Hi all been on and off this for about 2 years and just whenever I seem to be turning a corner with gambling it comes right around and bites me on my backside. So was gamble free for around 6 months or so had some savings building up and had a new baby daughter all was rosey.
However after a few things in my personal life started to fall apart relationship breaking down unhappy in my job pressure of being a new dad somehow I've ended up gambling again I don't know why I've never been a gambler who lost all his wages and savings luckily. I have had big losses but always left myself with enough to live on etc but over the past 6 weeks that has totally changed I've thrown away around 80% of my pay for this month on gambling and in turn my savings are dwindling away as I'm having to take money out to replace the lost wages this is not the first time I've done this and I feel sick to my stomach doing it again. I'm tossing away money that could be better spent on my daughter or keep saving more money so I don't need to worry about getting her what she needs as I'm a first time dad and I never knew how expensive baby are.
I have savings but I feel I would rather go and spend it all as I always have that thought in the back of my head its okay to gamble as you have money put by so dont worry about it I always thought saving money would be a blessing but its actually encouraging me to gamble if that makes sense.
the scariest thing is im numb to the losses now regardless of how much they are before if I had lost 20 pound I'd have been gutted nowadays I loses 500+ and don't even blink an eye of course I'm upset and think about chasing the losses but I don't know where this mindset change has come from.
like yesterday I had won the majority of my cash back I had lost this month and was over the moon but somehow today I've went a lost it all including another couple hundred of my own money how is this even possible? why am I so foolish the slots are my downfall and these premium spins in the bookmakers are making my life hell. thank god I have banned myself from online after I had a massive loss a few years back.
how do I get my life back on track and stop thinking about my losses and move forward with my life as this isn't a life I want to live as I've just become so numb to everything I'm not the same guy I was before and people have noticed this.
thanks for reading this far any advice would be appreciated.
Hi and welcome.
Firstly what blocks do you have in place to prevent you from gambling? If none i suggest you register with gamstop for 5 years self exclusion. Install gamban to your devices to block accessing sites and lastly blocking gambling transactions with your bank.
I can relate to all your said, specially in regards to money and slots. Its funny how the addiction sets our mindset. We begrudge ourselves much needed shoes, haircuts and other necessities that may cost let's say £20 but don't hesitate to deposit multiples of £30 one after the other for slots.
I would.advise popping by chat at 8pm. There will be lots of people who can give you more advice too
Good luck.
Hello Biggunner93,
Thank you for sharing, I hope that you find the support and encouragement from other members helpful.
It sounds as though you have had a lot on your mind recently, and it has contributed to your gambling again. However, you are doing really well by reaching out for support. You are not alone in this and there is lots of help available.
You are very welcome to contact us on our helpline on 0808 8020 133 or on Netline for information, advice, and support - we can talk you through some options that can help.
Best wishes,
Sophie
Forum Admin
Everytime I think I made progress I slip back up I have lost nearly xxx this week I have banned myself from online betting with gam stop but I still lose money in the bookies even though I can't use my card in the shop. I don't know what to do at this point the feeling that I am behind that am not achieving Anthing is really hurts me that's what triggers me to go back and gamble and chase previous losses I am stressed and I don't want to ruin my life but I been suffering for years
Hello @anderson-vibes
Thank you for sharing and I am sorry to hear that you are feeling this way.
Please know that you are not alone in this and there is lots of help available.
You are very welcome to contact us on our helpline on 0808 8020 133 or on Netline for information, advice, and support - we can talk you through some options that can help.
Best wishes,
Fatou
Forum Admin
Hi
The best advice I can give you it to take one day at a time and don't gamble.
Only take out money you need for that day spending.
If you enter a bookie, then go straight to the counter and self exclude yourself from them.
The more times you put hurdles in your way, the harder it is to gamble.
Don't beat yourself up if you lose money on gambling, just learn from it.
Eventually life will get easier for you.
Only you can change your ways, no one else can do it for you.
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