Hello all
I haven't posted online for quite some time.
I'll start with my story.
I never thought of myself as a gambler but looking back through my life I have always wanted to go on the machines to try and win money. Given they were normally 5/10p a go I never lost much money.
I was introduced to cashback websites at the end of 2014. Through that I would deposit a specific amount on gambling websites to get some cashback and was very good at not spending any more than that to ensure I didn't lose out.
Here's the bit a lot of people can relate to. One day I deposited £10 and managed to turn it into £200. A few days later I stupidly thought I could deposit larger amounts and win big.
What followed was a relentless period of depositing thousands (through credit cards) until I was about £9600 down. I managed, somehow, to bring my balance back to £10,200! My arrogance had really set in and because I was in profit I put a big bet on. Sure enough I lost and I started chasing..... and chasing.... and chasing. It was all gone before I knew it.
I deposited more, desperate to get my money back and making stupid bets. I managed to get my balance back to £12000 but I hadn't won all my money back so I carried on.
You probably guessed by now. I lost everything again. I had deposited £17000 and had lost the whole lot. I managed this in the space of about 6 hours.
I contemplated suicide, I cried, I hit furniture and I felt completely lost. I have a family, mortgage, cars and other bills.
The best thing I did was tell my wife and parents. The weight of that off my shoulders was incredible. I was able and prepared to get a loan to cover the debt and pay it off so it wasn't on cards. I was very lucky because my parents gave my the cash to pay it off and it just means I don't have the interest to worry about.
A year has gone past and I am still on track. I'm working overtime to ensure we can still live the life we've come to expect and I pay my parents off. Another 4 years left, hopefully less if I can work more.
I've come to accept what I did and had to learn very hard and very quickly that you can't win back what you've lost. I couldn't go through something like that again and feel so much better for it.
For anyone in the same or similar situation, stop trying to chase because it will destroy you. Tell someone about what's going on, I promise it will help. If you're in debt, you'd be surprised how willing family will be to help. You will have to look at repaying over a period of time. I'll be 33 by the time I've repaid but I've got a very long time left to live/work. Once you've worked out how and what you need to repay, stick with it. You'll come out the other end a better person.
Well wishes to anyone going through this process
Freshman247
Hi freshman it's good to read a successful story like yours. Yes you were in a bad place and made wrong choices but you have been dedicated to turning that around. I am the parent of a 25 year old son who has been gambling for 2 1/2 years. I'm so pleased I found out when I did. Most friends and family want to help and support their loved ones overcome this addiction. You sound like you've hit the jackpot with your family. - wcid
Hi freshman, your story is refreshing read how you turned everything round. I am new to the forum and this has made me believe i can do it too! Its day 1 for me today on the road to recovery! I am determined to not gamble anymore. You have so much courage and strength to open up to your friends and family. Unfortunately i am lacking this at the moment, my debt is very large and even though i know they would support and help me, i am so ashamed to tell them currently....and most likely will be forced at some point when they find out....however, onwards and upwards as i know this is the right way forward
Good luck in your journey
nb
Hello to anyone that will read this.
I'm glad to see people have taken good from what I've done so far.
I'm fast approaching year 2 from my day of getting into some serious debt.
I'm pleased to say I haven't gambled at all and have zero urge to either. Your frame of mind makes a huge difference.
I committed myself to paying off my debt at a certain amount each month and have stuck to it. I'm currently a third through paying it off although I've saved nearly the second third already. I've worked my backside off for two years to make sure I could do it. I was looking to be debt free in 5 years but hoping to do it in about 3 and a half now.
For anyone thinking it's an impossibility....don't. Rationalise it, plan it and stick to it.
Trying to win money simply doesn't work, trust everyone on here.
I'll try not to leave it another year before posting!
Brilliant Freshman! It's great to see a success story such as this, keep it going! Remember though recovery deosn't stop when the debt has been cleared. Stay on the path your currently on as I'm sure you have realised how much better it is than the path gambling takes you.
All the best
Hello all
Hopefully this shows up. I’m the same person that started this thread and apparently I ended up leaving it 8 years…sorry
I came back to provide an update on life after gambling. Next month is 10 years since my disaster of a day and admitting that I had a problem that started as a teenager.
It genuinely feels like a lifetime ago. And the money almost feels insignificant. It’s gone, I can’t change it and it took years to repay. I often think back to those dark days and how close I was to taking my own life. But I’ve since got married (again) and had another child. My point - don’t let it define you.
I turned to this forum in my hour of need and writing about it just helped me process what was happening. I thank you for that.
For anyone still going through a similar situation, I promise it gets better. I realised I was far from alone and taking those little steps made me accept what was happening.
I still don’t gamble and I don’t miss it in the slightest. My money can now be spent on something I actually enjoy!
Take care
Freshman247
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