Distressing portrayal of Gambling Addiction in new 'Industry' ep

HBO’s hit show ‘Industry’ has never shied away from addiction-related topics (mainly drug use), but its latest episode featured an anxiety-inducing, stressful, gut-wrenching portrayal of gambling addiction that accurately painted a picture that thousands of Americans have seen first hand. Rishi Ramdani, a volatile trader who’d primarily been a secondary character previously, was spotlighted as a lead villain in Season 3, Episode 4 titled “White Mischief.” Viewers had witnessed Rishi’s addictive nature before with sex and drugs, but Sunday’s show detailed an extreme addiction to gambling, with just about every tell-tale sign on display. 

Rishi’s gambling addiction in latest ‘Industry ’episode

During the episode, it quickly became clear that Rishi was dealing with a severe gambling addiction, as he…

• Amassed around £200,000 in debt to a bookie, largely due to betting on horse racing. 

• Acted as a bookie for colleagues’ wagers, but was actually using their funds to pay off his debts and fuel his gambling 

• Was unable to stop gambling, even after winning what appeared to be enough to pay off his current debts

• Gave his expensive (he claimed it to be worth around £18,000) wristwatch to his bookie to pay off a small portion of his massive debt

• “Chased” losses at the roulette table, betting more and more in attempts to win back what was lost (but instead, he lost it all) 

• Had exceeded his risk limit at work, essentially “betting” nearly £1 billion on the future value of the British Pound currency

• Lied about his gambling behaviors to colleagues and loved ones 

Warning signs of gambling addiction

Rishi clearly displayed many of the signs of a gambling problem, which include: 

• Inability to Stop Gambling

• Hiding or Lying about Gambling

• Gambling Despite Consequences

• Chasing losses

• Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms When Not Gambling

• Dysfunction in Daily Lives

• Defensive About Gambling

• Stealing or Unlawful Behavior

• Guilt or Remorse After Gambling

• Mood Swings

Gambling and Stock Trading 

Rishi’s profession as a day trader may have naturally led to the development of his gambling addiction. His job inherently involves monetary risk and predictions, not too dissimilar from betting on horse racing. At the end of the episode when Rishi’s massive, risky investment pays off and the company Pierpoint makes a profit of £18 million, his assistant Anraj notes “You’re not even a good trader. You’re just lucky.” Rishi replies. “Yeah? Tell me. What’s the difference?!” 

This sharp retort smartly highlights the blurred lines between playing the stock market and gambling. In Rishi’s case, the two have seemingly become indistinguishable. 

Gambling addiction treatment and resources

Although the show is based in London, here in the United States there are specialized treatment options for gambling addiction. Birches Health has a nationwide team of specially trained counselors who provide virtual care from the comfort of home. Plus, 94% of patients pay $25 or less out of pocket each session, thanks to Birches’ partnerships with insurance companies and state governments. There are multiple ways to get started with Birches Health:

• Schedule an Appointment with a Clinician: Speak with a licensed counselor. 

• Chat with a Care Specialist: Get a free consultation and guidance on next steps. 

• Refer a Friend or Family Member: Get help for a friend or loved one who may be struggling with problem gambling. 

• Take a Quick, Confidential Gambling Self-Assessment: Evaluate your gambling behaviors to determine the potential need for professional assistance. 

You may also call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to speak with the Birches Health team today.