National Lottery

Hello Dave that’s probably one of the most debated questions I’ve seen on the forum. Some say yes some will say no. I respects to will it mean your still gamble free technology know you won’t. But the onus lies with what you want to do personally I don’t do it because it’s gambling and I’ve stopped all forms. If you read back your post at the end you say you don’t think you’ll ever win so what’s the point in risking your recovery on something most unlikely to happen? All those 4 pounds add up to a little treat for you or a loved one so instead maybe put it in a jar and let it signify how many weeks you’ve been bet free maybe i did it myself and it’s cool to watch it grow.

there's a very long post dedicated to this topic in the overcoming section i think

Personally I don't think I could risk the lottery as in the past it's been an enabler to fall back into compulsive gambling.

I guess however...if it was a controlled weekly amount paid by direct debit lets say...I would say that could work for SOME people - not all.

Theres quite a debate around this one DaveyJ.

The lottery was never my trigger. I became pig sick of it very early on and even queuing for a ticket became a chore. However I have discussed that it probably did give me thoughts of stepping up other gambling as the lottery obviously wasnt working for me. In a way it reinforced my machine wins as I would say to myself Ive never won that on the lottery

I havent played the lottery during my recovery. I have mixed feelings and I would have to discuss it with my family who I report everything to.

Its never triggered me to compulsion but I am staying off it. Its a difficult one because I couldnt say that someone who did two pounds a week instead of a pint had a problem. However on a recovery website and while in recovery its probably not a good idea to reinforce any gambling mentality or tell you its ok. Others may strongly disagree with my lighter tone here and I understand where they are coming from. As I said it sparks hot debate on different triggers related to compulsive gamblers

Machines were my poison and Ive closed that down and have no urges now. In a way you have asked a loaded question as nobody on a recovery forum is really going to say yeah go off and have a gamble on the lottery.

You seem early in your recovery so I feel its best that things are under strict control and you are living on an allowance. I worry that you are asking can I gamble on something else before you fully understand what is needed to tackle a powerful form of mind control known as a gambling addiction

Best wishes to you

It keeps the fires burning!

Thanks all for the input. I have cancelled my DD to lottery i did consider just letting it run as to be honest sometimes i even forget i play it until i get the once in a blue moon email tellin me i have won a lucky dip lol. I guess it is the fear that i fell into the trap of playing the same numbers every draw for the last 5 years that if i cancel they will come in!! I know they won't but i think thats whats kept me playing it for so long.

It's so hard to win with such odds in Romania aswell... removed link

When I was in a tough spot with gambling, I found myself playing the lottery too. Just like you, I used to think that spending a bit on tickets was fine since it gave me a little hope and excitement.