after 8 years.
No slots here but everything else football, cricket, baseball, tennis, american football you name it.
Recently its been chinese tennis on players that I don't even know and am just playing the odds. Pathetic.
25K debts from gambling, no staking plan, no sense, hardly any winners. Of course I thought I could win in the end. No house, no assets, nothing.
Finally confessed to my wife and close friends. Its been close to breaking me and my relationship. I've been in a mental hospital for the last week (now out) I have other issues, alcohol misuse etc.
I have been trying to come to terms with why I did it. I suppose because I loved sport (and still do)
2 things I have noticed.
1. I think you are addicted to LOSING rather than winning. The buzz of possibly losing 500 quid on a horse, footy team, etc.
2. I've noticed certainly in betting shops that nearly everyone smokes. I am certain that if you like a gamble or gamble to access like me there are other addictions that go hand in hand, smoking drinking etc. I would love to know a stat on that.
I am feeling positive. My last bet was a small win. That was on the 30th June. Gamble free so far. Wife has the cards.
Time to start getting on with my life, paying my debts and getting a grip. I am determined to do this along with my other addictions.
Thanks for reading, if you are having issues like myself, keep in there, its going to be tough. My journey has just started - barely started. So many stories on here like myself.
You cannot turn the TV on now and not watch sport without all the companies adverts, I think they should be banned on TV.
Hey hoops.......welcome to the forum mate.
It was your name that caught my attention - I don't often come into this section of the forum (I will be doing so more over the next while). I'm assuming (probably wrongly!) that you're from North of the border, possibly west coast, and of the green persuasion? Doesn't matter whether you are or not, I'm delighted that you're here.
Just wanted to give you a bit of encouragement - to have been gamble free for the last couple of weeks is massive and you should be really proud of yourself - not easy for a problem gambler to do. You have also laid really strong foundations - telling your wife and friends is one of the key recovery tools - not having secrets is so important on the journey.
Anyway, I won't bore you with any more rambles! You're doing superbly well, keep strong and I really hope you begin to feel benefits on other fronts too - it's a great question you ask around smoking etc.......one I've always wanted to know is, "does gambling cause mental health problems, or do mental health problems cause gambling"?
Take care mate,
Mr Brightside
Hi hoops - judging by your name you seem to have more than one problem (Celtic supporter lol??) .. Welcome to the forum.. I think that the forum is a great way to put out your views or ask questions about gambling to people who may not be able to give you the answer your are looking but will be able to see it from your point of view. Welcome once again hoops and good luck!
Lol - no I don't support Celtic at all, thats my nickname (Hoops)
Attending a meeting at Newbury park tomorrow. First stages of recovery.
Thanks for the responses.
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