2015 Challenge

I was in the chat room when you were kicked out.

I don't think you said anything that deserved getting chucked out the room.

After mentioning at a GA meeting that I used this site, I was warned off it - reason is as it is funded (partly or wholly ?) by the gambling industry, and how can they be 100% committed to persuading you away from an industy that funds them ?

What happened in the chat tonight reminded me of an incident couple of weeks back, again in the chat room, I was asked by admin 'what were my dreams if I won a lot if money'.

That, in my opinion, is NOT a question one should ask of a compulsive gambler, and for it to come from admin doubly as bad.

I'm not normally one for conspiracies, but...

Phil whatever happens thanks for all your effort. This has just made my decision i have to make a lot easier. I have been thinking over the last few weeks that i want to leave the challenge and the site as i feel all the politics and negativity is dragging me down. So on this note i would just like to say goodbye my friends and good luck on your continuous fight against this problem.

I am saddened to read of your incident in the chat room bornagain, I have never used the chat room myself and will definitely not be now. It's a great shame and will be a huge loss to many of us if you are banned and I for one will be thinking hard about continuing to use the site if you are
Best wishes
Cheryl xxx

Outrageous! I read Phil's post in haste this morning & have been unsettled since! I understand that the industry pays for this site under the guise of responsible gaming but how can threatening posts go unchecked whilst 'discussions' about corruption, which exists in many places that it should not, lead to a warning?!? I was not in the chatroom but can only assume that elsewhere discussions of this nature would be considered 'debate'. Whatever happened to freedom of speech?

I have never been a part of this challenge because I am too irresponsible but I can only begin to imagine how much work goes into it! I sincerely hope you are not barred Phil but in an case, the question should be asked why this is being run by one of 'us' & not by the moderators in the 1st place!

I am fortunate enough to be far enough into my recovery to have a choice but I am loathe to abandon something that has been this important to my survival! Hopefully this decision won't be made for me!

If ever there was a reason to not give a penny more to the gaming industry, this has to be up there! So disappointed that this life line could turn out to be nothing more than lip service!

Sticking with recovery - ODAAT

If this message appears then I can still post and have not been banned, but I have in the past had my messages censored on here so lets see what happens.

I was really pleased with my day yesterday, I have found a way to succesfully fight my urges and the last two days I have had to fight hard. In the past I would have given in and ended up in a bookies. However after being booted out of the chatroom I had some horrible thoughts going through my head and was very close to putting a bet on the football. This site is supposed to help me but last nights treatment left me closer than ever to a bet. I stayed strong and I'm happy to say I'm 33 days free of a bet.

I have however decided that due to my despicable treatment I will no longer be posting on Gamcare until I recieve an apology. I will continue to administer the challenge in the short term because I don't want to leave the people that matter on here in the lurch. Hopefully someone will come forward and email me on [email protected] and express interest in running it untill the end of the year. Once someone takes over the challenge I won't ever be using this site again, unless of course I get an apology in which case I will carry on as normal.

Hi Bornagain,

I am sorry to hear you had a hard day yesterday and was struggling with urges. The Chatroom is not always the best place to let off steam and you are always very welcome to contact us on the Helpline or the Netline for support.

Can I also please remind you and others of the Chatroom and Forum etiquette. You can read more here: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/forum-and-chatroom-rules-and-etiquette

Warm regards

Catarina

Please DO NOT upload images, video clips/films, or links to these, or post comments or messages which:

• are obscene, insulting or considered malicious to others;
• are disrespectful of other people's views;
• do not reflect the purpose or theme of the specific Forum or Chatroom;
• lobby against gambling industry services or promote political lobbying against the gambling industry or any other agencies
• disclose the identity or contact details of any other person without their explicit and prior consent;
• seek to engage with other service users for the purpose of recruitment for research, marketing, media coverage, usership organizations or political activism.

There's more there, but I know the gambling industry is just doing this to protect itsself

Why would it give money to an organisation to put it down or not meet its goals?

Saying that I have few places to turn if i want help. Often people are forced to turn to bad places when they are desperate.

I come here to help myself and others like me who are struggling. We need all the help we can get.

FYI I'll be on the 2015 challenge chat tonight in the Chatroom 8-9pm. Lets rally together.

Checking in on day 229

Saddened to hear of your treatment in the chat room Phil you have worked so hard for all of us and I really hope you recieve a full acceptable apology and are able to continuing the good work and using the forum

Hey all, sorry back in the country so sorry for not checking in. I remain gamble free! Yay! I don't remember how many days free I am. I quit June 12th so I guess I am now day 20 🙂

No urges; debt is awful and running into a few financial awkward moments with family but holding on, will slowly clear my way to victory.

• lobby against gambling industry services or promote political lobbying against the gambling industry or any other agencies

What was said never come under the above, IF thats what the admin thought.

It was a simple off the cuff conment about corruption within the gambling industry.

It has been ruled in courts of law that corruption was existent within the industry, due to the abive clause I can't post the link.

FTAO Admin; I am stating a fact, not lobbying against the industry.

Hey all,

Am not part of this challenge but do drop in now and again to check on the progress of fellow soldiers.
Gutted to read of the moderators actions in the chat last night. I used to be daily user of the chat rooms and never come across the situation of somebody being barred from it. Disciplined - yes, but not chucked out. On the same hand, not sure what Phil said cause i wasn't there to witness, so am not taking sides here but as everyone, we might get a little sensitive and emotional touching the industries subject..yet still - it is our choice to gamble or not. Besides, dear Phil, don't take it wrong way but you also know which fights to pick....saddening memories of ever so supportive James P having to leave the site bounces bk to mind 🙁
There is no wrong or right. Recovery is main priority, there will be bumps and disagreements on the way. As of GC, we all know we are the ones funding the service...and we are still here keeping the site alive. That tells me that all the arguments aside, this place is really helpful we get support from people higher up or not. WE are recovery and WE are making the change, pulling each other on the way.
I doubt you will get an apology Phil but i am also sure you will not be banned from the site without your own will.
We are here to fight this emotional disease, stirring the s*** is not gonna help anyone, as we all already noticed.

Keep up the battle soldiers, don't let third parties affect your recovery, we are all in control individually.

Phil, you're doing great job helping so many, but never forget that looking after yourself is most important thing in this journey. Stay strong.

Day at a time

S x

Phil,

Have just signed on and read all this, feel for you dear friend, you have put soooo much of your time and patience into this challenge, when you have had strong bad urges with gambling, I salute you my dear friend, I have never gone into the chat room, so I don't even know how it works, but YOU Phil must put your own recovery first, you have my unconditional support as always.

Whatever you do I will -always support, you are a fighter and a lovely man.

Suzanne xxx

...Sorry troops but I can do without dealing with the likes of Sandra bringing up the past and sending such condescending messages. I won't be posting anymore, good luck to you all!