Hi,
Here is a breakdown of my story.
Unlike many problem gamblers I have no addiction to roullete machines, online slots, bandits or anything of the sort. My issue lies with sports betting and due to having a passion for sport I find this a particular problem.
I am 35 and since the age of 18 I have gambled. I would say from 18-21 it was in complete control and was a fun past time, £1 accumulator here and there and nothing to worry about. When I was 21 I had some personal problems and turned to gambling as a release.
From then I have had a problem and that I have never had control of and think its finally time I seek help. From the age of 21-23 I lost all my savings and took any loan I could get to effectively fund my habit, running up debts of around 20k.
Over time many have been paid off but many still exist in smaller form. In my mid 20s I discovered poker and this is something I have done well at making quite large amounts of money during this time .That isn't me kidding myself, there are software where I can check every poker account and see my profit and loss on each one. In addition I play for a company and receive a decent percentage of all winnings per month so I am not risking my own money.
I have been paid amounts in excess of £10000 but it dosen't last too long and always ends up on the football or other sports.
I am now wanting to stop completely and I know I can do this. I have given up cigarettes, meat and alcohol so I know I have the self determination with the right support.
I have self excluded all my online sports betting accounts but my big concern is passing the bookies too and from work. Sadly I have to walk past 7 bookies to and from work and there is sadly no alternative routes. I also work in different towns too so its impossible to simply self exclude from those bookies .
I was thinking of ways I could stop this, 1 being only taking out £30 a day with me and don't take my bank card with me.Obviously when I am working away for a few days I would need my bank card.
Do you have any tips on this on how to maintain self control.
The other thing that people will disagree with is I want to continue my poker but on a basis I don't risk any of my own money and just play for the company who I play for. I know many will say I should stop all forms of gambling however I do do consistently well at poker. I am thinking to continue to play poker however any money generated each month goes straight to the credits as this is obviously bonus money.
My issue is handling money wherever it comes from, if I received a £1000 bonus from work it would go the same way as £1000 I earn through poker.
If there is any advise you can give a problem gambler on saving money I would appreciate it. Currently I have just been paid and for the first time in a long time I want to have atleast £10 in my account come the end of February. This will be an achievement for me.
To reiterate I have no interest in roullette or slots unlike most on here, I don't think I have ever played a roullete machine in a bookies and although occasionally I have a small spin in the casino its usually only £20 even if I had a £1000 in my wallet. If that was the bookies I would be lucky out with £50.
I am thinking of using this to write a weekly diary every monday on how I am getting on if people will also find this useful. I know I have a problem for life and its all about managing it now and I feel once my bank balance increases it will only boost my confidence in not gambling but obviously that element of risk is there that I could lose it all and thats what scares me.
My last bets have been place on tonights football, I have £300 staked on various football matches tonight but I have since self excluded from that site and all others for life so any returns will be placed straight back to my bank, I have decided I will not check the football scores tonight and will look at the balance of my account to see if any returns, I don't want to receive that high at any stage as that is what I have become addicted to.
I appreciate any replies and advice.
thanks
Hi, my story is very similar to yours. I'm 34 and I've been gambling since the age of 18 mainly on the roulette machines. I'm on 80 days today with no gambling! What has worked for me is that I opened a book savings account with Santander. There's no debit cards and I've got no internet banking to transfer money out of that account. If I need money I have to go into the branch which is hassle to do. I get paid at the end of the month and I transfer any spare money straight into that account and only leave the bear minimum in my current account.
However, no matter what you do to help and no matter what advice your given (you get loads on here) You need lots and lots of will power, without will power there's no chance because any block you put in place can always be avoided. I'm only on 80 days but that the most I've ever been gamble free for 16 years and I paid off a 2k credit card which I've had since I was 20. Welcome to a new life my friend, it's better on the other side!!!!
Try and set yourself a goal or target, for example I'm training to join the Royal Marines, when my debts are cleared in the next 10-12 months, I don't really have the option to gamble, because all my wage more or less goes on my debts, so the temptation isn't there, but over Xmas I had some spare cash and began to gamble again, this time I've told everyone around me and they're helping me, and on here helps too!! But like I say set yourself a goal, so when the temptations there, for example go for a run or to the gym or get another hobby whether it be learning something new, or when the footballs on so something to pass the time and take your mind off the game, I love football I've played it for about 19 years, so when the scores are on its a killer knowing who wins and who I would've backed, but I always say to my self what if I would've backed the team that conceded in the 90th minute and it gives me a bit of self confidence to know I haven't bet. Anyway good luck pal!! Everyone on here are always here to help!!
Hi Newlife
Even if you are able to make some money on poker long term and somehow, this time, not spend your profit in the bookies, is this really the life you would want to lead? If you were to picture your ideal life, would it include being a poker addict?
Whilst you are reflecting on life and looking to make changes, why not aim a bit higher?
Best
Louis
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