Finally admitted to myself I have a Gambling problem, unfortunately it has took me hitting rock bottom to realise this. Losing my girlfriend and Job in the process. I am only 26 and have gambled since I was about 18, usual story I won about a grand my first time on the machines playing roulette and also spending alot of money on lotto draws like Irish, 49s lotton New York lotto as I won a few quid on that too and just assumed I would always win. I think I spent about £300 in one day doing this and at one point I won £1100 on the 49s and had it spent and put back into the bookies within 3 days. I'm hoping to go to a GA meeting which I think will help and reading everyones stories it's making me realise it is quite a common addiction and there is light at the end of the tunnel, at the moment I just think the only way is up from here as I feel I can't go any lower. Good luck to everyone on their Journey i'm just at the start but I hope I have the strength and will power to stop this and get my life back together before it is too late.
Thanks.
Hi Stevangel0, Welcome to the forum Buddy !, Firstly well done on admiting you have a gambling problem , thats usualy the hard bit . I too had problems with the roulette machines and have lost thousands , It usually starts with a big win , which sucks you in to think that you can win all the time .! Sorry to hear about the break up of your relationship , but maybe if you stop betting things will improve ?. If your going into bookies to play the machines and do the 49s , then you really need to self exclude yourself from as many as you can , You only need acouple of photos and it can be done in minutes , If you bet on line then you exclude from the sites and install blocking software , You will hear about the time , money ,location triangle on the forum , take one of these away and you cant bet !! And it does work !. You will also need willpower but It's amazing how quickly your strength builds when you stop , We have all been where you are right now and know exactly how you feel at the moment . It does get better mate , day bye day , One day at a time , little steps . I wish you well in your recovery and will talk to you again soon !! All the best ... Alan who will not gamble today !!
Hi Alan Thanks very much for your advice I knew about the barring yourself from local bookies but didn't even think about that blocking software option that may be a good idea as it is so easy to spend a fortune on in-play bets. I agree I have to get my gambling problem sorted in order for myself to have any future for myself or with my ex partner. She said she wanted to see proof that I'm actually doing something to change my ways so this, the meetings,barring myself and deleting all betting apps is it. I would always say I have stopped but I was really telling her lies I think that's what made it worse I was lying to her face plus lying to myself thinking I didn't have a problem. I saw a little bit on the money, location triangle i'll have to look into it more I downloaded this app which tracks the days of how long I haven't gambled so i'm using that for self motivation also, I feel it gets tougher at weekends because I know that's when all the games etc are on and it's plastered all over social media. Thanks alot again for you comments they are really appreciated. good luck to you too Alan.. We can do this mate!! Take care.
Hi Stevangel0,
Welcome to the forum and well done for seeking advice and support. You will find a lot of support here and a community of people who understand your struggle with gambling.
You have realised that gambling is a problem for you and are taking steps to help yourself such as looking at blocking software to restrict your access online. Some of our forum users describe additional ways in which they try to limit their freedom to gamble online, by arranging their finances in ways that slow down how quickly they can access their money, or limiting their ability to spend money online. Some members of the forum talk about changing their bank account to remove the facility to spend online, instead using a basic cash card that allows you to withdraw cash on the high street.
I would encourage you to call our helpline and talk things through with a GamCare adviser on 0808 8020 133 or on our netline. The advisers can provide emotional support and helpful information as well as facilitate a referral to free one to one counselling appointments if you’d like to access that service.
Best wishes
Forum Admin
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