Hello. Been addicted to fixed odds betting terminals mostly roulette for 12 years. I am in debt and could be homeless within couple of months. I have been trying to stop for years but can't manage it. I am run down and have little fight left. I need advice as am at wits end.
Hi tomsnow13,
Welcome to the Forum. You are at the right place for advice. Don't panic yiou can sort this.
i reckon your first priority is to keep the roof over your head.
You need to contact a non fee charging debt managment company. Contact National Debtline (NDL) and explain your situation to them. If you have run up debts via credit cards and loans and they are unsecured on your property. These companies will have to accept what you offer them each month. Could be as low as £1 per month and they should freeze the interest. Don't spend too much time sweating over that type of creditor.
If you have secured loans on a mortgaged property you'll need to discuss with NDL.
Your housing situation will depend on if your mortgaged, private rented or council etc. You must discuss this with NDL as well They will be able to make suggestions on the best way to deal with that aspect or give you phone numbers of people who can help.
Make staying in your house priority number 1.
Call Gamcare they can arrange counselling. You could also consider GA meetings if their is one in your area. You may want to discuss your situation with a friend or relative on the basis that "a problem shared is a problem halved".
As soon as you feel,able you can self excluse from your local Hign Street Bookies to help prevent more gambling.
Block online gambling sites with K9 (free) and have someone else set the password.
If you can have a family member take charge of your finances so keeping cash out of your hands for gambling purposes.
These are just my immediate thoughts' Others may post advice for you as well.
Take Care. You can beat this problem. One small step at a time.
Two more non fee charging debt managment companies are: Stepchange and PayPlan. Just in case.
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.
