My problem started in my 20s the excitment of going to casinos. Then i started online at home. I had some great wins on roulette. Then it turned sour. I would chase losses and got into debt chasing more losses. Eventually i got in that deep i went bankrupt.
I changed things around gamstop, cash card bank account so the online was nipped in the bud. Managed to sort that side out i made it impossible for myself. The local casino closed down and rest too far away.
Then i diverted to the bookies. The recent losses over the last few years no where near as bad as in the early years. Now my struggle is to keep away. Im on here because i truely believe no one understands unless they have been through it.
I need to find the inner strength to end this battle. I find its a very bizzare addiction and when people say why i dont even know myself why i do this. Im not a materialistic person or greedy. When im not gambling i live very normal.
Someone hit the nail on the head when they said i could be pushing a trolley full of cash out of the bookies and they could say what do i want to buy and i would say i dont even know but ive won.
But when i win i give it all back. Im an intelligent person but my actions are that of a fool. When im not gambling im very frugil and careful with money then when im gambling all common sense goes out of the window.
Hello @spottydog,
Welcome to the GamCare Forum and for sharing your post.
I am sorry you are going through a really tough time at the moment, you are not alone in the way gambling can occupy daily lives for people. There is plenty of support available to you and you have made a really positive step today by posting your story and reaching out.
Please feel free to contact the GamCare Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Netline to explore the additional support available to you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you would like to talk to one of the GamCare HelpLine advisers.
Keep posting and sharing
Regards
Dan
Forum Admin
Hi Spotty,
More questions than answers but nevertheless a fantastic post. I will get back to you but right now still dealing with the trauma of my own addiction. We spoke earlier on the 8 pm chat & no-one gave you bad advice, only good. Getting barred from betting shops & other blocks that can be put in place such as cash access etc, etc., like handing over finances to someone else. I'm sure we'll speak soon. You're not alone.
Best Wishes
AL
@forum-admin thanks. Im feeling a lot more positive now and have some direction on what i need to implement. I have most bases covered but i was in denial about not banning myself from bookmakers. After this final step i think my loopholes are all closed. I have gamstopped and changed to cash card only due to these non regulated firms out there. My damage now is from bookies. From what i have heard the affordability checks they are supposed to be doing on people on high stake or volume betting are only done when they have to pay out so the bookmakers are using this not to stop people betting but to avoid paying. Im determined now
It is a very traumatic addiction. I need to forgive myself, get the inner strength. I always say to others while u alive can always do something about the problem what ever it is. I need to heal and move on and the only way i can do that and be truely happy is stop this and maintain it this time properly no excuses. To eliminate the problem need to take away the risks now i know my next steps
12 days in of no betting, its tough because its every where all over the TV, radio, papers. No other addiction would they be allowed to promote. Big day tommorow pay Day, always a dangerous day for me as I usually have a spare cash.
@shakey1507 u are doing great tomorrow keep focused. U right theres reminders everywhere and every day they suck more people into this life of hell thats hard to get out of the trap and cycle of it once in
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