So last night around 5pm after I had blown 170 odd pounds that I didn't have on bingo and slots I decided to type online "gambling is ruining my life" and here I am.
170 pounds that's a ridiculous amount not the most I've ever spent I admit. Where did I find the money from to even gamble? Because I can barely afford food never mind spending that amount online. My money wasn't money on there it was just a fund I feel like I've lost control of money amounts like 170 pounds it's a lot if money but it somehow feels minimal? I dont know... I have lost all self worth and confidence I am a recluse because of this horrible addiction.
It really has ruined me I'm in a ridiculous amount of debt probably upwards of 12 thousand. For what? Chasing a win that never comes and if a little win did come it would all go back in to the sites.
I feel like such a failure.
I've contacted a debt management company to see if i can get control of this mess I've put myself in genuinely feels like I'm never going to be able to get out of this without gambling to bring in some extra money.
I've attempted to stop before only lasting two days max before I'm pulled back in. Things need to change. I need to change. I'm posting on here in hope that I can track and manage myself on here with support of others.
Can I do this? I really hope so... I'm only on day 1 I need to do this
Maybe the best thing to do is to post on here and try keep myself busy. I feel so lost and bored. Its been a massive part of my life since I was 20 I feel empty like I have nothing to do with my time now. What can I do? What did I use to do before this took hold of me? I've no idea... I need a way to keep busy. Anything
I dont need this anymore I'm 27 years old and my life is horrid all because of my selfishness to try win win win
Have you spoken to anyone close to you about your gambling problem. I know its hard as its so easy to just hide it. You have control of the bank account you use and the phone or device you use to partake in it. I know for a fact I would never walk into a casino and blow 100's of ВЈ's in a day people would see me do it. The horror! I to have suffered for many years albeit progressively and my debt has accumulated to roughly ВЈ7000. I had my Mum watching my bank account......it worked for a while as I couldnt deal with the thought of her catching me at it. Then I got paid and woops I popped a sneaky ВЈ10 in one website (being a problem gambler I have limited myself on numerous accounts oh and self excluded but never manage not to find a new one) another £20 in another through paypal, thinking she will never know what I have spent that on afterall. Then the guilt hit me and I messaged her to say what I had gone n done. Then went on to one of the sites to self exclude myself and it directed me to the website GAMSTOP and yes I finally feel a bit of control. Well its not really control but I can't gamble online anymore thats for sure and day by day I feel my impulse getting that bit less.
My partner knows and I've spoken to him about it he's known for a year or so but not how bad it actually was until yesterday when I broke down to him. He's been amazing he was annoyed but he knows it's an addiction and is willing to work with me. Already made sure I've transferred every last penny I have (Not much but anyway) in to his bank account and he's taken the card to work with him today and low and behold I need money! not for gambling but for basics from the shop 🙁 I feel like a child I've handed everything over to him because I can't be trusted
I've also been on gamstop this morning after seeing multiple posts on here saying how highly recommended it is. I've done it (phew!) Put my details and email addresses in and hit the submit button so I'm hoping this will help me by taking away temptation
Your situation sounds very similar to mine. How long have you been gf? Thanks for replying
Ive reached my first 24 hours gambling free. It feels good knowing I haven't added more money problems. Giving my partner control of my money has given me no option but to not gamble that along side with setting up GAMSTOP time to kick this on its head!
Wd Hartley 24 hours may seem small but if you really want this, 24 days will soon rack up, and so on.
I to have handed control over to my forgiving partner and yes at 1st you feel untrusted (which we are to be fair) but with an allowance for your essentials you soon get used to it.
If after 40 years on and off Ive managed just over a year gf. Yes it's hard but trust me there's more to life than pressing a button and waiting for a win.
Trust in yourself be open and honest with everyone. Be proud when you hit a week gf and so on. We on here have walked in your shoes and then found a better pair
Good luck
Xredx
Hardly 27
For me it has been over a month although I feel much differently this time round thanks to GAMSTOP and being brave enough to truly admit to those close to me how bad I actually was.
You clearly have a man that that wholly understands and cares about your situation. Let the future be gamble free. 24hrs at a time. I will be doing the same.
Absolutely. thanks for the caring words guys means a lot knowing there is a way to get through it. I wholly agree 24 hours at a time. My husband is so supportive and understanding i am blessed to have him in my life so thats a huge positive. well done for getting to where you are with your journeys. I find night times the hardest my fingers are twitching with boredom but I'm finding things to read and catch up on that I've missed over the years and months I've wasted gambling
I have managed not to gamble now for 3 days. I’ve closed my online accounts and feel liberated and free from this monster. I’m worried tho that when I get paid at the end of the month I will be tempted. I’m really determined to change but it’s easy when you have no cash but what about when you do?
Cazzydee sign up to GAMSTOP the option will not be there when payday comes as you will be excluded from online websites.
Cazzydee wrote:
I have managed not to gamble now for 3 days. I’ve closed my online accounts and feel liberated and free from this monster. I’m worried tho that when I get paid at the end of the month I will be tempted. I’m really determined to change but it’s easy when you have no cash but what about when you do?
Well done cazzy for getting to day 3! I definitely have to recommend GAMSTOP too it's the only way to take complete control and stop the temptation from becoming a deposit and inevitably a loss. Best of luck to you
So it's day 2.... the very beginning of day two and it feels like rubbish today. No one who is close to me understands how I feel.
I'm so angry and I don't have anyone else to talk to as my husband is at work and I'm sat at home on my own feeling like This
The only positive I have is the fact I can't get in to any site to spend money because I've used GAMSTOP
Really hope the day gets better
I can understand your anger. An insensitive thing to do but sometimes they just aren't as understanding or realise the complexities of such an addiction. You should maybe let her know how this has made you feel given your situation. I mean you can congratulate her on her win but make her understand at the same time how its made you feel. One can only hope that a big sum win doesn't send your friend down the same path, as lets face it none of us ever started out gambling with the intention of becoming so addicted. I know I felt in control at first until I got to the stage I would win over a £1000 and managed to spend it in the matter of hrs rather than withdrawing. Sickens me just thinking about it.
Stay positive Hardly27, your financial situation will only improve in the long term by kicking this habit. Even if it does not seem like it right now.
Thank you lovebug great advice. I absolutely agree winning 1000 was the same thing that spiralled me in to well if I can win this then I can win more attitude. I think I'll have to talk to her and explain how I'm feeling as it's really hurt me but I can't help but feel jealous and angry at her I think the only way I can get over this hurdle is just to be honest with her and try and offer advice so she doesn't end up in the same situation as us. Our story is so similar it gives me strength to know there's people going through the same things as me and managing to get through it
Chances are it will not. I remember telling my friend half heartedly a yr or so ago. Laughing off how bad I was and how I was going to change. Decided she would give it a bash lost £10 and couldn't deal with it. That was the end of her gambling. If only I had the same restraint. d**n it. We can't beat ourselves up about it though just have to draw a line accept what has happened and what we have lost and look forward. Every day is a new day gf 😉
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
