Hi,
This is my first time posting on an online forum about my gambling. I have gambled now for two years (I am 20) and as much as i hate to admit it am thoroughly addicted to gambling. When i wake up its the first thing i think about and last when i go to bed at night. The feeling when i gamble gives me a high nothing else seems to. Find it impossible to walk past a bookies in the street or resist an online offer.
I seemt to convince myself everytime that i can somehow beat the bookies in the long run but of course i know this isn't possible. FOBT's are statistically impossible to win on in the long term yet i find myself sucked to them.
Wish i could just click my fingers and never gamble again. Deposit limits etc online only seem to make me go to more extreme lengths to gamble when i can't deposit on certain websites. Need advice on how to hopefully stop altogether before this addiction destroys my relationships with my family, friends etc.
Thanks for reading.
Hi Lewis , well done on coming to the forum and admitting you have a problem ! I was the same as you with gambling on the Fobt's , I've lost thousands on them and as you said you cannot beat them ! If your serious about stopping gambling ? Great coz that's exactly what you need to do ! You need to start by putting a few blocks in place to stop you being able to gamble so easily. Start by self excluding from all the bookies you frequent, it only takes a few minutes and a couple of photos , also think about the money you bet with so no cards or cash whenever you don't need to carry it , it's all about breaking you time, money , location triangle , if you remove one then you can't bet ! If you bet on line you can download blocking software to prevent you accessing sites as well . Oh yeah and lots of willpower helps as does talking to people on here who know exactly what you are going through . It can be done my friend ,you just need to want it enough , as you said it's no longer about the money, just the buzz. and as compulsive gamblers, we can't win because we can't stop! Hope this helps you a bit , if you want anymore advice just ask ! Keep posting and stay positive!
Welcome to the forum lewis 1828
You mention deposit limits with regards to online gambling. There is software you can download that will block gambling sites from your devices, please see link for information http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software#.VpLJ1_mLQdV . You can if you wish call our helpline to speak with an advisor on 0808 80 20 133 or contact us through the netline http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline#.VpLLTvmLQdU
Advisors will listen to your concerns and be able to give you further information on free one to one counselling for problem gambling and group support such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Keep posting lewis 1828
Caroline
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