My name is Rob compulsive gambler. Been gambling since is was 17/18. Now 31 and its at a point where it effects my mental health ie Anixety depression. Had a big win 4 years ago 10k which kicked the worse of it off, followed by a 4k win 6 mobths later. All this was eventually sunk back into roulette in the bookies and online plus i got into 4k worth of debt. This is now cleared and 6 weeks ago i won 7.5k on the opening day of the season that sent me to cloud 9. Managed to lose around £1500 of that and handed all control of finances to partner. Whats triggered me to act is yesterday and day before i went and made a concious effort to get my passport and driving licence without my partner knowing and take that to the bank to make withdrawrals to gamble with £600 to be precise with i sunk on footy bets and roulette. Disgusting behaviour got a councellor from gam care sorted and i answered yes to every question of the initial assesment she did with me over the phone, it was actully very upsetting listening to myself on what i had become. My problem is i am known asa lucky guy and i do genuinely feel like when i gamble i am going to hit the jackpot because i have so many times before. I know i must break this thinking to move forward.
Hi Robl85,
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for you post.
It seems like you’ve been shocked from your own responses to the initial assessment questions, and now aware of your gambling problem and you’re taking the necessary steps to help you to overcome it. That is a step in the right direction as gambling problem gets worse if you don’t do anything about it, and it can easily get out of control.
You also made a good move when you allowed your partner to take care of all your finances. I hope that would be in place until such time that you feel well recovered to manage your finances again.
Hopefully, the counselling sessions from Gamcare will help you to get good understanding of your situation, and to come to terms with your losses.
The counsellor may be able to help you find out the reason why you’re gambling and struggling to stop, and know what your triggers are so you’d be able to avoid them, and to put helpful strategies into place to help you to abstain, and also to find a safe way to move forward.
You can also contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers for further help and support. Our lines are open 24/7, and every day.
Please do try and stay in touch with us so we can continue to support you, and keep posting!
Best wishes,
Beatrice
I won £11k on blackjack in the early days too. worst thing that could've ever happened to me. I wish I lost that first session. Good luck mate.
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