Here I am, 37 and for 7 years I've been addicted to evil slot machines. I've told no one and hid it from my family, friends and girlfriend of 4 years. I've lied, cryed, drank and tryed a few ways to stop. On the plus side, this year has been the least amount of times i've been sucked in by the slots but the times I've relasped, I've lost a lot. I've other personal problems along with this one, but this problem is the life changing one - ONLY if I dont try to rid it from my disaster of a life. I've saved up and worked overtime at work for the past 3 months, Ive also saved £200 in pound coins! This christmas is the first christmas in 20 yearsthat ive had a healthy-ish bank balance f but at the end of this november and as recently as Sunday 14/12/14, ive been back to putting money in slot machines. THANK GOD I've lost nothing, infact I'm in profit (if you can call it profit) but I no the problem is lurking in my mind, I've got 2 weeks off work and i'm hoping for strenght or will power that i'll not be tempted over christmas. Twice this year I've had to re-arrange my loan, and I dont want the start of 2015 to be going to the bank to ask for help again. My Dad passed away at the end of February and I lost my Grandad 6 month before that, and all I can think of is that they look down from heaven at me now and must be so disapointed about how immoral and pathetic I am.
Hi there. Firstly - don't be too hard on yourself because a) it is pointless and only drags you down making you more vulnerable to gambling and b) you are looking to do something about your problem. Have you contacted gamcare for help? It is hard doing this all on your own. I think most people realise they need to change their mindset but there are no easy fixes. You know you can never beat these machines and you are simply handing over your hard earned money to them and causing immense damage to yourself at the same time. Stopping the destructive routine is a hugely positive thing to do. Try and think what you are going to do during these 2 weeks to not gamble.
Personally I see myself as gambler who chooses not to gamble anymore. Start 2015 as a new person, someone who is beyond the squalid world of feeding money into machines and watching flashing lights go around. It is ridiculous really that we let these things ruin our lives when you think about it. Laughable in fact. Realise how stupid the whole thing is and move on.
Think of your dad and grandad looking down instead being proud that you've admitted a problem and you're going to do something about it and be a better person for it.
Hi Delorean (cool name by the way)
I stumbled upon this forum when i put 'i hate slots' in Google searches, Gamcare forum came up and i started reading other peoples problems which made me feel so relieved that I'm not alone. Your words about my Dad and Grandad have made me feel more positive. Ive sat down tonight with my girlfriend and planned the next 2 weeks with her. Despite the saddness i feel for my Dad (its my first christmas without him) I'm determined for him and my Grandad to have a good christmas and make it to 31/12/14 without putting anything in a slot machine.
Good on you Sad Panda...I am so sorry to hear of your loss 🙁
Hopefully you have the strength to stick to you plan as life without gambling is a much better one & this will definitely help you enjoy yourself more! For what it is worth, I think you'll be surprised @ how they would feel, there are many parents on here that would agree too!
Look after you & stay strong - ODAAT
The problem with gambling is that it creates a "perfect storm" for us. We've lost our money, we feel lousy about it, we want something to make us feel better and to make some quick cash so where do you turn to - yes, more gambling. It's a massively destructive cycle that would bring most people to their knees. It's nothing to be ashamed of either, even the most intelligent people get sucked in.
I'm still only a few months into stopping but believe me if I can do it anyone can. It was practically my whole life but it got to the point where I either continued to total self-destruction or stopped. A lot of people see stopping as a negative thing - like they've are being deprived or something when it is really the best Christmas present you can give yourself. Imagine not being the mercy of a machine deciding your fate. Imagine walking past that same machine and enjoying being in control.
Ultimately it is up to you but like me if you don't what to get old and full of regrets then stop now.
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.
