- One of the UK's most high profile cases of a gambling addiction in recent years
- Speaker on addiction psychology, facing adversity, and rebuilding after failure
- Entrepreneur and endurance runner raising awareness of addiction harm
At the peak of his career, Gab Stone ran a talent management agency representing 22 athletes in the 2012 London Olympics, including 13 medal winners. This all changed when a lifelong addiction caused him to lose his business, declare bankruptcy, and serve a prison sentence while national newspapers covered his downfall. His story became one of the most high-profile addiction cases in recent years across British media. Now over a decade into recovery, Gab shares his experience publicly to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around addiction, gambling, and mental health challenges.
Gab's lived experience gives him a first-hand understanding of the psychology of addiction and the behavioural patterns that can begin developing from a young age. Having worked in high-pressure, performance-driven environments, Gab understands how prevalent these issues can be and how often they are hidden. In his sessions, he shares the warning signs and the environmental factors that can exacerbate compulsive behaviours.
Gab's perspective on hitting rock bottom and his eventual recovery offers hope and inspiration for individuals dealing with their own mental health crises. His story powerfully demonstrates how it is possible to come back from even the toughest of challenges, inspiring resilience in all who hear it.
Gab's Showreel and Videos
Topics, Sessions and Talks
The Psychology Of Addiction
Gab Stone discusses the mindset of gambling addicts and the behavioural patterns that often emerge from a young age. Attendees will gain insights into the psychological factors that contribute to gambling addiction, as well as the early warning signs to watch for. This talk aims to raise awareness about the complexities of gambling behaviour and equip participants with the knowledge to better understand and address this growing issue.
Gab Stone shares his transformative journey through bankruptcy, business collapse, national media scrutiny, and imprisonment. He explores how these challenges shaped his character and resilience, offering valuable insights into overcoming adversity. Attendees will learn practical lessons on building strength in difficult times and the importance of perseverance in personal and professional growth. Join Gab to discover how to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success.
Rock Bottom: The Turning Point
Gab Stone shares his journey through the mental struggles he faced at his lowest point, illustrating how these challenging moments can serve as powerful catalysts for personal transformation. Gab emphasises the importance of recognising and embracing adversity as a stepping stone to growth. Attendees will learn how to harness their own experiences of hardship to inspire change and foster resilience in their lives.
Gab Stone discusses the modern environment characterised by constant exposure to gambling, social media, and other addictive pursuits. He will explore the psychology behind the increasing pressures these influences create in our lives. Attendees will gain insights into the impact of these factors on mental health and wellbeing, as well as strategies to navigate and mitigate their effects. This talk will equip participants with a better understanding of modern addiction dynamics and coping mechanisms.
Recognising And Managing The Problem
Gab Stone will share the warning signs of harmful behaviours and how to identify them early. He will provide practical steps that both individuals and organisations can implement to address these issues effectively. Attendees will learn to recognise harmful patterns and gain actionable strategies to foster a healthier environment, ultimately promoting wellbeing and safety in their communities.
Why We Recommend Booking Gab
Gab's high-profile journey from managing Olympic medallists, to business collapse and bankruptcy, to rebuilding his life, gives him a powerful first-hand perspective when addressing addiction harm. His journey offer organisations and individuals practical steps for turning adversity into long-term change.
Trusted by Rotherham United Football Club
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming Gab Stone into the Academy to deliver his gambling awareness workshop for our Scholars. We all know how difficult it is to watch the football (or any sporting event) without seeing a betting advert flash up on the TV or the advertising boards. For a young footballer who grows up watching their favourite team every week, this constant reminder can be harmful... Gab shared his lived experiences of addiction and the impact it had on his career, family and personal life, providing the lads with an important reminder of the detrimental effects gambling can really have. A big thank you to Gab for educating our players, I would 100% recommend!
Michael Deaville, Head of Academy Player Care
Head of Academy Player Care, Rotherham United Football Club
I have watched many assemblies and organised for a number of speakers to come in over the years. You always get a little nervous before assembly when you have a new speaker in, wondering how it's going to sit with the students. This Monday, it worked really really well. I organised for Gab, to come and speak with our 6th Form students about his challenges with gambling, recovery and how to come up from hitting rock bottom. I didn't need to worry as his honest sharing of how an addiction can affect anyone (even someone as successful as him) and how despite being pulled through the British press he has rebuilt his life after serving time, had the students engaged, asking questions and staying afterwards assembly to learn more.
Shelly Hacker
6th form Psychology teacher, Camden School for Girls
Gab delivered an outstanding PSHE session to our Sixth Form, captivating students from start to finish. His ability to bring his personal story to life made the topic of problem gambling both relatable and impactful. Gab spoke with honesty and clarity, underlining the crucial message that gambling-related issues can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. His engaging style encouraged genuine reflection among pupils, and the session sparked meaningful conversations that continued well beyond the classroom. Importantly, Gab didn’t just highlight the risks—he provided clear, practical avenues for help and support, ensuring students left with a sense of empowerment and awareness. This combination of authenticity, engagement, and actionable advice made his talk both memorable and invaluable. We would highly recommend Gab to any organisation seeking to address this important issue with sensitivity and depth.
Mark Buswell
6th Form Enrichment, King Edwards School Bath
