Hi everyone, I’m 38 and I started gambling when I was 15-16, it was down the fairground playing on the 2p, 5p, 10p machines, I remember spending most of the money I had at the time on gaming, I started to work in a bar when I turned 18 and my gambling just continued started to play on the slot machines 25p, 50p and £1 stakes and I did the same thing, as soon as payday came I spent most of my money on gaming, i did this all the way till I was 30, I got a new job and it was monthly pay I started to do the exact same thing spend most of my money on gambling and till this week my circumstances have changed and I need to stop, only my wife knows how bad it has became, none of my family do as I feel they wouldn’t understand, I find it easier talking to people who understand and I wouldn’t mind hearing from people who have had the same experience and how they overcome their gambling issues
many thanks
Hi Hodgy,
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Best Wishes
Fiona
Forum Admin
Hey man, like you I have been the same. I’ve recently given up, which like yourself after years of doing it was no easy feat.
One thing I’ve found which has really helped is giving my partner full control of my finances, we’ve gone through my outgoings and the dates each thing needs to be paid and set up recurring bank transfers to make sure there is money in my account. I’ve given myself £20 a week to buy bits I might need while in work etc.
Also I’ve found that when I’ve sat down and thought about how my actions are really affecting the people around me it’s made me think twice about it. For example potentially loosing our house, or kids not being able to go out with their friends to the cinema or birthdays etc. not only that but the impact on my partner in terms of shared credit file.
Trying to find your trigger is a big part of it too. I’m not 100% sure but I think my trigger is being worried I don’t have enough money, whenever I’ve been single I’ve never gambled, it’s only when dating. So when it gets to the weekend and the mrs wants to go out for a meal I will pay even if it’s on a credit card etc. whereas I should’ve been open and told her I’m not sure I can afford it at the moment. It would’ve been for her to say, no it’s fine I’ve got the extra. So openness about finances is really important.
I wish you luck mate because it’s a horrible thing to have to deal with day after day.
@x25uwdzvy8 hi mate, thanks for your response, I have been saying it to my wife the past few years I will give you my money when I get paid but I just haven’t done it, I’m definitely going to do it on my next pay cause I know I need to, I haven’t felt like gambling since last weekend so that could be a good start, I just need to occupy my mind because it’s when I’m bored I get the urge to gamble, good luck to you 😊
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