Hi, new and just signed up, i seem finally to have realised the sheer amount of money that i am losing by the easily available scratch cards.... Ive never set foot in a bookies, i have only played the normal lotto about 3 times in the last year or so, but scratchcards seem to be my pitfall big time.... Im my car side pocket right now there are just over 100 worth of losing scratch cards, this is from the last couple of weeks max! Actually maybe 8 days. I used to only spend a set amount, but then i got a 500 win a 1000 win and a 100 a number of times. Odd 50 20 etc too. But doing the maths i must honestly spend around 100 a week now on these wretched things and im already in debt like a lot of people and still i cling to the hope... What i need to do is just not bother with them at all. But it certainly seems to be far more easier said than dine as they are there in my face at every shop in my village town etc. My local shop also pins up winners that they have sold and ive had a few good wins myself. Does anyone here have this addiction witch is honestly unaffordable? How do or did you resist. Im sure id be on a cruise somewhere right now if id put all the scratch card money to one side..... In honesty its actually shameful and embarrassing and i need it to stop and fast, i seem to be going to work to pay camelot 🙁
Hi mate,
Personally scratch cards have never been 'my thing' but I can understand where your coming from as they deffo are 'in your face'.
All i would suggest is that you make sure you dont carry much cash around with you when you go to the shops. Or does that sound too simple??
Whatever you do DONT try out different forms of gambling thinking its a way to ween yourself off scratchcards, that would just lead to a whole new set of problems!
Hi Bcm,
Welcome to the Forum!
You are right, it can be difficult to address a problem with scratchcards as other strategies, like self-exclusion aren't applicable when it comes to scratchcards. However, there are practical measures you can put into place to help you change the way it's going.
Firstly, as sonic boom suggested, you can look into taking less or no cash with you when you go out and leave your cards at home.You can also ask someone to come to the shops with you if you need to buy anything, or make a point of shopping at a place where they don't sell scratchcards.
I wonder whether you have considered other support for yourself, too, like GA meetings or face to face counselling.
How about giving the Helpline a call on 0808 8020133 or contacting the NetLine http://secure.gamcare.org.uk/netline/
You could discuss all this with an advisor and he/she might be able to point you in the right direction.
Well done for joining the Forum and for starting to talk about your problem with others.
Kind wishes
Gabriele
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