Hi, So I started gambling about 20 years ago. Had the odd flutter at the betting shops but then the launch of online gambling made it so easy. I did something called matched betting and made about **. Over the next few years this became my gambling pot instead of a lovely bonus to use in life on nice things. Then I would have breaks but the lure would drag me back in. I can go without a bet and find I can occupy my time by watching tv, playing games on the phone/ipad but this last year I've lost ** and I'm ashamed by it. Only a close friend knows about it and he got in debt (declared bankrupt) in the past. I know enough is enough now and I've closed two accounts, stopped betting subscription services, unfollowed people on twitter and it's been five days since a bet. I lost ** last Thursday having just sold a car and I might as well have given the car away as I then proceeded to gamble away the money doing large bets.
I still feel low and am hiding this from my girlfriend who I don't live with, Our plan is to move in soon and I can rent my house or sell it so the gambling debt is recoverable and I'm totally focused on that now as opposed to having a bet. I have money in my property so selling does free it up but there will be ** that I don't know how to explain where it's gone (I owe ** on credit cards (when you could use them to deposit)) and my bank balance should be healthier than it is.
It's horrible as I wasn't in control, the large bets for were placed without thinking - I just couldn't see them losing. I was betting on esoccer (a goal to be scored in the second half) so not even real sport. The odds were c**P also betting £1000 to win back £1500. I spoke to my mate and he gets it and I'm sure others on here do. That money is lost now - a harsh lesson lets call it. It's my only vice and one I don't want to repeat. I always thought I will win big but I wasn't betting to win big so that was never going to happen. I love these stories of these long shots that come in and sure I had some winning days of ** maybe ** one day but compared with losing ** in one day (actually hours) then it's crazy.
I feel more positive today then last week as I know I have money in my house and I can claw back my losses by selling my house or renting but I'm not sure how to address the issue of how to cover where ** goes.
Be honest with her. It's the shame of what you've done that keeps you stuck, chasing losses and keeping the gambling going.
Very few people can just put gambling down on their own, they need help in some form, and how do you explain to a loved one about that? You don't, you have more secrets or you don't get the help. Before you know it you're back gambling.
If you come clean now to your girlfriend, explain you have a problem, explain certain money has gone, then you have no more secrets to eat away at you. Maybe she could then help you or support you?
Do you think you need help or what is your plan for that?
Chris.
Thanks Chris, I'm concerned about how it will affect my relationship. She has a friend who has debt due to gambling and I'm keen to avoid being in the same group as him (in her eyes).
I don't think I need help - I can (and am) doing this on my own. There is no shame in requiring help but I haven't gambled for almost a week and it's not on my mind - all my focus is now about clearing the debt and I'm lucky to have the ability to do this. I guess my real issue is not a gambling problem (anymore) it's more about covering up my gambling debt.
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