Hi everybody,
I’ve been struggling to come to terms with the fact I have a gambling addiction, but today I’ve had to.
I’m 25 years old and have been gambling since I turned 18. I started to work for an online bookmakers and that’s when I was first introduced to online slots. I steered clear for a while because the thought of losing the money I’d worked for actually hurt 🤣 but then we got paid our annual bonus, and I thought it wouldn’t hurt so much.
From then, I was addicted. I had a few wins to start with, being able to withdraw £1000/£500 a time but this really didn’t help and I became obsessed with the thought of getting a big win.
I did manage to stop when Covid hit because I was spending my time playing video games/reading books, but more recently, as I work night shifts at my current job and get a little bored, I’ve started playing again.
But now it’s not at a healthy level, I’ve been depositing money I have saved for bills and essentials. Last month I took a loan out to help with these essential costs and ended up putting the money into online gambling. I’ve gambled every day for the last couple of months.
I managed to win £1000 this month and wanted to withdraw, but couldn’t because the card on my account had been closed. I sent the casino an email with proof of closure and they still haven’t got back to me even with me contacting them saying they hadn’t removed the card and that I needed to wait another 72 hours, I have £300 of that win left that I physically need to withdraw because I owe somebody £300.
I am upset with myself because I’ve left myself short and my essential bills, approximately £600, can’t be paid this month. Which could have had I taken the £1000.
I deposited my last £100 in the hopes of turning this in to £600 today, but I’m sure you know how the story goes. So I have maybe £20 to last the next 3 weeks before pay day again.
I’m not sure what I am going to do this month, but today is the last day I will gamble. I’m done with feeling guilty and putting myself in awful situations and getting upset when I lose money I shouldn’t have gambled in the first place.
How long have you stopped gambling? Where are you on your journey? What’s your advice to people tackling this addiction?
You need to stop right now bro ...you are very young and there is time for recovery plz do not reach the stage where all is lost the stage I am at ....at 36 yrs of age drowning in debt ..lost family friends and being hunted by debtors ...sleepless nights of stress and depression for gods sake just stop and seek help...don't ever think this is rock bottom you have no idea what rock bottom is and it can happen in the blink of an eye don't ever think for a second it can't happen just stop and stop right nowww don't destroy your life like I did
Gamble free life
Good post.
Life seems rough at the moment, but just take a second to see what it would look like without using your money to gamble.
You absolutely need support to help you through this, and this is a great place to start. Phone the helpline and chat to them, and discuss getting out if debt. Owing money and trying to win it back are classic triggers for increasing your gambling problems. I was a gambler for maybe 30 years, this year I am 13 years free, debts paid and very happy. Take the help, gain control of your life again. And finally, well done for realising your issues.
I’m definitely glad to have realised I had a problem when I did, and I’ve not gambled for the 3 days since posting this. Also under no false impressions that I’ve hit rock bottom, as I know it could have been worse so I am fortunate to realise I have a problem early on!
I spoke with GamCare via live chat and they offered debt assistance & provided some other tools to make sure the gambling stops for good!
I’m excited to work towards a gamble free life and to stop feeling guilty because I’m spending money I don’t have/chasing losses.
I have noticed a slight drop in mood since stopping but I imagine this is natural and is not deterring me at all. I’m finding new hobbies to help my mood, really into crochet at the minute!
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