Hello everyone... I'm not sure how I start this off but you all know why I'd be here... I have a massive problem with saying stuff like "I have a problem" but I do, this last month has been really really bad. I am a 34 year old female with two kiddies (8 and 4) I am never out as I am the only parent in the household, I started online bingo a few years back and got into a terrible mess (£400 in one week) I eventually self excluded myself from all the sites and I got my life back on track. Around two months ago I decided to have a wee game here and there and it's snowballed into something just as bad as last time, I cancelled my car insurance and car tax just so we had money for food as everything else has been gambled away. I lie to people that I've stopped, I feel bad because all this money I've thrown away could have went to my kids... how I've manage to gamble away such amounts I have no idea. I looked at my online bank account today and was shocked at just how many times I've deposited, my PayPal account is also £100 in the red to all down to gambling. Am I ready to stop?? Probably not but I NEED to. I would really like to speak to someone on the live help bit but again I'm too proud to admit there is anything wrong. I'd really love to get to know some of you guys so we can hopefully all help each other! Hope to speak to you all soon. Louise xxx
Hey Louise and welcome to a great place for help and support..
Like you hun I became addicted to online slots ....it always starts as a bit of fun...none of us say down one day and said..." right...let's become a gambling addict "....but that's what happens to many many people ....sad..but true...so...what can you do ?
Well...in a nut shell..
Ring helpline ..they won't be shocked or disgusted...
Exclude from every site. .
Set up parental controls on your broadband to block gambling sites...
Confide in somebody close to you..
You can also look at ways to not have access to funds...but as your a single parent I imagine that would be trickey...
The best thing is to block internet gambling....then you simply can't access sites....
You say you cancelled direct debits. ...so did I...and it soon becomes an issue hun as you try to win back the money spent...before you know it you've cancelled several ....and the s**t hits the fan....
Please tackle this head on ...now...if you don't....trust me it will get a whole lot worse...
Like you I arrived here over 470 odd days ago....battered...scared.. ashamed....and every thing else...
But with effort...hard work...and seeking help....you can get through....read diaries on here...you'll pick up advice and won't feel so alone hun...come here and write if you're struggling...none of us judge...remember yoyre not alone...stick the kettle on and ring the helpline. ...you'll feel better just getting it off your chest..
Take care x
Hi Louise
Just posted myself on here as a first time too. I understand where your coming from and feel your pain, i gambled away £250 last night playing roulette, purely out of boredom and just looking for that extra buzz and win but that swinking feeling after losing is just horrible. I have a 1 year old daughter and a good job but just still end up wanting to win more money. Luckily i havent got any debts from gambling but i went into my overdraft last night and i only got paid a week ago, i really feel like last night was a wake upo call for myself. Be great to hear some thoughts back from you x
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