Accepting I have a problem

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 sg23
(@yxgj3ecfbn)
Posts: 4
Topic starter
 

I started matched betting last year to make some extra money. The sports bets didn't interest me but when I started using the free spins offers, I found myself enjoying it. 

I started just gambling small amounts and thinking it was just for fun. But around near the end of last year, I found myself betting higher on the slots, sometimes winning a good amount and telling myself I'll stop then. But then I'd just put it back in and I found myself chasing losses most of December. This then snowballed into Jan, Feb and march. Even when I won big or won the losses back, l just couldn't help putting the money back in to try and make more. Then feel completely stupid when I lost it. 

Yesterday I gambled far too much to the point I made myself sick and safer gambling got in touch. This is when I decided enough was enough. I've signed up to gamstop and spoke to the gamcare team. 

My husband is on holiday right now and has been bet free and in GA for years. I'm pregnant with our first baby and I'm sick of the guilt and shame consuming me with my problem. 

I'm scared to tell him but I know I need to. Any advice would be appreciated on how to admit your problem to your partner?

 
Posted : 30th April 2026 6:11 pm
ChatModerator
(@chatmoderator)
Posts: 93
Admin
 

Hello, thank you for sharing your post. Well done for reaching out for support. If you would like any further support, please do get in touch on our Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or our 1:1 Livechat  both are open 24 hours every day. 

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Posted : 30th April 2026 9:17 pm
Tazman
(@tazman)
Posts: 763
 

The good news is your husband will be more understanding towards this addiction so it would be easier to open to if he been bet free for a while you are likely to get better support especially as he been in the same situation so u are in a very fortunate situation then others who come on here each person reacts differently just be honest with him👍

 
Posted : 1st May 2026 12:59 am
(@lp5vut869c)
Posts: 1499
 

Hi 

Well done for coming on here and being brace. Like Taz said, I'm sure if your husband is in GA then he understands this is a mental illness. You have been trapped in the industry mechanism of free spins like many. Betting operators aren't charities and give free spins as they know what it will lead to. They won't to pull people over the line of no return and onto the hamster wheel of chasing losses.

Firstly, be proud that in a short period of time you have admitted the problem, out loud and on here. Your husband could be your greatest support and help you through this but I would suggest you probably need to stop now and that's full stop. No betting at all of any description, no lottery, raffles or anything further. It doesn't take long to retrain your brain and get back to a normal life. It just takes work and dedication.

Have you self excluded through Gamstop and bought Gamban for your devices ?

 
Posted : 1st May 2026 12:11 pm
 sg23
(@yxgj3ecfbn)
Posts: 4
Topic starter
 

@lp5vut869c thanks for your reply, I really appreciate the support. I've spoken with someone from gamcare, set up gamstop and put betblocker on my phone as well.

 
Posted : 1st May 2026 3:59 pm
(@lp5vut869c)
Posts: 1499
 

hi SG

Great to see you on the chatroom and talk. I am sure you have "got" this and I'm hoping and praying that your husband will understand and support you if and when you are comfortable to tell him. You mentioned you have a baby on the way so I'm sure you would want to reduce stress

 
Posted : 3rd May 2026 9:08 pm

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