So, I have always gambled a little here and there. £10 on the footy, £10 on the tennis, the Grand National, and Six Nations, however I was only betting the odd £10 and was earning £80k plus.
I was made redundant a year ago from the rigs in Africa, and found little to do with my day, quickly getting drawn in to live in-play betting, which of course spiralled into chasing losses. Thankfully, I have seen the light having just lost £4k today, and although gambling has been my main priority over the last ten months or so, I see what I am doing is going to destroy my life if I don't stop today. I had accounts with pretty much every bookie which I have now added maximum self-exclusions from. I have even spent this afternoon opening accounts without depositing at the ones I didn't have accounts with just to self-exclude.
I am lucky in that I do not have anyone to provide for other than myself (and now working low paid job to make ends meet) and I didn't get myself into debt. I am also lucky that there are no bookies near me as I live very rural in the North West of Scotland.
So here I am. Admitting I am an addict, and hoping today is the day I finish betting for good.
I can't really offer any advice as I am pretty much in the same boat except I have a wife and kid, going to try and not dwell on the losses and try to put things right.
Good Luck
Hi srs2k16
Well done for self excluding and being thorough with the process.
I have just been diagnosed with a clinical depression so I would advise anyone that has been gambling to have a chat with the doctor and go through the therapy if needed. There is no shame in that and it helps restore some focus
Unemployment and loneliness had built up over a long time to a point where I didnt know how bad I was. I couldnt face life to be honest.
Gambling was my escape in the same way some people use alcohol or other drugs. It had far less to do with the money but the dangerous thing about gambling is that it just adds to the complex soup of confusion
Keep busy and start some new hobbies or projects. Keep the focus as there is plenty to do in a happy life.
Best wishes
Thanks. Day one over without a bet but it was very tough!
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