Hi all,
I'm unsure where to turn to be honest so I've sought after a forum like this one. Basically, I've been gambling for the past 3 or 4 years; I haven't done my life savings but I've lost too much, I really wouldn't want to know exactly how much.
Last night, I had one of the worst nights of my life. Started with a small loss on election on state betting, then chased it. I really can't remember what happened in about the next hour and a half, bit of a strange experience, but I ended up losing £18,000.
Words can't describe how I feel right now. I lied to my wife and told her I was really ill - which I am, bodily! I am absolutely disgusted with myself and all I can think about is what I could have done with that money.
I usually gamble to pay for unexpected bills, nights out etc. The reason I gambled last night was because it is my wifes birthday next weekend.
I hate myself so much I cant describe it. I need to stop; I just don't know how to because all I do is an event and the first thing I think about is hmmm.. what are the odds on that? If I don't bet on it I do so in my head; and if it comes in it is the worst feeling thinking you could have won money if you had staked because you chose correct!
I need a way out, I just don't think I can get over this loss - all i think about is making it back
Hi JTreel,
A warm welcome to the forum, and thank you for sharing your story with us.
It sounds like you’re angry and frustrated with yourself for what happened yesterday when you wrote: “words can’t described how I feel right now”, and that is understandable. It’s understandable because of the amount of money involved. I’m glad that you have taken a step in the right direction by seeking help and support from our forum.
It’s advisable to let go of all your losses at this stage (as trying to chase them would end you in deeper debt), and to focus on your recovery, and look forward to a gamble free future.
I think it would be helpful to you to come clean and inform your wife about the whole situation, so she can also support you in your recovery. Maybe, she can even take control of all your finances for a while, and until such time you feel well recovered to manage your finances again. Of course, you know the best and right time to admit to her.
Maybe, you’d like to contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers for further help and support. It could even be that there are some underlying issues for your gambling problem, and you might not even be aware of it, and counselling would be able to help you explore various aspect of your life, and help you to make sense of what you’re going through.
Gamcare can refer you to 12 sessions of free counselling, if that would help you to overcome your gambling problem.
We also hold live chats every day to support people in recovery, mainly. Please look out for the various chat times from our website or, from the Helpline; phone number as above.
I think it would be of help to you to continue to read from our forum and chatroom.
My best wishes to you, and please keep posting.
Regards,
Beatrice
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.
