The start of the rest of my life

Hi Katie,

Thanks for your post and welcome to the forum. It sounds like it's taken some courage for you to get to this point of asking for help, and I'm glad you're here. Lots of people have used gambling as an escape from difficult things, like you've done, so you're really not alone with that. It might be a bit easier for people to give advice, though, if you're able to provide a bit more info about the type of gambling you do, how you're doing it, etc. For example, if you're gambling online, have you thought about downloading any blocking software, like Gamblock or Betfilter? Those prevent any gambling sites from opening on your computer and a lot of gamblers find them to be good protection online. If you're gambling in betting shops, though, you could call the Self Exclusion Helpline, and their number is 0800 294 2060. They'll help you exclude yourself from more than one betting shop in your area.

Beyond those options, maybe you could consider getting group support through Gamblers Anonymous ( http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/ ), where you can find a meeting near you on their GA Meetings page; or maybe getting some individual counselling? That could help you sort out better why you gamble like this, and help you with ways to manage your urges more effectively. We've got partner agencies throughout the UK that provide that at no cost if you'd like to get in touch with us to find out more about it.

Finally, if you're looking for help with your debt situation we typically recommend getting in touch with PayPlan or Step Change and they could speak to you about your options in that department.

https://www.payplan.com/

http://www.stepchange.org/

Hope all this helps, and we'd be happy to speak to you on either the Helpline or Netline if you ever want, just look for the number at the top of this page.

Take care,

Travis

Welcome Katie, this is a great community that I have found a great help in stopping playing online slots. Today is day 44 for me. You will get great advice from everyone here but you've already made a good start in registering the account.

Self exclusion is a good first start - Is your issue online or shops? I was glad I could self exclude quite easily. I'd have found it very difficult to go and deal with it face to face in a bookies...

Make sure you read other peoples stories and experiences. I drew comfort from the fact that an awful lot of what was being written resonated with my own experience and helped me staying off the misery machines...

Good luck in beating it!

Online slot machines. I have been playing. I really need to get back on track and sort myself out. Thank you

Hi Katie,

Firstly you are not alone, there are several people, on these forums, right now, going through what you are and supporting each other. You've already had some good advice, about closing down your accounts, by self excluding. Also putting on blocking software on your device/s.

Everyone needs support, whether it be from family/friends or strangers such as us on the internet. Have a look at the diary section and feel free to open one, so many people here, who can help you quit.

Good luck.

I too have gambled and got into a lot if debt it is a form of escape where we lock ourselves away from the reality of illness and stress and family life you are not a bad person it becomes normal like putting on a comfy pair of shoes but it causes hurt to ourselfs and the people around us grow strong and don't let the gambling evil take hold you can do this stay strong everyday is a new fresh day xxx