Hello
I'm Simon and consider myself a problem gambler when it comes to online gambling usually via an app on my phone (now deleted!).
Problem got steadily worse over the years although I earn fairly decent money so could mask it, one of the main problems was that it was taking up my attention from those close to me and I'd even stay up late in order to bet on NBA which I know very little about.
Anyhow, I had an eye opener in January when I realised I couldn't pay my tax bill and was given 3 months to pay it off. I have not had a bet since and have gone some way to recovering financially in terms of managing the debt I am in (around £25k).
The problem I have now is that I'm starting to talk to myself about 'doing something small' to take away a bit of boredom and provide that spark and in the cold light of day I really really do no want to do this. Don't get me wrong, it's not constant fight I'm having but the feeling of grief, sleepless nights and constant worry seems to be subsiding. As a result I'm trying to be pro-active and have come on here to share thoughts / feelings.
Thanks
Simon
Hi simon, thanks for sharing this. I would strongly advise you to stay away from any kind of betting. if you read though this site you will realise how gambling have destroyed so many families and individuos. I am a very competitive individuo and i couldnt bare the thought you been a loser! i always thought i could get my money back but obsviously nobody can because the addiction wont allow us. until I realised that I had to take the defeat on the chin, that i could not compete with those machines any longer, that i was beaten i could not move on. those machines are not humans, the sooner you understand that you cant compete with them, the sooner you realise that you will always lose , even the wins that you might have, it doesnt matter how big it is, you will always put back because when gambling we lose all the senses of what is right or wrong. fill your spare time with things that make you happy, like exercising, family gathering, buying new clothes and even helping others doing some charity work. run as fast as you can from gambling if you still struggling you might consider talking to a counsellor even given a call on this site? be honest to your loved ones, be honest to yourself, never hide anything from people that you love and you might hurt . I would even go further and say that this addiction needs to be looked just like cancer and other terminal illnes. stay away my friend. take care
Hi Simon,
Welcome to gamcare and thanks for telling us your story.
Off online gambling is your vice then one of the best blockers for you is to register with gamstop at https://www.gamstop.co.uk/.
This will allow you to exclude yourself from most of the sites for up to 5 years and any sites that are not on there will need to be by the end of the year. There is always ways around this of course but at least that will make ir more difficult and give you a bit of time to think about what you are doing.
I wish you the best
Damo
Hi, thanks for the advice guys. I'll certainly look at registering as online stuff is my problem so to take it away is to remove the temptation. Take care all.
I have registered myself with gamstop for 5 years so that's a great result. Thanks!
Hi Simon,
It seems like such an easy thing to do but it really is a big step...well done 🙂
Damo
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