Hi,Â
I’m a 17 year old college student who got wrapped up in gambling at an extremely young age considering everyone on this board seems to be a lot older, i’m not sure how much i’ve exactly lost over the last 2 years but it’s definitely upwards of about £3000. I’m not sure what to do with my life anymore, i’ve lost everything i had and even went as far as to sell nearly all my personal belongings including my laptops, personal computers, etc. I am extremely ashamed of myself and have became a horrible person that nobody really likes. I don’t know what to do anymore as gambling has taken a massive toll on my finances and my future, as-well as all my relationships. And it makes it even worse that i’m not even old enough to gamble.Â
It started off as buying virtual items in video games and gambling them, and slowly went from that to gambling crypto currency and it slowly went out of control. I don’t know what to do anymore.
Hi achnr0k97l,Â
I'm sorry to hear that you have been struggling with your gambling. I'm glad you opened up on this forum!
I just wanted to direct you towards a few organisations that can support you. I would encourage you to have a chat with an adviser on our Helpline, as it might be a good place to start to know what help is available. You can phone in on 0808 8020 133, or else via online chat or WhatsApp from our website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/
You can also have a look at our website for young people experiencing gambling harm: https://bigdeal.org.uk/
Finally I would encourage you to open up to a trusted adult as they may be able to point you in the right direction to get help.
Kind regards,Â
Forum Admin
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@achnr0k97l hi Mari. Well done on your post.
First and foremost... You are not a horrible person. I don't think you realise how much maturity and depth it takes to post such a story at your age. Take the compliment, don't question it.
You haven't ruined your life, though you may feel it right now.
Please can you talk to someone close to you about what has been going on?
You aren't the first to be sucked into buying virtual items and the gambling that it is associated with. It is a hidden issue that really needs to be delt with.
For now please update how you are doing and please consider talking to someone who you trust... They may not be perfect but they will want to support you and you need and deserve that support.
Keep us posted 😊Â
Take a new look at it you are only 17 and addressing the problem now so in the future get anything back and more and you are definitely not a horrible personÂ
You should be proud. I wish I had come to this realisation and took such a bold step at 17, I won't be in this mess.
You have the rest of your life to live for. Take your losses and learnings and use it to build the future going forward. Some here have lost tens and hundreds of thousands. You can be different if you stop now and protect yourself from the years of agony, misery, and dissapointment that comes with it. Talk to someone close to you.
You are a champ!
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