Hi all i am Ben looking to seek advise and confidence from people who are suffering from the same issues as nobody else would understand.
Here is my story im now 26 with a mortgage engaged and have a beautiful son.
I started gambling when i was 16 playing roulette I used to spend hours upon hours thinking I could get rich quick. This then materialised into playing online poker. Once I was into my new career path aged 18 I was studying and didn't have much money so almost stopped for a year. Then was betting but nothing major.Its the last two years which has been horrendous I don't know why I do it to myself. Ive worked very hard and now in a very very well paid job which im proud of but got myself into ВЈ1000s upon ВЈ1000s of pounds of debt from credit card to 3 loans and huge overdraft. Betting on football and horses id think nothing about putting £500 on a horse and not even watch the race ( all this done on my phone) i wouldn't physically be able to pass that amount of cash in a bookies tho which i think is strange. Betting on your mobile does not seem like real money until you check your bank account win or lose but we all know the outcome long term. Its got to the point where its almost getting unbearable. Ive confronted my mrs twice she seems supportive but doesn't really understand it. Gambling is in my blood my grandad was a huge gambler and lost everything his house and family through this terrible disease i can feel myself following his footsteps. Today is day 1 where i call this a day and move on ive joined this forum after reading all the positive and inspiration comments from you all.
Really looking forward to chatting with members on here helping each other kick this
Sorry for going on
Ben
Hi Ben,
Thanks for your post, and welcome to the forum. It sounds like gambing has given you years of stress, and I'm glad you're taking this step now to work toward a more peaceful life. You're certainly not alone with this problem, as you see on this forum, and lots of people here can identify with how it doesn't seem like real money when you're betting over your mobile like that.
Depending on which phone you have, you might have some success with downloading blocking software, like Gamblock or Betfilter. Those would prevent any gambling sites from opening, and a lot of people find them to be a great help. You could also try calling your mobile provider and telling them to block any sites that require you to be 18 years or older, which other folks have had some success with. Basically, use any and every means necessary to set up barriers to gambling for yourself, and work towards a strong recovery. You don't have to follow in your grandad's footsteps, you can break this cycle.
Another option to consider might be individual counselling. That could help you sort out better why you gamble like this, and help you with active ways to manage your urges better and choose healthier behaviours. Counselling is what tends to help gamblers the most, and we have partner agencies in many parts of the country that could provide that to you at no cost.
If you'd like to chat with us about any of this, or just wanted some support, we're here on the Helpline (0808 8020 133) or the Netline from 8am to midnight every day. We'd be happy to speak to you anytime.
Hope this helps, and I hope things start to get better for you soon.
Travis
Hi there,
I am new to this site. My boyfriend of 4 years has admitted to me that he is addicted to gambling (online slot machines) after I have found paperwork of a payday loan. I feel a lot of things right now: angry,hurt,scared...
He came clean and told me all about it : how many loans there are, how he has been lying to me for years.
He agreed to counceling which I am glad about, but I have my doubts, because I feel so cheated. I want to make it work, but don't want to lose myself.
I guess I need some hope that we can work towards having a family together. I'd be grateful for any comments, shared thoughts and tips you might have. Looks like I will come to this site very often...
Sorry I think I posted to the wrong section.... beginners mistake... 🙂
Hello Ben, to cut a long story short eveything you've wrote is the same as me, I'm 28 and have gambled for years and sadly a season ticket holder at rangers lol, I've got a good job that pays well and yet I blow all my wages week in week out on anything I can get my hands too, like you my grandad was a bad gambler who lost eveything and I don't want to end up like that, maybe we should help each other in out road to recovery, I look forward to hearing from you
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