Hi there my names Dave and I'm 33 years old and been gambling for around 18 years starting with the fruit machines in my mid teenage years living in a seaside town it was pretty much all we had to pass the time. Had a paper round in my early years and was a real saver n valued every penny then wasted all that in the amusement arcades in the space of around a year.
Then was seduced by my local betting shops at age of 18 and had football bets mainly for a long time but the last couple of years it's spiralled out of control and I started betting on football, horses, tennis you name it I would bet on it, online and in betting shops. Been a taxi driver now I always had ready cash to keep getting my fix but there was never any money left to pay bills and rent. Had to confess all to my partner although dissapointed is been supportive. And I have now not had a bet since November 14.
I feel loads better already and have to say I have found a new addiction in this site this is my 1st post but have been reading this site every day and read lots of stories and diaries and really has helped so much so thankyou to all who contribute to making this site what it is.
Thanks for reading
Hi Taxi Man,
Congratulations on 17 days - That's awesome 🙂
I know what you mean about swapping gambling for this (hence here I am when I should be sleeping) but I'll take this one any day! It's crazy that here we have, a bunch of what society would probably call 'losers' saving each other's lives!
I second your THANK-YOU to everyone who here helping me on my journey!
Thanks ODAAT for reading and for your reply.
I do feel proud of myself for the effort so far and I am determined not to go near a betting shop again in my life and hopefully have a fantastic bet free future with my family.
There have been urges so far in particular the weekends are tough and I've tried to even tell my girlfriend when I have an urge but then I think she doubts me but find it helps to talk. I think a recovery diary on here is the way to go.
I feel a terrible guilt at the moment with debts of probably around 5000 mounting with every missed payment and Christmas coming up and the kids and family are really gonna miss out makes me feel terrible but I'm determined to beat this so it doesn't happen again and future years we have the holidays and stuff normal families do.
Im self excluded from all online betting sites as when I did one I searched for another a couple of days later. Think I've exhausted that avenue and must of used every single site over the past year.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
