So this is a story/ post you’ve probably already heard a thousand times already. But it’s mine, and i’m finally ready to admit that I actually have a problem.
I finished uni, got a well paid job, had a decent amount in my savings and never gambled more than a euromillions ticket twice a week. Then I got ill, i was in and out of hospital having tests, and off work for several months. And my god I was bored, I couldn’t go out with my friends, and i was so isolated. Considering i’d spent many years as a social butterfly, this hit me hard. So i got into online bingo, just chatting to people in the rooms and putting in the odd tenner, and it didn’t seem to be a problem, i met interesting people and was having a laugh. And I had a decent win of £400 and thought wow, easy money.
And there begins the decline. After spending it all on bingo and slots, i started to get hooked by the jackpots on the online slot games.
In the space of a year I spent all 6 grand of my savings. And then some more. I joined loads of sites, excluded from them, rejoined others, i have no idea how many websites ive played on but it’s a lot!
I took out loans, extended my overdraft, and quickly went from a very financially good position, to being almost 10 grand in debt. Last week I won a jackpot on a slot game and won 4 and a half grand. And thought all my worries were over. Until i spent it back on the same games. And I managed to withdraw a measly £500.
I recently got a promotion at work, and my extra pay (around £150 a month) is going straight into clearing my debts. With the hope that i’ll be debt free by the end of 2017. A massive undertaking.
So here I am now. Actually ready to admit that this isn’t just a bit of fun, that i’ve screwed with my credit score and with my life, and that I do have a problem. So, I need a plan, what do I do next to make sure I don’t slip back into the same habits?
Good morning and welcome to the forum.
The first thing to do is breathe. You have identified and admitted a problem and came on here for help so well done.
You have too look at how you gamble and in your case it is online. Blocking software perhaps?, get rid of the laptop/phone, hand your finances over to someone. These are a few of your options.
If you have debt you may want to arrange a debt management plan. I use Stepchange. I note you say you will be debt free by 2017. Good for you.
But firstly give Gamcare a call and speak with them. You may need/want counselling which they can provide.
I am not going to bombard you with too much. Have a read through the forums and posts. Keep posting yourself on here.
You haven't completely screwed your credit score or your life. Abstaining from gambling will put everything back on track. Just take it one day at a time.
Best wishes
Hi randomreb.
Welcome,
You need to speak to a professional.
This illness is progessive.
You can recovery from this, but you need to draw a line under your losess
What is done is done, think to the future set your self a goal be it a new car holiday anything find something to fill the void left when you stop a new hobby put the barriers in place limit access to cash you will get plenty of good and practicle advice on this site.
And look to the future.
good advice from the last two posters randonreb and you probably know as much if not more than we do on stopping
Problem of course is its easy to stop. Far harder to STAY stopped and that sometimes needs a long term approach.
Speaking to Gamcare will help you to get some options.
Breathe
Tri
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