DAY 1 FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE

Hi Isla, and welcome. Do you gamble online? For us compulsive gamblers there is no half way house, we cannot gamble because we cannot stop. No need to feel shy, they are a friendly bunch on here, and all of us in the same boat.

Yes Rhoda, on-line slots. I've tried everything, permanent self-exclusions, restricting access to cash. I even tried being without internet for a few weeks but that wasn't practical. I don't know the reason why I gamble, I just know it has to stop. My lack of control when I start chasing losses really frightens me now. I need to remind myself of that fear when I get the urge to gamble. I realise I am fortunate not to be in debt but with my savings gone it will only take an unexpected expenditure/reduction in working hours to put me into debt. As you can see I first joined Gamcare about 2 months ago but I thought I could control my gambling by rewarding myself with a £25 gambling session if I did not gamble for 2 weeks. Sounds crazy I know! Anyway, something has changed and I know I need to comit to being gamble-free. I shall start a diary. Thank you for responding to my post, you're very kind.

Permanent self exclusions are a great help Isla, but there is always another online casino just waiting for you to deposit. That's the reality unfortunately. Perhaps an investment in a blocker on your phone and computer? I use net nanny and it's been brilliant. Despite relapsing on other forms of gambling, I haven't gambled online for over a year now. Net nanny costs around £30 but it can be installed on about 10 devices so it's definitely worth the money. It's saved me thousands and thousands. Another idea would be that Barclays do a cash only card. Sure things are then difficult to pay and things would be hard to get around but it's so worth it.

Good luck

Dan

Brummyboy wrote:

Hi sorry to jump on post isla ..... But Brummyboy do you know what that cash only card is called ? I'm currently with Barclays and was going to get a post office card

Thank you

Permanent self exclusions are a great help Isla, but there is always another online casino just waiting for you to deposit. That's the reality unfortunately. Perhaps an investment in a blocker on your phone and computer? I use net nanny and it's been brilliant. Despite relapsing on other forms of gambling, I haven't gambled online for over a year now. Net nanny costs around £30 but it can be installed on about 10 devices so it's definitely worth the money. It's saved me thousands and thousands. Another idea would be that Barclays do a cash only card. Sure things are then difficult to pay and things would be hard to get around but it's so worth it.

Good luck

Dan

Hi Isla.

Welcome to this forum. You will hopefully find it very useful and informative too. Read lots of diaries - always acts as a good reminder I think, as to why it's good to abstain from gambling for once and for all.

Wishing you the very best of luck and I will look out for your diary in the "recovery diaries" section.

Take care.

Our Lady

Thanks to all for responding to my first post. Thanks to Dan for the practical advice. Have scraped enough money to install net nanny. I was aware that these types of blocks were available but I was reluctant to install one, guess I was still clinging to the hope of that big win! But as we know, we can't win because we can't stop! Thanks for giving me the nudge to finally install one. Great idea too about a cash card. I'll definitely look into that. Yes, Our lady, reading lots of diaries is a good way of reminding ourselves of the pain gambling gives us. I hope to start a diary as soon as my nerves settle! My last gambling binge got so out of hand that I frightened myself! (hope that makes sense) Thanks again all. Best wishes, Isla

Hi Isla.

Your gadgets must be blocked with something effective that you dont know the password for or you will need to hand them over to someone else

You must reach out for help from everyone you can talk to. You need to keep discussing it because you may have been at a stage where you dont want to stop losing. When the born again moment comes you will ensure the blocks are strong and you are monitored by someone close.

You dont mention a third party. Its very difficult to do this on your own regarding restricting access to cash. You need all the help that may be available to you. There is no shame in admitting to a problem and reaching out

Like me, you cant stop so gambling is not for you. Youve been completely ignoring the odds on a dangerous method of gambling. You will learn all about the reasons why when taking a look at you and your life in counselling

Being gamble free is a wonderful feeling of self respect and dignity

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Nannai1998

It's a Barclays basic bank account. It can be used at any ATM and you can withdraw up to £300 a day. You cannot pay by debit card like you can on online casinos or in bookmakers but fortunately you can set up direct debits and set up standing orders. I've seen a few on the forum have them and I've never seen anything negative about it. As you are a Barclays customer already I imagine you could ring up or go into a branch and ask for your current account to be downgraded to a basic account. That way you can't gamble online.