Staring me in the face.

Gambling isn’t bad for the majority of people so why should they be behind closed doors?

If you struggle with scratch cards and lottery, try taking yourself out of the situation. Maybe find a till that doesn’t have tickets?

If you are trying to stop gambling you need to take responsibility, not expect everything around you to make it easier. Maybe only carry the right cash you need or pay on a card and have someone you can be accountable to?

You need to learn to live life on life’s terms. 
Chris.

Thanks.  Easier said than done.

You are so right, every thing is in your face, adverts, programs are all sponsored by gambling sites. I justify risking my finances and relationships by telling myself these are signs! How silly is that 

@rfbq09kaw1 It is easier said than done, I appreciate that, but long term you need to live in a world that has gambling or whatever is your addiction in.

Can I suggest that you find a GA room if possible. There you will be amongst others that have this problem and you’ll be able to learn how they manage to avoid the temptation of scratch cards and similar.

Personally I don’t see them as anything that I’m interested in anymore, same as bookies or arcades, but I still try to avoid getting drawn in to look at them. 
It takes time though and I imagine that you’re at the start of your journey with stopping gambling.

Good luck

Chris

Some people have ended their lives, due to gambling as stated on the internet, making gambling worse than smoking and alcohol.  Every shop i go in has a lottery terminal.

The scratch cards are very addictive. I have had problems with those over the years. I read somewhere that 80 per cent of all the scratch cards are losers. Even with terrible odds I still buy them from time to time. But I am only saved by the fact that I have very very little access to cash so I cannot lose much. I had turned over all finances to my wife and by not having much money to gamble with that is the only thing that stopping me from losing huge. I wish you best in your efforts to stop gambling. Keep trying til you find a solution. Never give up hope. 

@rfbq09kaw1 Hi Simon, it easier said than done, I was one of those that every half time during sports was a betting advert and I automatically wanted to bet.  Thankfully, for me betting has never actually been an issue with scratch cards and store betting, is that your gambling issue? Scratch cards?

Yes and online gambling.  I only won half the amount.  I read your post about being in prison. That must have been frightening.

@rfbq09kaw1 Hi Thanks, thankfully today I've been informed by my previous employer they won't be taking the criminal charges further. So won't be going to prison, but the fear of it definitely has given me a strong determination to start proper and remain in recovery. Iys definitely the kick I needed. I've booked myself in for CBT and with GA and also with the support from here too. Online Gambling is what got me into trouble,  I think mainly because its easier to hide online gambling. But having the exclusion in place is a must  as I've never been a scratch card gambler it's hard for me to comment on that apart from maybe if you csn always have someone in the shops with you so that you can't buy or always ONLY take the right money for what you need you you CANT buy a card too. Its not easy I know for sure, but the fact you're hear wanting to sort it out is a beg step