25, 2025
A powerful insight into addiction. Shocking and disturbing, it felt totally authentic and I hope he has turned his life around now for his and his family’s sake. Show how quickly our lives can change
February 10, 2022
Very eye opening and honest. It's so scary how addictions can take over so fast and fully in your life. The honesty in this book is admirable and very raw. Wish you all the best in your future!
June 6, 2022
What a book, gives you a real insight into the life of a gambler. Felt like heartbreak to read at times.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
March 10, 2024
Gripping and harrowing.
June 24, 2024
*losing can be addictive too.
Understanding that life is not all about wining and losing has made me a kinder person. I try to, extinguish, rather than spark my ego.
Understanding that life is not all about wining and losing has made me a kinder person. I try to, extinguish, rather than spark my ego.
March 1, 2025
Scary in how easy things can escalate
July 21, 2025
Really honest and transparent insight into the secretive life of a gambling addict. Patrick Foster is a brave and strong soul for overcoming such a difficult addiction.
May 12, 2022
Might Bite is a harrowing account of the Secret Life of a Gambling Addict.
This book was painfully honest and at times difficult to read. It shows just how easy an addiction can be formed from something that initially starts out as fun.
In this generation, with constant advertisements and easy access to the internet and Apps problem gambling will affect more and more people - so hopefully this book will help others too.
This book was painfully honest and at times difficult to read. It shows just how easy an addiction can be formed from something that initially starts out as fun.
In this generation, with constant advertisements and easy access to the internet and Apps problem gambling will affect more and more people - so hopefully this book will help others too.
October 8, 2023
A superb book and scary how far people can fall into the gambling spiral. Normally with these types of books you don't like the person at all, but this is different, Patrick seems really likeable.
April 14, 2022
Frightening how easy Patrick's addiction got out of control.
An enjoyable read a real insight into the world of addiction and gambling
An enjoyable read a real insight into the world of addiction and gambling
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews