Hello. I’m 36 years old and I’ve been gambling for six years, it all started when I was introduced to online gambling, roulette and sports betting are my main issues, last night if Roma had scored one more goal I would of won 800 and probably bet it again tonight to try and wipe my debt out. I had always managed to stay out of debt until this year but now I’ve ran up a 1700 bill on my credit card chasing 200 which I lost online, my other half doesn’t know about it, I really want to tell her but now isn’t a good time as her mum has cancer and is going for an operation on the 22nd of this month, she’s got enough on her plate and finding out about her idiot husband won’t do her any good. I’ve self excluded from all the betting shops in my area and also all my online accounts. I have a mortgage and 2 young boys, I really need to stop now before it’s to late. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks Craig.
Hi Craig
Well done for taking the step to get help today. I'm sure that others will be able to offer you lots of sound advice soon but to start with perhaps some practical advice would be helpful.
For the online gambling, it would be a good idea to block access to the sites you use by self excluding, as well as deleting any apps you use. It sounds like you may have already started to do this. In adition, you could install some blocking software onto the device you are using: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software and perhaps think about limiting your access to money too? So for example, some people ask their partner or a trusted other to look after the finaces, or you could switch to a cash card (so that you would be unable to make online transactions).
Well done for self-excluding from the betting shops and I hope that has started to make a difference. You may want to try leaving your card at home or lowering your withdrawal limit.
These are just some suggestions and you will, of course, have to figure out the best approach for you.
If you call the helpline or netline we can talk to you about this in more detail, as well as advise on face-to face support. But for now, I hope this helps and I wish you all the best.
Regards,
Laura
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