i have problems with fruit machines and online slots

Hi rob,

Welcome to the forum, and well done for posting here.

I gathered from your story that you’ve been battling to stop your problematic gambling, but that hasn’t been successful for you. I’d like to make you aware that it’s not unsual that you’re struggling to stop your problematic gambling; most people need professional help to overcome it as it’s very difficult to try and stop it by yourself. Moreover, gambling gets worse if you don’t do anything about it, and it can easily get out of control.

However, it’s good that you’ve recognised that you need help, and you’ve taken the initial step to do something about it – by posting in the forum. Gamcare is ready to help and support you with advice on strategies and boundaries to help you to overcome your gambling problem.

I noticed from your post that online slots are most damaging for you, and to do something about it I’ll suggest that you read about the following internet blocking software (they’ll stop you from accessing gambling sites), and install the one that you think would provide you with the maximum benefit. They are:- Gamblock, Betfilter, and Net Nanny.

Also, you need to go for self exclusion from all the betting places that you gamble from, and you must replace your spare time (gambling time) with other activities/ hobbies to distract you from gambling.

Maybe you’ll like to contact us on our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers for further help. An adviser will be able to refer you for 12 sessions of free counselling, if you think that would help you to overcome your gambling problem.

Pls. note that we are open everyday from 8.00am to midnight.

Thanks again for your post, and pls. keep posting.

Best wishes,

Beatrice

Hi Robert,

Very similar story to mine, gambling from a young age, in my case the penny pushers, then the 2p slots, then 5p, then 10p and so on, through to the £70 jackpots and online slots.

Also like you ,always paid my bills and in my cases debts (even if minimum), but apart from some 3 months or so, gamble free, spend the rest of my money from my wages, on the fruit machines for 20 years.

It sounds like me, you are a good example of someone who can stop, with a bit of willpower and support of others on and off the forums.

Self exclude yourself from arcades, bookies that are local and start to close down where you gamble online. Tell family and friends you are giving them up. If necessary, leave cards at home and/or get a card that only allows for withdrawal from machines, rather than online payments.

Prehaps, open a savings account, that needs a certain amount of days to allow withdrawals. You could each payday, immediately put in a certain amount, knowing even if you want to, you can't access the money easily.

It's important that monies are not easily available to gamble with, in the early months of giving up.

Best of luck.

Indeed searching info of how to win playing real money slots, l like gaminators, fruit slot machines and.. poker!

Ive got the same problem mate. I self excluded from all the online sites, just called them up and banned myself for 2 years. Stopped online gambling completely now for about 7/8 months.

Still have a horrendous problem with fruit machines though. I travel up and down the motorways alot and spend hours in the services losing 300/400 quid a time. Last night was the last straw. I lost so much that i couldnt cover my bills. Sickening. Hoping to find some help on here though...

Good luck

I have booked another holiday for 2 weeks all inc , looking forward for it , no gambling since june 2014 enjoy ur life guys dont waste ur money on this , belive me everything is in your mind . you can do it , belive urself , and u will never ever win big money on it.