Online Poker Nearly Destroyed Strictly Come Dancing Star

Austin Healey lost nearly £15,000 playing online poker. 

But far from curing him of his habit, the former England rugby star now reveals he has moved into high-risk betting on share prices, according to a report appearing this week in the Mirror

He said his internet gambling problem spiralled out of control and nearly destroyed his family.

Healey told the paper: "I was first sucked into gambling after just one big win at internet poker.

"I got myself into an environment which I wasn't experienced in. I learnt my lesson. It was costing me a great deal.

"I have an addictive nature and I got hooked on winning.

"It got to a point where it was damaging the health and security of my family. I would sacrifice time with the kids to beat this guy at a poker table.

"When eventually I closed all my sites down, I was down about £15,000."

Healey is a favorite to win Strictly Come Dancing at Paddy Power (US Customers Strictly Forbiden).

Jordan Bach, Gambling911.com