Tony 10 : Real Take

From Ready To Be Real by Síle Seoige by Síle Seoige

May 11, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Tony O’Reilly shares his harrowing experience with gambling addiction and its consequences.

This is The Real Take and in this snippet, Tony O’Reilly — co-author of the bestselling book  'Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All'  — speaks about the point where his gambling addiction escalated into stealing €1.75 million from An Post while working as a branch manager. It’s a shocking and deeply heartbreaking insight into the reality of gambling addiction and the lengths a person can go to when completely consumed by it. Tony now works as a gambling addiction counsellor and psychotherapist, helping people whose lives have been impacted by gambling harm. You can connect with him here:  Tony O' Reilly - Gambling Addiction Counselling & Workshops Ireland is in the grip of a gambling crisis that many people still don’t fully recognise. Gambling addiction is insidious because it can remain hidden for years, devastating lives behind closed doors. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available and you are not alone. Resources & Support If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, please know that support is available and you are not alone. Support links: Extern Problem…

People in this episode

Host: Síle Seoige

Guest: Tony O’Reilly

Topics covered

gambling addiction
personal story
mental health
counseling
support resources

Keywords

gambling addiction
Tony O'Reilly
counseling
mental health
support resources

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Gamblers Anonymous Ireland, An Post, Cuan Mhuire, Samaritans Ireland

Books & works: Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman Who Gambled €10,000,000…and Lost It All

Places: Ireland