Bankrupt from Gambling

Hi there

Sorry to hear you are forced to bankruptcy through gambling addiction. I am in a similar situation where I have also gambled away my house equity (after selling it), losing my long term relationship and racking up tens of thousands of debt. As I’m only on a normal salary, it will take me 3-4 years to get out of this mess. 

I’ve toyed with the idea of an IVA but haven’t done anything at the moment. My latest relapse ended 40 days ago and I’m just trying to get through this initial couple of months first.

I’m interested in your journey and hope you manage to get things under control somewhat.

Cheers

Hi there,

I just wanted to say how deeply sorry I am to read what you’re going through right now. I can hear how heavy this feels for you – the fear, guilt and anxiety really come through in your words – and I hope you know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. So many of us here have been in similar dark places, and it takes a lot of strength to be open and honest about it as you have.

Please don’t be too hard on yourself. Gambling addiction is incredibly powerful, and it’s not a reflection of weakness or lack of willpower that you’re here now – it’s an illness that grips tightly. The fact that you’re sharing this shows you’re already trying to take back some control.

I know bankruptcy feels overwhelming, but it can also be a fresh start – a way to draw a line under what’s happened and begin rebuilding. Many people have been through it and found that, in time, it gave them the breathing space to recover.

If you haven’t already, you might find it helpful to talk one-to-one with a GamCare adviser via the helpline (0808 8020 133) or their WhatsApp service. They can listen without judgement and guide you through the next steps. There’s also free practical debt advice through StepChange and National Debtline, both of which understand gambling-related debt really well.

And please don’t underestimate the power of community – keep posting here. Even when you feel nobody cares, there are people who really do understand and want to walk alongside you in this.

You’re not alone in this, and your life is absolutely still worth rebuilding. Be kind to yourself – one step at a time

Hi, 

I am sorry to hear you are going through a really  tough time due to gamble addictions. Yes, please try to get professional advisor for guidance. In a situation like this makes one loses the sense of direction. I am reading all these forum posts and real stories like yours  to keep reminding me the long term negative impacts that  caused if I still don't try to stop this problematic behaviour. Wish you best of luck. 

Dude. I feel for you.

Im in a lot of debt myself and can’t see a clear way forward yet.

Know that you are not alone in this fight. I’m on day 1 myself and contemplating the wreckage I’ve caused myself and others.

It’s a disease. A compulsion. But we can stop. We have to. Life is meaningless to only want to place another bet. Let’s not give those bookmakers another pound. 

We cannot win and even if we did, we would gamble it all back in the future. We would always remain losers.

Theres more to life. Let’s go get it.