What happens after 100 days?

“Gambling was a massive problem for me. It used to frighten me when I went on a bender… I never knew how long it would last”  – Anna Knappe, 50.

What happened when the cameras stopped rolling is the focus of a new advertising campaign by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

A follow up to last year’s highly successful Fight for the real you campaign, Fight for you take 2 follows up two of the participants, almost 12 months on.

Foundation chief executive officer, Serge Sardo, says Matt and Anna’s stories are inspirational.

“Anna and Matt have shown incredible courage and perseverance in tackling their gambling problems. Their stories about tackling and overcoming their problems with gambling have resonated with thousands of Victorians,” he said.

More than 3,200 people have signed up for the 100 Day Challenge in the past 10 months and more than 300,000 people have visited the website fightforyou.com.au.

Foundation ambassador and Fight for you participant Matt Torcasio, 27, says he hasn’t looked back since starting the 100 Day Challenge.

“I’ve been seeing a Gambler’s Help counsellor every week since completing the challenge, and it’s really helping me keep on track. I’ve not gambled for over 325 days and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Matt.

Also featured in the new campaign is 50 year old mum Anna Knappe who says she had a few setbacks on the road to recovery, but is now 100 days free of gambling.

“I’m so pleased to have made it past the 100 day mark. Fighting the urge to gamble is incredibly hard, but I’ve kept my goals in sight and stuck with it,” said Anna.

Both Anna and Matt say they couldn’t have made it this far without the help of counsellors.

“Recovery isn’t something that happens overnight, it’s a journey of self discovery. I know the hard work isn’t over, but I’m determined to keep seeing my counsellor and continue celebrating the days I’ve been gamble free,” said Anna.

Mr Sardo says the new campaign highlights the need for different support services to suit different people.

“The 100 Day Challenge is a gateway to treatment where you can go online and find out about counselling options, join online forums, set goals, and receive tips and tools for controlling gambling.

“Alternatively, you can go straight to our Gambler’s Help services for face to face, online or phone counselling through 1800 858 858 and gamblinghelponline.org.au.

The new campaign is on air now across all the major networks and also on radio, online and in gaming venues.