After serving prison time in 2019 and 2020 due to fraud convictions, Craig Carton has made a remarkable comeback in the sports media world. Now co-hosting FS1’s Breakfast Ball, he has been candid about how a gambling addiction led to his legal issues and is keen on helping others who face similar struggles, both publicly and privately.
In addition to his private work with gambling addiction groups, Carton hosts Hello, My Name Is Craig on New York City’s WFAN since 2020 and has served as FanDuel’s responsible gaming ambassador since 2021. Recently, he launched The Comeback With Craig Carton on FanDuel TV, which focuses on sharing the stories of those affected by gambling addiction and their families, raising awareness about available support resources.
The show features new episodes released monthly on FanDuel TV’s FanDuel Extra free ad-supported streaming television channel and their YouTube channel. In a recent interview with Awful Announcing, Carton expressed the importance of sharing stories of individuals affected by gambling addiction to challenge the stigma surrounding it. “I’m really blessed to have been given a second opportunity in my career post-my own well-documented gambling struggles. I’ve built an incredible platform with both WFAN and FanDuel to share not just my story but also the experiences of fellow compulsive gamblers,” he stated.
He emphasized how this endeavor is a way to turn the attention surrounding his struggles into a positive force. “I find myself in a unique position, having become, reluctantly, the poster child for compulsive gambling through my daytime job. This partnership with FanDuel began on the radio and has evolved into a monthly video series, allowing me to continue shedding light on what addiction looks like.” Carton also noted that gambling addiction can be hard to discuss due to the stigma attached to it. “Sadly, gambling addiction is often labeled with derogatory terms like degenerate, which adds to the shame associated with it,” he said. He seeks to combat this stigma through his work, helping people understand that gambling addicts often come from successful backgrounds.
Carton believes that sharing stories about gambling struggles can provide valuable insight into the mistakes made and help others empathize with those currently facing addiction. He acknowledged, “While our addiction is self-inflicted and we must own our bad decisions, it doesn’t make us bad people; it just makes us flawed. I aim to remind people that there is hope and that someone’s story on The Comeback may resonate with someone else and help them seek help.”
The lows he experienced due to his gambling addiction became public, and though he is not thrilled about it, Carton feels it is vital to leverage his profile and second chance in the media to assist others affected by similar issues. “I’d be dead or living on the streets if someone hadn’t reached out to help me. I have a responsibility to those who supported me during my struggles, believing I could turn my life around,” he remarked.
He reiterated the significance of sharing his journey as proof that recovery is possible, stating, “My story was public, and my ability to overcome my past and return to my family is a part of that narrative that needs to be shared.” However, both Hello, My Name Is Craig and The Comeback With Craig Carton are focused on illuminating others’ experiences, which can aid those facing addiction. “Everyone I talk to has a different experience, but we all share a commonality that helps those who are financially struggling understand they’re not alone,” he elaborated.
He stressed the need for opening dialogue about gambling addiction, saying that showcasing everyday experiences from regular individuals can encourage more people to seek help. “It’s crucial that individuals recognize their stories may resonate with someone who is struggling, allowing them to feel more comfortable asking for help,” Carton explained. He aims for The Comeback to be a platform not just for gamblers but also for those affected by their addiction, highlighting how such behaviors have wider implications and addressing the feelings of loved ones.
Carton’s overarching goal remains to assist those grappling with gambling addiction through both his public platform and private counseling. “I spend my days, aside from my roles at FS1 and WFAN, helping young gamblers and their families. This initiative allows me to reach more individuals effectively,” he mentioned. Though he acknowledges his limitations as he is not a trained therapist, he is committed to using his personal journey to help others. He added, “It’s essential to convey that recovery from deep lows is attainable.”
In closing, Carton expressed pride in his collaboration with FanDuel and noted the challenges he faces in media but remains determined in his efforts to help. “This endeavor brings me fulfillment, and I hope others see that I’m not simply offering lip service; I’m actively seeking to make a positive impact,” he said.
For more details on The Comeback with Craig Carton, links to episodes, and resources for those facing gambling addiction, check out the show’s Substack page.
