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Relapsed bad. Self excluded but allowed to gamble

 
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Last Post by stuart 4 months ago
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mallys
 mallys
(@mallys)
Posts: 22
Topic starter
 

Been allowed to gamble in various premises even though I am self excluded. Now I have lost 1 month of my wages. In a very bad place

 
Posted : 18th February 2026 8:43 pm
 IWillgetthere
(@7a21jm5en6)
Posts: 9
 

It's ok, this month will be hard but your here and you've shared. You will get through this. Stopping now and today is the first step. I am right here in the same position but we can do this. 

 
Posted : 19th February 2026 12:49 am
 PeerSupporterBrooke
(@t2adn4vs7k)
Posts: 8
 
Hiya @mallys, I can fully understand and in the past frequently experienced that awful feeling that follows gambling and losing a significant amount of money. Remember, it is a journey, which it seems you have already started, with self-exclusion. Unfortunately, this isn't always a simple journey with peaks and bumps involved, but you will get there. I appreciate and understand that this is easier said than done, but it is possible. If you can try to view this as just a bump in your journey and today is a new day, perhaps you could put in some protective measures for next month's wages. One example of this could be sending a set amount of money to a highly trusted person to look after for you without you having immediate access to it. This may help reduce the chance of this happening again. Please try not to be too hard on yourself. Stopping gambling isn't easy, and emotionally, relapsing is bound to take a toll on how you are feeling. I think it is positive that you have reached out on the forum. I hope this makes you feel less alone with this. I'd recommend speaking this through fully with somebody to help you through these difficult feelings following a relapse. Whether you have someone in your life you trust to talk to, or remember, there is always the GamCare helpline number available. Take care of yourself, Brooke, Peer Support Worker.
 
 
Posted : 19th February 2026 10:09 am
 stuart
(@lp5vut869c)
Posts: 1506
 

Hi Mallys

 

i am sorry to hear that but with any self exclusion or blocks they are barriers and not complete blocks so aren't a guarantee. It's going to take will power but as Brooke said, having someone who you are accountable for financially would be a great step to take. Either have someone checking your bank account daily via an app, if they aren't with you then you could send a screen shot. Get receipts for anything you spend and have someone that you show them to or hand over complete control of your finances to a trusted person, friend or family. If you are withdrawing cash to gamble then why not reduce your withdrawal limit. If you are gambling using your card you can block gambling transactions at your bank either via an app or ringing them. Maybe install Gamban on all your devices and then make sure you don't go near any gambling establishments. it's going to take will power but after a few weeks your brain starts to rewire and the urge to gamble gets less. 

The chatrooms on here at 8pm each night are amazing. No judgement, just support for everyone. There are no cameras if you haven't been before, it's text chat and you can sit back and read or join in.

Hope to see you in one of the chatrooms and we can talk

 

Stuart

 
Posted : 19th February 2026 8:50 pm
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