just registered with Gamstop a big step

Hey Stew,

Have you registered with Gamstop? It’s literally saving my life right now. If not it’s something I’d suggest considering

Hi Slick,

Many thanks for your reply. I'm guessing though that anyone using the computer would see that it's been installed? If not that's what I'll do. Thank you. Great it's working for you.

It’s not a downloadable app. It’s basically a database where you put in your details and are excluded from most (all by the end of the year) UK online gambling sites for either 6 months, 1 year or 5 years depending on which option you select. I’ve opted for 5 year. I was constantly on slots until I’d rinced every penny I had day and night at the expense of priority bills. It’s quite a “final” decision in that you can’t go back but if you’re wanting to serious quit and not just reduce it’s really useful

That's really helpful Slick, thank you. It would be hard to sign up for as it would be final but I 100% know it would be for the best. If you don't mind me asking how long ago did you sign up for it?

I signed up just over one month ago. I had spent my money on slots that was meant for paying a debt. I know I haven’t been signed up for long but I don’t regret my decision at all

Well a month off gambling is great Slick, keep it going. I really appreciate your messages and it sounds like the way I will have to go too otherwise I'll never get sorted!!

Well after over 30 years of gambling I've just registered with GAMSTOP. I know it's going to be tough going but it had to be done as every spare penny has been wasted for so so long. I also have a 10k debt which I pay off monthly. Here's hoping for a better life like all of us on here. Good luck to everyone. I am three days GF and need to build from here.

Nice going Stew

Stick with it, a day at a time

Hi Stew,

How's the quit going? I can relate to you in many ways. I had to join Gamstop which is a god send as I can't access the online casinos and do my b*******ks on live roulette anymore. Regarding the roulette machines in the bookies I wouldn't wait until the £2 max bets kick in, go and get yourself a self-exclusion form and ban yourself for good. Takes 5 mins to fill in the form and you need a couple of passport photos of yourself.

I am also in debt and have no savings. It feels bloody awful. My problem was that I saw gambling as the only way out. Get that one big win which will solve all. I would sometimes win half of what I needed and lose it all trying to get to what I actually needed. It's all just one big fat lie.

Keep your chin up. Life is much better when you're free from gambling mate.

Sounds very similar to my situation stew, gamstop is a game changer and I’m sure it’s helped hundreds / thousands since it’s been set up.

Put simply all my bets were placed online, like you I had sports under control but always ended up opening the live casino and all logic went out the window.

I thought I could go back to just sports after a period of 5-6 months off gambling but got back into the same cycle

Cold turkey now and best thing I’ve ever done - 60 days GF

Hi K2. Reached double figures today which is a milestone for me. I see your on 96! Nearly the century! Fantastic work, keep it going. Keep strong. Cheers Stu

Hi Fluttergutter,

Many thanks for your message. The quit is going ok thanks, I've reached 10 days!

Everything you've said is quite correct, GAMSTOP has worked wonderfully and I know there's no point even trying to get on to the online roulette as it will be impossible. I always thought I could win and used to really enjoy the wins but as a best mate once said to me "it's only borrowed money" and how true that is as you eventually always give it back with lots and lots and lots of interest!

It's awful being in debt and like you I hate it but it beats sinking any lower. By joining GAMSTOP I've eliminated the opportunity of that big win to clear the debt (but not clear the thousands which have gone before) but I know if I'd have played on the big win almost certainly wouldn't have come but the debt would almost certainly be greater.

I will self exclude from the bookies as this is where I would go without the online. I had to pop in to town last night after work which I only do if I have to. I went past about 10 bookies and that strong magnet was trying to pull me in but I resisited and although I went home with an empty wallet none of it went on gambling.

I will keep my chin up and you too. How long have you managed to be GF for?

Have a great day.

Cheers Stew

Hi Northstander,

Many thanks for your message. Very interested in your comments re sports betting and roulette. I wouldn't dream of spending hundreds on a day of sports betting and yet roulette would take the lot and more and so it adds up and up after so many years! Once behind I can't walk away. I'm also interested that you have stayed away and then gone back to it after 5/6 months. I've never stayed away for any length of time but now I'm on this journey with already some great people for support I've got to stay strong like you. It won't and already hasn't been easy but I've got to do it for everyone!

Congratualtions on your 61 days a great achievement, I'm guessing you have GAMSTOP in place?

Have a great day.

Cheers Stew

Hi stew

In all honesty I wasn’t ready to give up first time around, I let all my family know and after those initial months they maybe thought I was ok and didn’t check on me etc.

This time round I’m ready, can’t go on like I was. My bank is checked daily and that along with gamstop is mentally enough for me (I need access to my money for work purposes) otherwise I’d hand over control completely

I’ve luckily never been drawn into the bookies, my vice has always been online. Guess it’s the physical aspect of handing money over compared to the online element which I don’t register

If also reccomend a diary mate, even if it’s adding each day and puting “gamble free” it really helps to put your thoughts down and look back

Keep going mate, you’ve got this