I registered with gamstop a couple of weeks ago. Straight away all my online casino accounts were closed down except one account. During the time of Gamstop being in place I was able to access that account along with make deposits. I feel I have no control over my gambling and was aware even if I won I would not be able to withdraw any money if I did win due to my self exclusion being in place. After 12 days and over 2000 being lost I contacted gamstop and they Straight away contacted the company with my registration details. I must mention also that I had previously contacted that company's live chat who assured me my self exclusion was in place. It was only after gamstop emailed them that my account was then closed. I feel that I should be refunded deposits made within the time the self exclusion was in place . Has anyone been through anything similar
Hello Rosequartz11
Sorry about the experience you had with self-exclusion. While self-exclusion can be a big help in preventing gambling, no block on its own is 100% secure so we always suggest using blocking software and bank merchant blocking as well. You'd be welcome to contact us on the Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Livechat, if you'd like a link to get a free Gamban licence, information on other steps you can take to block gambling, and access to free treatment for problem gambling.
We'd like to remind anyone who responds to Rosequartz11 not to mention specific gambling companies, and remind those reading this topic that anyone who responds is doing so from their own experience and this should not be taken as advice.
Best wishes
Deirdre
Forum Admin
Hi Rosequartz11,
As much as you feel it's about the money you might find that your focus is better placed on working on yourself with professional help so that you don't do these actions in the future. If you are anything like I used to be you would further gamble with that money if you were lucky to get it reimbursed.
I know it's not easy to take responsibility for actions as an addict but it's definitely the route to recovery.
Kind regards.
Hi Rosequartz and welcome.
Im sorry to have to remind you that the gambling dens are no angels but you know that anyway really
Of course they dont police their own operations correctly. They pushed a drug on you and when you start a proper recovery you will begin to learn how sinister the whole gambling sector is.
Concentrate on stopping and having your born again moment. If you want to try for a refund you do that but the main issue is getting free from gambling. Your fight is not all about this refund...you have much bigger issues to face like why you gambled again....your victory will be when you are gamble free and have told people close to you.
You will need all the help you can get. Please tell your trusted family and friends. If you are accessing accounts after using Gamstop the addiction is strong within you.
Gamstop is a tool for the job. Its a finishing tool and not the most important tool. Your foundations of openness and honesty are the most important. You can not just rely on software like gamstop...I can't stress that enough
You have to be ready to stop...You cant dabble with this. You need total abstention and your money protected. You have a lot to learn
You have some cold turkey to do and a lifelong recovery. That is a positive statement as this is about saving any quality of life and indeed your life
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
I went through a stage of blaming everyone when my blocks didn’t work.
“why hadn’t my family noticed my gambling and stopped me?”
“why did the gambling blocking software still let me gamble? It’s their fault and I want my money back”
Im now a few years gamble free and can look back with clarity and admit there was only ever one person to blame and it was me.
You may not see this and you may not want to admit this, but have a read around the forum and you will find it is the only reality in all of our situations.
When you’re ready to admit this and take control, you’re in the right place and I’m sure you can beat this. Being here is a great start, admitting it’s your issue is the next step and then deciding to take control is the start of a long journey... but a worthwhile and fulfilling journey to a better you.
If i’m honest I don’t think your deposits should be refunded. That’s down to the gambling company. Why should you have the money you lost back, if you deposited x amount and gambled it, that’s your actions. You obviously signed up to GamStop to stop yourself from gambling but noticed an opportunity…
I would focus on kicking the habit, I don’t think your post about getting money back is really relating to support, you just want to know if you can get that money back and no doubt gamble it all again through a non-GamStop site?
Sorry to be blunt, but as a problem gambler now clean for 14 months, I know the thoughts and patterns of a compulsive gambler. This forum is for people looking for support, not if they can get their money back?
If i’m honest I don’t think your deposits should be refunded. That’s down to the gambling company. Why should you have the money you lost back, if you deposited x amount and gambled it, that’s your actions. You obviously signed up to GamStop to stop yourself from gambling but noticed an opportunity…
I would focus on kicking the habit, I don’t think your post about getting money back is really relating to support, you just want to know if you can get that money back and no doubt gamble it all again through a non-GamStop site?
Sorry to be blunt, but as a problem gambler now clean for 14 months, I know the thoughts and patterns of a compulsive gambler. This forum is for people looking for support, not if they can get their money back?
I completely get what your saying here and I'm not for one minute not taking any responsibility here. I full heartedly admit I'm a problem gambler and have no control over my gambling, hence why I took the first steps to stop by joining gamstop. Like I said I dont feel I have any control and if opportunities are their I will gamble which is why I thought by self excluding it would stop me from being able to do so. My understanding was that online gambling sites are there to safe guard and follow polices such as complying with their self exclusion policies. My point is if someone has no control and puts these measures in place why is that being ignored.
If it was registered with gamstop and you were surely u get ur money back?
If it was registered with gamstop and you were surely u get ur money back?
It all comes down to them I guess. I do know gamstop was 100% active on my account as I was told from a member of staff on live chat,just not sure why they hadnt closed my account. I just think urges are easier to resist if its not in front of you. Since that incident I have put a block on deposits on my banks side. I want to remove all adds ec on social media but not to sure how to. I hate myself for not resisting, I always feel so guilty after and can put me in a mood for days. Im totally done with it ! I'm determined I won't mess up again
Hi.... I totally get your frustrations. The bottom line is that you lost a bunch of money and now you want it back. I am also signed up to Gamstop for 5 years and have self-exclusions with bookmakers, but if I want to gamble I can still gamble. Gambling companies just want your money. Fullstop. Some are more active with social responsibility some don't care.
Iv'e learnt over the years that blocks are useful but not the real answer. The real answer comes form healing the relationship with yourself. I am still very much a work in progress on that one. Monies gambled are now history. let them go.
Great stuff on your determination to stay stopped
Hi.... I totally get your frustrations. The bottom line is that you lost a bunch of money and now you want it back. I am also signed up to Gamstop for 5 years and have self-exclusions with bookmakers, but if I want to gamble I can still gamble. Gambling companies just want your money. Fullstop. Some are more active with social responsibility some don't care.
Iv'e learnt over the years that blocks are useful but not the real answer. The real answer comes form healing the relationship with yourself. I am still very much a work in progress on that one. Monies gambled are now history. let them go.
Great stuff on your determination to stay stopped
Thank you, I know it probably comes across like thats all that I'm bothered about but it's not! I think this week for me has probably been the hardest week so far. I feel like im constantly walking about with a miserable face and even my partner has commented on it. How did I get like this? I'm a 37 year old mother of 3 im a gran for goodness sake. It all started off so innocently playing slots , I never for a second thought it would take over my life. I just feel so miserable just now 🙁
How are things now?
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