Well done on posting here 1619, the compulsions are not easy to deal with so working in a bookies would be a bit of nightmare alright. I know you have bills to pay etc but you should have 2 priorities as of today, one is get yourself to a GA meeting and commit to the 12 step recovery programme and second start planning for a new career. Imagine an alcoholic working in a pub, they would be handicapping their recovery in a big way, the same would apply to yourself. It may take a while to do, but make a plan to start a new career as the longer you work in a bookies the harder it will be for you.
Also you say to self exclude from the arcade is a bit of 'hassle', well so is getting credit cards and blowing money we cannot afford to lose. Im not having a go but I used to make similar excuses myself before I started going to GA meetings, knowing deep down I did not want to stop myself. Be honest with yourself.
Have you tried putting in financial blocks? Such as leaving all cash at home so you physically cannot gamble?
Hello 1619 I am also a bookmaker for nearly 30 years and a compulsive gambler on the exchanges. I have tried so hard to get a new job over the last 2 years as I hate the industry and what it does to people and myself but no luck in getting a job. I don't think even if I got a new job it would make me stop gambling but o sure that's just me. I'm tired of this constant battle with gambling I've had over the years and have tried every way to stop but I always find a way round it to start again. In the last year I've lost between 10 and 20 grand 3 times and won it all back and now I've just started to lose again losing 5 grand in the last week. I don't know why I just can't stop and be done as I don't even really enjoy it anymore. I hope you can stop as life is so much better without this stress in our lives.
Hello 1619 and Tugboat,
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Hi 1619.
I had a brief thought that I wasnt going to renew my blocks a third time but then realised that is complacency creeping in.I think they gave me a one number for all bookies but I think I will still go round with my photos.
Please dont anyone see it as hassle and take pride in notifying the staff that the manager should be around so you can get it done as quickly as possible. Dont be embarrassed and I found the staff in all the places very reasonable to deal with. They understand and they seemed glad I was taking some positive action
I focus on what one arcade took from me while an addict and its not a pretty thought. The amount of money makes it hard to believe I did it...almost like a stranger had taken over my body and was doing those things.
I have got over the money but there are still things I save for at Christmas that I could have had years ago. However I use that as a reminder of what gambling does to people and I count my blessings I started taking recovery seriously in Dec 2015.
Working in a bookmakers is a difficult one. I couldnt do it and I think youve just got to put your best clothes on and walk round for other jobs. I know its not easy though and if you said you were anti gambling you wouldnt have a job. I think you should change your work though to build a healthy mind. Im not getting personal but I am very against these gambling dens as I call them.
In another job that would be a born again moment to put things behind you
What I have learnt is that relapses can happen out of the blue and I was very nearly off when I lost my gold ring last year. I am not fighting urges but I know there is a certain set of circumstances that could trigger irrational behaviour on the spur of the moment.
I discussed that and blocks were stepped up to areas I was travelling through at the time. Both my bank account and credit card have strict and very low limits...anything extra large gets controlled elsewhere. I regularly report how I am doing and how things are paid.
Im glad to hand over the trust which I am building back up slowly. This is because its infinately better than walking home skint and suicidal after an extinction, gambling binge.
Best wishes to everyone on the forum
Well done for persevering 1619, it does take strength to put the blocks in place and but you've done it and you should feel good about that. I always think it feels like a short moment of sadness and then a big relief when you self exclude from somewhere you've spent a lot on money.
Being honest with ourselves is the only way forward isn't it?
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