Hi everyone
After months of deciding to quit and then starting up again I have finally realised I need some drastic action. I have known I was a bit addicted to slots for a while now as even when I win significant amounts I don't stop and even when I decide not to do it and set limits, the other me creates new accounts and bypasses any security by using another laptop! I kind of go into a zone and its almost like self-harm as sometimes I KNOW I will lose but then think at least I won't be able to play once the money has gone.
Anyway - the bottom has come as when I get paid in a few days it will all go into a massive hole and I will still have debt so enough is enough I am sick of wasting my time and being a slave to slots.
So today I have started self-excluding (although I am a member of a very large number of sites so this will take a while). When I get paid I will close one of my bank accounts to lose access to the overdraft and may have to take further action.
I now realise that I am rambling and just needed to get it off my chest as no one knows about this.
Does anyone have any other tips for stopping this ridiculous addiction?
Thanks for listening anyone who got to the end 🙂
Caroline
I'm in the same situation as yourself and need professional help. This is the third time I've done this. It used to be virtual horseracing. Now its slots online. I spent 2,000 in two days. I've now agreed to get help.
I was absolutely terrified of telling my partner and finally told him today. Understandably he went mad with me but we are getting through it somehow.
I think you need to downgrade your bank accounts to ones without an overdraft. Because of my gambling I had lots of payday loans. I am completely debt free now but its still 2,000 I could have put to better use.
Louise
Hi Caroline,
Firstly there is absolutely no need for you to feel that you are rambling or that people don't want to hear your story.
Your story is one of the main reasons why people frequent and visit this forum.
Whilst you are clever enough to work out ways that you can gamble when you know you shouldn't, you can use that in reverse and work out ways so that you cannot gamble when you wish to do so.
There is no miracle cure as such, but just put things in place when you are not gambling to make sure you don't gamble when that urge comes along, as it always does I imagine.
You need to install some kind of gambling block software on all of the computers you have access to.
The only guarantee is that your life will be so so much better if you do not gamble from here on in.
Hi
I am new to this site too and this is the start of my 3rd day of recovery. Like you I was addicted to online slots and have excluded myself from sites on many occasions only to join new sites that keep popping up. I have a very good block on my PC which is excellent and have loaned my offending iPad and laptop to my grandson (on a permanent basis it would seem as I will not have the heart to take it back) to take the temptation away. My finances are being controlled by my sister so that all essentials are paid. I too would have a sense of relief when money had run out and I could no longer play. Any winnings, although desperately needed for essentials like rent and food, were ploughed back in causing even more shame and despair. Now that the opportunity and the money control are taken away I feel so much better and know this time that I can do it. It will be a long haul to get on my feet financially as I have lost over 35k but the thought of living a normal life ("Why can't I be like everyone else?" was a question I asked every day) is keeping me going. This site is like a lifeline to me, where I live there is no support or help for CGs at all and just to know there are others who understand help me feel less alone. We can do it.
Elfie
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