Nick’s Story

For Nick Egan, gambling started innocently enough — something social, something to do with friends, and something that seemed harmless at the time.

Over time, however, what began as a casual activity became increasingly difficult to control. Gambling began to affect different parts of Nick’s life, including his finances, relationships, wellbeing and the way he saw himself.

Recognising that something needed to change was the beginning of a very different chapter.

With determination, honesty and the support of the people around him, Nick began his journey of recovery. Today, Nick has been free from gambling for more than four years and has rebuilt his life with a much stronger understanding of the behaviours, environments and influences that can contribute to gambling harm.

His experience showed him just how easily gambling can become part of everyday life — and how difficult it can be to recognise when something that once felt harmless has started to become harmful.

Win Within

Win Within was created from Nick’s desire to turn his experience into something that could help others.

Nick knows firsthand that gambling harm does not always look the way people expect it to. It can be hidden behind friendships, sport, social occasions and everyday life. It can affect people from all backgrounds, and often those experiencing it may not recognise the warning signs themselves.

Through sharing his own story, Nick aims to help people better understand gambling harm — from recognising early warning signs and behaviours, to knowing how to support someone who may be struggling.

A particular focus of Win Within is the culture surrounding gambling and sport, as well as the environments where attitudes towards gambling can begin to develop. For Nick, school was one of the places where gambling first became part of his thinking, which is why creating honest conversations with young people is such an important part of the work.

Win Within is about opening up conversations before gambling becomes a problem, challenging the normalisation of gambling, and giving people the knowledge and confidence to recognise when something may not be right.

Most importantly, Nick wants people to know that asking for help is a sign of strength — and that change is possible.

Working With Us

Win Within works with schools, sporting clubs and organisations to create open and honest conversations around gambling, gambling harm and the culture that surrounds it.

Our talks are grounded in Nick’s lived experience and are designed to be relatable, practical and relevant to the people in the room.

To learn more about our school talks, topics and how we can work with your organisation, head over to our Working With Us page.