ABOUT
Saul Malek
Saul Malek is a nationally recognized gambling prevention speaker, recovery advocate, and educator who helps schools, universities, families, and communities have honest conversations about gambling harm, recovery, and prevention.
After developing a gambling addiction as a college sophomore, Saul experienced firsthand how quickly sports betting and online gambling can escalate. Between 2017 and 2019, gambling cost him sleep, money, time, relationships, and nearly his life. Now more than seven years abstinent from gambling, Saul uses his lived experience to educate others and help young people avoid the same dangers he faced.
Saul’s message is not built on shame or fear. He describes himself as pro-education, not anti-gambling, and believes people deserve honest, practical information so they can make informed decisions.
Through powerful storytelling, relatable communication, and prevention-focused education, Saul speaks to students, parents, educators, prevention professionals, and community organizations about the realities of gambling addiction, the risks of sports betting, warning signs to watch for, and the importance of mental health, coping skills, and healthy decision-making.
His work has reached high schools, colleges, and communities across the country, and he has been featured by outlets including The New York Times, PBS NewsHour, and NPR.
Today, Saul’s mission is simple: to turn lived experience into prevention, awareness, and hope, helping the next generation understand the risks, seek support when needed, and choose a life worth living.
Why risk your life? Live it.
A Story of Struggle, Recovery & Purpose
SAUL’S JOURNEY
1
THE STRUGGLE
What began as a seemingly harmless bet in college quickly became something much harder to control. Gambling started affecting Saul’s sleep, money, relationships, and sense of hope.
2
The Wake-Up Call
Between 2017 and 2019, Saul saw firsthand how quickly gambling can escalate. His experience became a turning point that led him to seek help, face the truth, and begin rebuilding his life.
3
Recovery
Through honesty, support, and daily choices, Saul began moving forward one step at a time. His recovery became the foundation for a message rooted in hope, education, and prevention.
4
Speaking Out
Today, Saul shares his story with students, parents, schools, universities, and communities to help others understand the risks, recognize warning signs, and make healthy, informed choices.
“Recovery is possible. Honest conversations can change lives.”— Saul Malek