Hey guys!
So I was introduced to gambling 3 years ago by my partner had never stepped foot into a casino or a betting shop prior to this. I got a buzz for it and since then have compulsively gambled my wages on it. Whenever I come into money I had an urge to go and gamble. I would ignore basic necessities etc and just splurge on the slots. I would say in that time I have probably lost close to a few grand maybe abit more. I've never been one for the table games. Slots was my thing. So last night me and partner went to a casino and I spentВЈ100. I got up to £300. But carried on playing and eventually lost it all. It was silly o'clock in the morning and I was tired and fed up and said to my partner firmly. This is ridiculous! I am done! I need to self exclude! The feelings of shame washed over me and I spoke with a casino manager whilst fighting back the tears of how I can't control myself and how I never gambled up until a few years ago and I feel I can't carry on as I am. I made the decision to self exclude myself from all casinos in the UK. It was very hard as I felt I was surrenduring my free will and I didn't want to give this up but I had to. I was advised to join websites and get some extra help. I know I have an addiction. I'm ashamed and if my family and friends knew what I have been through they would be so disappointed. I've got mixed feelings. I gambled to make money. Chase my losses and every time we would go out it was always the perfect excuse to visit a casino. This is going to be so hard for me as I've gambled for 3 years but I know long term it will be the best thing I ever did. I just feel I need support and I will be going through forum to read other experiences. I'm feeling vulnerable now and unsure of whether I made the right decision but I know I have as I've experienced debt. I hate the feeling of shame losing money but I know it's going to be tough and I know I won't step foot in any casinos as I have been excluded from all land based UK casinos. I swore I would never be a gambler but I became what I once despised and now I just want to get better.
Hi beajos123,
Welcome to the Forum!
It sounds like gambling became an important part of your life in the last three years and you find it difficult to give it up. You made the decision but you also say that you gave up your free will by self-excluding, which is contradictive. It is clear that gambling has become a problem to you and you can see all the reasons why you should give it up but somehow it feels very difficult to do so.
Well done for taking the first step of self-excluding from casinos! This should keep you away from gambling but if you feel vulnerable it may help you to speak to a counsellor about it. We provide free sessions, so you may contact GamCare to arrange that and talk to an adviser about other things that can help you with your recovery.
Best wishes,
Forum Admin.
I'm the same, however been gambling longer, I decided today after winning over ВЈ500 on line and losing the lot thinking one more bonus round was surely coming and it never did, over the years I know I have had a problem and self excluded, all I've done is change a few details and create new accounts, until today when I thought that's it no more , I got paid on the 18th and now have about £100 to last the rest of the month, I've pawned jewellery with no way of getting it back and gone to every pay day lender I can , with very few paid back, my husband and family know nothing but I'm hoping by taking control I can sort this out, reading that I'm not the only one has really helped , I hope you are strong in your recovery x
Self exlude to every site cause you will look for other sites
Hey how are you doing today x I'm 2days in and I have been struggling x
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