So hi.
I've always had problems with gambling but this last month they have gotten well out of hand. Been playing roulette and winning constantly (albeit eventually, going dead broke then pulling it back) living the high life all month. Then today. I lost everything. In about an hour. I can't pay my bills this month I can't pay my children's maintenance I can't even buy them Christmas presents because I couldn't stop gambling. I have completely hit rock bottom. I have just confessed to my partner, she had no idea. We were supposed to be moving in together in February now I haven't got a deposit or anything. I'm on a ferry heading to Belgium where I work and honestly feeling like throwing myself off right now. I'm so lost. I'm so screwed. And it's nobodies fault but my own. I was awaiting a payout from one of the sites. I put a deposit limit of 10 pounds but didn't want to exclude myself in case I didn't get the withdrawal. (I exclude myself all the time but just move on to another site) now it's all gone. Everything is gone. And I feel a little lost.
Hi Cook,
Sorry to hear you're feeling so stressed. Things can definitely get better for you, but you have to stop gambling for that to happen. It sounds like you've got a job, so that will help you to rebuild your finances over time, but you'll need a bit of patience to pick yourself up.
Have you thought about downloading any blocking software that would prevent gambling sites from opening up? Here's a link to the page of our site that talks about that: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software#.VBwD8fldXww
Otherwise, what about getting some group support through Gamblers Anonymous, or maybe getting some one to one counselling? That could help you sort out why your gambling has gotten so bad, and help you with ways to manage your urges, and it really does help a lot of gamblers. It's concerning that you've thought about throwing yourself overboard, so hopefully that's not something you'd actually do and you're going to start thinking about ways to move forward now.
If you'd like to speak to us about any of this, feel free to give us a call on the Helpline or the Netline which you'll find at the top of the page, and we'd be happy to chat with you and look at how things might start to get better.
Hang in there,
Travis
Hi cook
Well done for admitting you have a problem and seeking help. Confessing to your partner is also a very big step. It may seem like all is lost at the moment and I can relate to exactly how you are feeling right now. We have all been there and we have all lost alot chasing that big win. It's very overwhelming hitting that dark place and coming to the realisation. But your here now and you need help and support. You need to try and focus on stopping and try to forget about the financial side. I know it's hard bit it's essential to move forward. Download blocks and give your partner all control of your finances.
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