Hi my names is Lorrie
I am addicted to gambling online slot machines. I had never gambled in my life then 5 years ago I went to a cascino with my then boyfriend we then developed a habit of going a couple of times a month sometimes more. At some point I tried the cascino,s own gambling online site. Then I was hooked it has spiralled into a soul destroying, costly self destructive addiction. I have maxed up on credit cards to pay off overdrafts and now I am in debt several thousands and for what ? Even when I win I loose because I reverse my winnings and carry on until it is all gone very penny. Iit is a senseless occupation that once they net you in it seems so impossible to resist. This habit makes me feel dirty I have this shameful secret life where I waste time and money watching the spinning wheels change for the thrill of a win. "It has to stop" I have told myself and this morning I downloaded software that blocks gambling because I just can't do this alone. I have been reading the stories on here and in one sense it helps to know I am not alone at the same time it saddens me to hear there are other desperate souls. This year I want to create a new history I have felt so low that life has lost all joy.I am the only one who can change that so I will move forward one step at a time.
Hi Lorrie
Welcome to the forum and well done for posting. You will find a lot of support here and a community of people who understand your struggle with gambling please keep reading and posting on the forum.
You have taken steps to restrict your access to online gambling sites by down loading blocking software which is a very positive step to overcoming your gambling problems. As an added protection some of our forum users have described additional ways they try to limit their freedom to gamble online, by arranging their finances in ways that slow down how quickly they can access their money, or limiting their ability to spend money online. Some forum members talk about changing their bank account to remove the facility to spend online, instead using a basic cash card that allows you to withdraw cash on the high street.
I would encourage you to call our helpline and talk things through with a GamCare adviser on 0808 8020 133 or on our netline. The advisers can provide emotional support and helpful information as well as facilitate a referral to free one to one counselling appointments if you’d like to access that service.
Best wishes
Rachel.
Hi Lorrie,
7 years on/off for me with fobts/slots, thankfully I've never got as far as online gambling, 21 days since i was last sucked into one of these machines, some days are easy, some are hard. I have somehow kept my addiction secret, I no what you mean about the dirty bit and that walk of shame when you leave the bookies or casino with that sinking feeling! The longest i've gone without sticking money in a slot machine is 5 months, I'm hoping one day to say 12 months and longer! I honestly feel that this forum is keeping me going, I don't go on every day but as soon as I get a urge (i had a close miss today) I come on here and read other peoples posts and storys. I can only help me, YOU can only help you and I hope YOU win the battle. Good luck and I'll try and keep an eye on how your doing ((-:
Thanks for the encoraging support I know its going to be an up hill struggle and I think I'll take the added protection of a basic cash card to remove any temptation. I have fortunatly never had the courage to enter a bookies and hope I never do its the thing with online gambling its done in secret I couldn't bare it if anyone I knew saw me ever I would be so embarrassed.
I wish you all the very best, I don't no much about the online gambling sites but continue to read other peoples posts because i'm sure I've read that some people have put software on thier computers and laptops that stop them from going on the sites. Ask your bank aswell if they can put a limit on your cash card. My gamblings secret to but at least you have took the step to sharing your story on here and hopefully you'll keep a diary, i've got one on here and i add to it time to time.
Good luck Lorrie
Secrecy & lies will only lead to more gambling. Commit fully & start from a place of honesty it is the only way to do this
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