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You're definitely not alone. All of us here understand the pain of gambling. First thing to think about is registering with Gamstop for 5 years. It's helped me a lot. Also, go and self exclude with local bookies and arcades and/or egister with MOSET. Keep posting and reading stories on here to keep motivated and get support. CBT helps too. You can do it. Make a decision to move your money to a trusted family member to preserve your money. My dad looks after my savings now. I just live off what I need day to day which he moves to my account as and when. It's a horrible addiction but we can do it. I'm nearly at 600 days gf. Good luck and all the best ?

Hi Cammy

You are not alone, so do not worry about that.

I am 23 years of gambling, all mainly sports and have lots of debt myself.

I have tried stopping on many an occasion but always finding my way back in. I have only just reached out to the right avenues like here and gamstop to really put an end to it.

I am 11 days free today and although the debt doesn’t disappear immediately, the most important thing is being gamble free as money will be sorted over time, especially when not gambling.

Stay positive and take each day at a time. Good luck and reach out if you ever want to chat.

Tom

Thank you for sharing your story.. You have came to the right place a platform with like minded people…. When I first came to this group I use to look through everybody’s diary’s just looking for someone who had lost or owed more money then me… shocking I know but that’s what I did would make me feel better when I lost all my wages for the month… flash forward a couple of years and I’m Gf and debt free, however it was a hard long journey and I can never let my guard down, I was 25k in debt all caused by gambling …. The first couple of weeks are rough!! A lot of that is because you need to fill a void which is gambling and if your anything like me you would spent hour gambling…. Due to my addictive nature I have learn that I switch addictions so to focus on positive things …. And try not worry about game of football that you predict the right result… I learned that when gambling I was trying to maximise my winning … and since I stopped gambling I predict games all the time based on facts and actually enjoy the games so much more , not worrying about losing a months wage with a kick of the ball! I feel like I’ve rambled on your page and for that I’m sorry! Have you ever considered joining GA ? 

Posted by: Cammyt

Hi everyone, having had a problem with gambling for the past 16 years or so, I am finally taking some steps to turn my life around and want to share my story. Going back to my early 20’s having a weekly football coupon, to 16 years later, circa £30k in debts and having to withdraw cash using a credit card to top up my current account from gambling losses this week. I’m looking to connect with anyone in a similar position as I’ve never been able to talk about it and need to know I’m not alone. 

Hi Cammy. Oh yeah I know the feeling. I am 31 and I remember my first winning bet of £8 on Germany vs Poland like it was last night. I am currently in £28k worth of debt with loans spread across me and my courageous wife. Not fair and not nice. Life is not fair but you will overcome this but not on your own in my experience. GamCare have helped me incredibly when I was rock bottom in September by putting me forward for counselling program ran by Aquarius. I am on session 4 out of 6 and my mindset has changed so much that it seems like I have gained freedom. Highly Highly recommend as without this guidance I would still be gambling, losing all my money and lying to my wife, friends and close family. Stop now, get help. The second thing that has helped me is getting rid of my debit card and getting by on Apple Pay. Thirdly; speak with your bank and implement Gambling restrictions on your account which means any attempted gambling transactions would be blocked and will be declined. Good Luck, we are here for you.

Almost 3 days done and glad to say haven’t had much of an urge, probably because the guilt hasn’t worn off yet. I’ve blocked one of my betting accounts and have very limited deposit limits on another so even I wanted to, I couldn’t. From previous disasters I’ve made it so I only have 2 accounts with betting firms and have excluded myself from all others. Im determined to control it and reading posts on here is really helping. Here’s to the 4th day GF tomorrow! 

Hi Cammy, from experience having some access no matter how small will continue to add petrol to the fire. The only way I have stopped is by having no access at all.

Yes thanks I understand that, I guess I’d like to think I could gamble responsibly in the future but know I need to not have any opportunity to do so. 4th day going well so far, busy with work which is keeping me occupied. Hope everyone has a GF day! 

Posted by: Cammyt

Yes thanks I understand that, I guess I’d like to think I could gamble responsibly in the future but know I need to not have any opportunity to do so. 4th day going well so far, busy with work which is keeping me occupied. Hope everyone has a GF day! 

My mindset was like that for years... Thinking perhaps, I could just gamble responsibly? Surely I can control myself THIS TIME. But it ended badly every time because we are hooked, because we are addicted. It’s a bad habit with endless damage. And the only positive thing about the addiction is; you can end it today with the right help, tools and direction.