Hello,
my names ollie im 18.Â
since turning 18 in May, I’ve noticed I have a real gambling issue. Before I turned 18 when I used to get my wages at the end of each month  id always buy myself something nice, an item of clothing a new watch or something like that. I’d always had trouble managing my money but I used to at least spend it on myself for something nice.Â
Since I’ve turned 18 it’s all changed. I got paid last night, since 6pm I’ve lost my whole wage packet on both online roulette and visiting the casino with friends last night. It seems every penny I get goes onto gambling it could be something as simple as being given £5 by my parents to go and get food and that money still goes onto gambling.Â
I don’t really have any outgoings/bills to pay for, however I still manage to get in to money issues with both my overdraft and credit card something I know I really shouldn’t be doing when trying to chase my losses.
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i just miss buying myself nice things and enjoying my money. I understand I’m still young but I don’t want it to end up affecting my credit history and when the time in the future comes to look for a mortgage etc they’ll not accept an application.
id love to hear of some similar experiences or any advice, I really appreciate it.
Â
ollie 🙂
You should tell people you trust. Good Mate's. They might take the P**s a bit but if they are good friends they'll make sure you don't gamble. Get down to Gamblers Anonymous there are people there to talk to and you should attend meeting's regularly. Tell your family. They will help you manage your money and get on track. If that's not an option then you can get a MONZO Bankcard. MONZO continuously monitor your account.
You can put the brakes on Gambling but you have to be honest and open with yourself.
Hi,Â
I started gambling a lot later in my life. The first phase was when I was 30,  I spent 1 year  spread betting on the stock market and racked up debts of 8k on my credit card. I had a well paid job and didn’t have many out goings or responsibilities so was able to pay off my debts within a year. The next phase was when I was 35, started playing roulette and quickly built up debts of 25k on credit cards, overdrafts, loans, payday loans and borrowing/stealing money from family. I’m now in a position where I don’t have a well paid job and am just about able to make the minimum interest payments each month and have a family to support. gambling is very destructive and can rip families apart. I’ve seen someone win six figures in roulette and still look unhappy. Before you continue going down this road think about the financial and emotional damage you’ll impact on yourself, your family and others.
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Hi Ererie,
Firsty well done for coming on here. I believe that is a great first step for recognising you have a problem.Â
i personally also feel is it good that you have realised at a young age and can only say you need to stop now.
i am 27 and have ruined my life. I am in tens of thousands of pounds of debt from gambling and wish I could turn back time.Â
talk to your parents, it’s something I wish I did a long time ago and I finally did it last Wednesday and they were so understanding. Block yourself from every site and begin your life again. Start spending your money on things that you like again and you will realised what a waste of money gambling is.Â
it’s a very small minority that actually win and the odds are against you.
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i wish you all the luck and hope you are ok xx
Mine began much later in life.. Socially go to the casino before I knew it. Ooooof couldn't get the pkace of my mind. Started going on my own. Met people.. Would take money work so I could nip in on way home.. Got overdrawn.. Worked extra and paid it back.. Slowly but slowly I started to feel more miserable.. A liar. A cheat... It had to stop.. Life's hard enough ollie.. You won't get these years back. The chances. The choices.. We have to wise up.. I wish you the best.. This support site helps me I hope it works for you
Hi Ollie
Welcome to our forums and thanks for sharing your story. Â
You'll get support and advice here, and should you wish to get a bit of extra help please do contact one of our advisers on the free HelpLine 0808 8020 133 or the Live Chat.Â
It is a positive thing that you have recognised how quickly gambling is developing into an issue for you; you have a chance to change before things sooner rather than later. As our other forum members have mentioned, opening up to family, getting help and advice on money management are useful.Â
Perhaps you may wish to put blocks in place to stop access online gambling and self-exclude from casinos if this would help you. Maybe check out the self-help workbook on our website. Some forum members find keeping a diary on these forums helps them stay gamble-free.Â
All the bestÂ
LeighÂ
Forum AdminÂ
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