It has been over 30 years since Rick Campanelli’s life changed forever following a contest entry with MuchMusic, earning him the affectionate moniker “Rick the Temp.” The media personality has had a decorated career in the entertainment industry, including co-hosting ET Canada, which allowed him to interview iconic stars like Britney Spears, George Clooney, and Jay-Z.

On September 1, 2026, Campanelli released his autobiography, Tempted: My Story, co-authored with Canadian author John Meyer. The book, described by the publisher as a “bombshell memoir” and a “cautionary tale,” delves into Campanelli’s personal struggles and the hard lessons he learned along the way.

During an appearance on Breakfast Television, Campanelli shared his personal battle with gambling addiction, which nearly derailed his life. He explained that his obsession with winning contests started when he was young, enjoying the thrill of victory more than the actual prizes.

“I loved entering contests back in the day. I would enter any contest that I came across… It wasn’t about the prize as much as about just winning,” he recalled. However, this addiction to winning eventually morphed into a gambling addiction that spiraled out of control. He described the dual nature of luck, noting that while his initial wins gave him a high, they also fueled his addictive personality.

His gambling addiction became severe, leading to moments of crisis, including an arrest during a trip to Las Vegas. “I had planned a scheme to borrow some money from some Las Vegas casinos,” he recounted. His inability to repay the loans led to significant legal troubles and time spent in jail. Despite this harsh lesson, he found himself falling back into old habits shortly after his release.

Campanelli credited his wife, Angie, with helping him navigate through his addiction. “She’s my rock and she’s still with me. She supports me,” he said, acknowledging that it was her unwavering support that enabled him to seek help through organizations such as CAMH and Gamblers Anonymous.

“That would have been rock bottom, losing Angie. If I had lost Angie, I don’t know where I’d be today,” he noted. One of his primary motivations for writing the book and sharing his story is to raise awareness about the dangers of gambling addiction, especially in relation to the rising trend of online gambling.

Campanelli expressed concern for the younger generation, stating, “I fear for because I don’t want them to go down these same roads that I went down.” He reflected on how gambling led him to a life of chaos, living paycheck to paycheck. “I’ve been able to manage and control my addiction over these last 17 years or so,” he affirmed, emphasizing that he has worked hard to overcome his past and remains committed to staying on a positive path.

To assist those struggling with gambling issues, Campanelli shared resources, encouraging anyone in need to seek help. “Click here to find a counsellor in Canada via Responsible Gambling Council,” he directed viewers, highlighting the importance of recognizing when professional intervention is needed.

The official launch of Campanelli’s memoir will take place at the El Mocambo in Toronto at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.