Hello

Hi Jrv1988 and welcome,

You could do worse than contact the Gamcare helpline for advice.

It seems to me that you may be considering chasing losses as you mention the football betting. I note you say that you have just enough money to live on. Don't chase using this money. If you win initially you'll only give it back. Best thing is to get blocks on gambling sites and limit access to money..

What happens is when the gambler has a real sickener due to losses he or she vows not to gamble again. When the feelings subside the urge to chase kicks in and that's what keeps the whole nasty wheel of misfortune turning. The circle has to be broken quickly.

Your depression seems to have triggered your recent gambling binge. It may be worth talking to your GP if life events have caused you to feel bad.

Over the years I've been to my own personal hell and back through gambling. I've managed to stay clean for quite some time now. That has been achieved by having strong preventative measures in place and having counselling. I feel a whole lot better nowadays and I've taken up hobbies again that I'd neglected because of gambling.

Others may come up with their thoughts later on.

Take Care Now.

Hi,

Best to act now, before the memory fogs. re self exclusion, I did this for my husband by snail mail. He's the CG; I found the addresses and wrote letters that he signed quoting name, address (postal and email), date of birth, account number, passwords, asking for permenent self exclusion and also asking for no further contact by any means, other than confirmation. If you tell them that you have a gambling problem they should take that seriously and don't be fobbed off with temporary measures.

You might consider disentangling your bank card from the web sites. Report it lost or stolen and when the new one arrives, give it to a trusted relative for safe keeping; otherwise don't carry it.

Downgrade your mobile from a smartphone to a brick.

Mainly, get real support, from GA and GC.

Wish you well,

CW

Thanks guys, its not the football betting thats been the problem, I only bet small amounts and have had a couple of small wins lately the problem is the slot games, my money goes so fast and I find I need bigger deposits and to place higher stakes to get more of a buzz if that makes sense. They are so horribly addictive and I admit I have been chasing losses which I know I shouldnt do but at the time I'm not thinking. Joining this forum I hope is a good step forward and I've been looking into getting some counselling.

Hi. ..well done for coming in here....loads of great people to help....I've never get on football...but those dam slots will suck you right in and spit you right out again...skint..and feeling like poo ..best thing I done was to block them all...now I no I can't play...I've actually now got to the point that I don't want to ...praying it continues....good luck...you can do it x

Yes Loxxie tell me about it I've been well and truly sucked in by them lately.

So ive just been out for a meal with my mum and I want to tell her about the mess I've got into so bad but I'm scared, she'll only say I told you so because she knows about my previous problems and she made it quite clear she didn't approve of my football betting because she feared it would lead to the slots again, I don't think I can tell her plus she's got a lot on her plate as it is others know and can support me plus I'm looking into counselling

Ring gamcare...they are great...and I think you need tell someone close to you...I've not told my hubby ...but that's what's best for now...but I have told both my daugters and a few friends ...and it does help....everybidys recovery is different....but I can say if you want to get your journey underway you need to block these sites....can't tell you how much better I felt when I did....one day at a time love x

I've told a close friend and she'll help me through it, I've closed all the accounts I've got so hopefully I don't get tempted again because I need to build myself up now financially and get over the stress it's caused

Just feeling bad because just seen my online banking and all the payments totalling £700 have gone out today, I'm well into my overdraft but I haven't done the slots since Saturday night.

I was wondering if I should abstain from ALL forms of gambling or just the forms that are most detrimental/damaging? I like to do a certain lottery twice a week, I do it most weeks but should I stop doing even that? I only spend £4 a week on it but it's still gambling?

Hi

Yes fully cease all forms of gambling take away all temptations of winning big use all sorts of barriers to prevent the urge give your bank card to somebody close ask for pocket money sounds childish but it works for example I carry just a few pound a week to allow me to buy a coffee or a snack I don't need anymore the more cash I have the more of a temptation I have to walk into an establishment and bet big. I've hit rock bottom and once again I'm here again because like you I did lotto did small bets and I was losing so I was chasing constantly and now I'm over drawn. I'm new to this again I would join the chat rooms and speak to an advisor take as much advice from all of us members it's free and it fills the void of gambling

Goodluck