Hi, my name is Charlotte. I started gambling a couple of years ago, it started with a free bet on live blackjack. Since then the bets have gotten bigger and more frequent. I now play live roulette and this weekend alone I have lost over £XXXX. I am so depressed about this, I have bills coming out this week which I know are going to bounce. What depresses me even more is Christmas is soon and I’ve blown the money I saved for that.Â
I lose money and then deposit more to try and get it back but then lose loads more. It’s a vicious cycle.Â
I know I have a problem and I want to change this and get my life back on track.
I want to be a better partner and be a better person for those around me as this has definitely affected that.Â
Hello @charosully,
Â
Welcome to the GamCare Forum and for sharing your post.
I am sorry you are going through a tough time at the moment, you are not alone in the way gambling can occupy peoples lives and chasing losses makes it more difficult to break that cycle and stop gambling. 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.
Â
Keep posting and sharing
Regards
DanÂ
Forum Admin
Hi Charlotte,Â
I can totally relate to what your saying and have been in the same position for about 5 years. I'm in unthinkable debt and keep thinking of what position I'd be in if I had that money. The thing that's saved me is gamstop. I couldn't stop myself but having that in place has saved me. I don't have much money for Christmas but it's something and it's mine. Stay strong, you can do this xÂ
Hi Charlotte.Â
I know exactly how your feeling.Â
It always starts with a free bet. I was deposiitng £2-300 a time just to chase your losses.Â
The gambling firms always wins..Â
If you havent already use Gamcare TalkBanStop service theybcan assist you with getting those neccessary blockers in place.Â
GAMBAN - Huge life saver for me. I pay for this service however i know gamcare can get this for free for you if you havent already.Â
GAMSTOP. - This allows you to register all your details and then they self exclude you from every site that they have. I self excluded for 5 years. No messing about. I just done the 5 years without thinking.Â
You can do this, you can beat this.Â
Sending love your way.
I came clean last xmas and honestly its been tough but worth the journey.Â
I am only online for a minute but in a nutshell, help is yours for the asking as it appears your gambling is concentrated to on-line betting. Get in touch with the Gamcare advisors and self-exclude immediately - it takes a minute. Thats what I did and it definitely helps start you off on this long and sometimes difficult journey to beating this curse.
Good luck
Mick
It's difficult for most even with blocks. Get as many blocks as possible.Â
@helpme34 thank you for your comment. I am exactly the same, I am in serious debt way above my head and I too think about what I could have done with all that money. Makes me sick to think about it to be honest.Â
Im so glad that gamstop is helping you, I know there is light at the end of the tunnel and I guess this is the first step.Â
thank you
@nlynch91148 the worst thing is I know the gambling firm always win but as you know it’s a compulsion and I still get all my money. It really is a dangerous cycle. It’s got to that point where it’s a having a knock on affect on my family/ relationship etc and they have no clue.Â
I really have to do something now.Â
I'm so glad you are getting help, thank you for replying to my original post. It’s nice to know im not alone.
@mp thank you, I am going to do that. Need to sort my life outÂ
Affected by gambling?
Looking for support?
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.