Joseph Tapine reveals serious gambling addiction struggle

NRL player Joseph Tapine has opened up about his struggle with a gambling addiction that nearly harmed his career. Tapine plays for the Canberra Raiders and is considered a key player and fan favorite. He revealed his issues during an interview on a podcast. Tapine's gambling problems began early in his career. He describes a moment when he was introduced to poker machines, or "pokies." After winning a significant amount of money on his first try, he found himself caught in a three-year battle with addiction. He mentioned that the gambling culture among athletes often attracts them to risky behaviors. With support from his wife, Kirsten, and a change in environment, Tapine was finally able to overcome his addiction. He admitted he had to learn about managing finances, which he had not been taught before. His story comes shortly after former player David "Cement" Gillespie shared his own experiences with gambling. Gillespie, who played for several teams, spoke about his struggles with addiction following retirement. Both players emphasize the impact of gambling on their lives and careers.