I have lost £3000 this week bringing total losses to £26000. I have £800 savings and debt free. I am 24 years old. Spread betting is where I keep losing the money. I don’t even have a job as I got dismissed. The worrying thing is that I am sure that if I had 100 grand in the bank I would have blown 99 grand of it. I lost all my friends at work as the job was in a different city , feel lonely now and nobody really knows about my gambling. Telling parents would give them an attack. Also I know that I will never get a job that pays more than £8-£9 an hour so it feels very difficult to get over it.
I know how you feel about the job stuff, it's hard working 40+ hours a week and making what you can make in a month or whatever in a spin or off a bet...
Unfortunately it's very hard to consistently do that, technically it's possible but it's just not very likely to happen and we all need to see that and just deal that we have to work for some getting paid what they want to pay us or start our own thing.
Hi Jay,
well done for taking action whilst things are still relatively manageable.
Gambling is a form of entertainment, it is not a means of making money. I know you know this, but sometimes it is helpful to remind ourselves of this fact. Another fact that Gamblers Anonymous puts very eloquently is that you can’t win because you can’t stop. So it doesn’t matter if you win, you will still end up gambling the winning.
You said you are 24 – this gives you plenty of time to look around, see what career you want to pursue, and get some training in and experience to boost your earning potential. Things don’t have to stay the same if you take action.
Keep focussing on your recovery, keep posting and feel free to get in touch with our Helpline (0808 8020 133) or Netline if you’d like further support and advice.
All the best,
Eva
Forum Admin
Hi - parent of a gambler here so have witnessed what you are going through. I am here to help and not tell you off. Firstly, I know it is hard but it is a good idea to tell your parents. Our gambler told us and they said that a great weight was lifted off their shoulders because the secret was out. Secrecy is the worst thing - once other people know it can be a deterrent for you to gamble. Also they may be able to take over your finances and put you back on the right track career-wise. I know it is daunting and only you know how your parents may react but it really is worth a try. Also all the info from others above would be on my list of things for you to action. Please look on the bright side - you are 24, plenty of time to sort your career out - you have a few savings and are debt-free - a good point to start cleaning up your financial situation without debts hanging round your neck (still contact a debt management cmpany as it is good to know how that works in case you need it)- you have the sense to come on here and get help. If only you can now convince yourself that the losses are greater than the wins and those losses could eventually potentially ruin your life both emotionally and financially. I think you can do that if you follow all the advice above and stay on here to talk to others in the same position. I hate to think of another good young person with this awful problem. I wish you lots of luck with your recovery.
That is really kind, useful and supportive advice that you gave gamparentanon. I wish I had parents like you.
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