Hi,Â
I placed my first bet when I was 18, a four fold horse bet and it actually won, I couldn't belive it this was the easiest money I have ever got, turns out this was the worst day of my life, I instantly became hooked and something even worse happened I discovered online slot games.
The first few years wasn't so bad it was manageable I had limits and kept to them, I don't know what happened to change my mindset but I started going over my limits.
The last 5 years on payday every payday I would instantly pay all my bills and put some money aside to feed myself for the month and what was left got gambled more often then not it would all be gone withing 2-7 days, this seemed fine to me as it was spare cash.Â
More recently in the last 2 years the problem became worse, i would take loans out to gamble (slots) and instantly lose it all
But today, today has been the worst, I have done something I have not done before.
I got paid yesterday, I only paid some bills and lost the rest of my wage, usually I would take a loan out, but I don't get accepted anywhere anymore, now I have some bills I can't pay, I don't know how I'm going to feed myself or clean my clothes, 5 weeks until my next payday. I have no idea what im going to do, I guess one good thing to come out of this is now I want to stop gambling and seek help doing so.Â
Hi  Richi1503
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Well done for taking the first steps on your road to recovery and taking back control. I'm sure you will see some great support from members of this forum along with some useful ideas and strategies. You might also consider calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 where you will find a listening ear as well as no judgement. We can discuss with you things that you can put in place that will make gambling very much harder to do and take you through all the options there are for help and support, both professional and from those with lived experience. Take care.
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All the best
Forum AdminÂ
Hi,
well done for seeking help.
i still Remeber my first bet and just like you it won. I always think what where I would be if it had lost, would I be in the situation I’m in now…who knows.
You have to remember this is an illness and addiction and the best thing you can do is be brave and speak out, this is something I did a few days ago. It broke me and my family. I feel ashamed guilty and broken, but this is the start of a new chapter in my life and I know I have to look forward just like you can now you are seeking help.
keep talking and just be open and honest.
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