Hi Guys..still Gambling free..really busy at work and gotten into exercise big time..though had a few cans recently and some brandy shots! -:) its tat time of the year..watching Santa Claus o ITV+1..merry Xmas everyone,.stay strong and be gamble free..
** GURU CHALLENGE - Latest WEEKLY ROLLCALL! ***
It's Sunday, 17th December.
Here we are once again, everyone, and I hope you’ve had a good week. I’ve learned a few things, I have to say, and would like to share them with you.
If you’re gambling ‘poison’ is fruit machines or FOBTs, then this will be of interest. You may be aware that professional fruit machine players know ‘tricks’ to get an edge on regular players, meaning regular players have even less of a change of winning at even more miserly odds. They do this by taking potential advantage of ‘flaws’ (often deliberate) that might be added by the programmers, which, allied with poor (or collaborative) internal testers, means certain trusted players could take advantage of this information and cash in. It’s another reason not to gamble: not only are you fighting poor odds anyway, but poorer odds still with tricksters taking their cut! So don’t be the mug punter.
FOBTs are another interesting area. Again, those with compensated games are susceptible to the same ‘flaws, but even ‘random’ games (B2) such as Roulette aren’t as random as they seem. But surely they are, right? Well, they’re not. If a given machine hasn't played out it’s required percentage after a given period/very large number of spins, then the machine (which usually ‘underpays’ up to this point) has to ‘make up’ the difference and go into happy mode. Professional players, allied with insider info from those with database access, could potentially pinpoint these happy machines. To the detriment of regular players, of course, playing machines set below the required return. If you’re not in the know, you’re the mug punter!
Just to underline the true odds against any ‘Joe Public’ punter, there are additional tricks that further worsen the odds. Coin mechanisms, such as the new ones put in place to calibrate the new one pound coin, are still in beta test (albeit out there en masse!). Sometimes, they have faults (i.e. the machine records more money input than is actually put through the 'mech') that could detriment the balance of the game for the casual punter ... those in the know, know if this is true ... 😉
Why am I giving you this detail? To basically say – if your weakness is fruit machines and FOBTs, here’s yet another reason NOT to gamble, and keep your money in your pocket, and keep your sanity as you continue the only game in town – keeping gambling free.
My view is that part of a good gambling free strategy includes learning about our condition, and I hope the information I’ve provided crystalises what we probably knew anyway, and, at a high level, ‘joins the dots’. We're not just fighting poor odds by gambling, but ulterior, exterior forces that considerably worsen them still!
Ok. Let’s move on and see how we’re all doing this week.
ROLLCALL OF HONOUR
4D – 102 – ROCKING! Welcome to the rank of ELDER and delighted to have you aboard. You’ve really stuck with this and congratulations are without question in order! There is no complacency about you concerning this most important life direction you’re making and know full well it’s one day at a time. Being gambling free is very moreish, and the gambling devil doesn’t like that – good! Brilliant stuff 4D.
Abstainer (*ELDER status achieved*) - 31 - ROCKING! – Welcome back to Striver, Stephen. When the gambling devil gives us a bop on the nose, we respond with a counter punch that sends him flying. That’s how I picture your return up the rankings, Stephen!
Our GURUs
Phil72 – 677 days – ROCKING! Always great to talk to you on the Chatline Phil; and you’re KTF!
Changemylife – 415 days – ROCKING! – Thank you for the update, and always keeping focused one day at a time. Reminding yourself, taking yourself back, to those dark days just before you stopped is, I think, very important to do. The gambling devil will always tell us “things weren’t as bad as they seemed”, but we know, you know, they were. They were very bad times indeed.
Our ELDERs
Degenerate – 264 days – ROCKING! It’s not surprising, given how much money we’ve blown, often huge sums on a whim, that we’re not used to handling it when it returns. Even if we’re on reduced budgeting because of debt, any extra is still ‘odd’ to handle. But, with time, we can get used to handling it again and let’s never forget – recovering gamblers are excellent money managers. We don’t waste money when we don’t gamble.
ItMatters – 198 days – ROCKING! I haven’t heard from you for a couple of weeks, ItMatters, but appreciate you tend to update around fortnightly so no worries. I hope everything’s Ok.
Sars27 – 198 days – ROCKING! – Thank you for your update and a serous milestone coming up, but, remember, as ex-gamblers, which we are every day we make the decision not to gamble, every day is just another day. I just ‘just’, but brilliant when contrasted to the miserable gambling opposite!
Rubybaby – 142 days - ROCKING! – Thank you for checking in Ruby and so delighted you’re keeping this going with no reason to stop! Keep it going Rubes!
Adamjamal2014-2017 – 139 – ROCKING! – Reading through previous posts can be painful but it’s worth it. You can ‘read between the lines’, see where certain posts allude to wobbly moments and, importantly, how you overcame them. It’s always worthwhile to revisit, and remind ourselves what is driving us to stop.
Mixer – 128 – ROCKING! My mum asked me the other day “Have you really stopped for all this time?”. I asked why, and she said: “You struggled last time, and I wanted to make sure”. That shows how my previous gambling has permeated in what other people, including my Mum, think. I assured her, and assure you, that I remain gambling free. I wasn’t upset by her question; if anything i t added to my resolve and a sad reminder of my past. I accept I will never have a bank card again. I remain utterly disciplined in how much money I have access to (it’s pocket money and strictly controlled and accounted for). Resolve? I am resolved, but having effectively ‘no money’ makes sure. Self-exclusions from bookies and casinos add to this, but have no complacency whatsoever as I continue this lifetime journey, one day at a time.
Amt722 – 122 – ROCKING! – I know that you’re having a tough time of it. You recently lost a key client and very sorry to learn of this. All I can say is that at least you’re not gambling and worsening the situation. I hope things are getting better for you after this most unwelcome news.
Raj – 120 – ROCKING! – You’re doing great Raj and keeping the flame of gambling free life alight. We all know it’s the only way and we have to fight to keep on the path. But we can!
4D – 102 – ROCKING! Delighted you have hit this fantastic milestone 4D! What a journey you’ve had, and, as you appreciated, you’re just getting into gear, settling in. The terrain starts to smooth a little now; you can navigate some of the little bumps in the road. Keeping a steely eye on the gambling devil, of course, who, when he appears, you can firmly boot into touch as soon as he dares to approach.
Our STRIVERs
Adam808 – 82 days – ROCKING! Haven’t heard from you for a couple of weeks Adam – hope all’s well my friend.
Boxingdayfresh – 77 days – ROCKING! We know the time of year this is, extra susceptible with Christmas parties and the like catching us off our guard. But you’ve recognized that time’s the prerogative here and wasting it on gambling is just that – a waste. Personally, I’m given (by my wife) slightly less cash than I need for my office parties. I never borrow from colleagues, so this really keeps me in check. (One party down, one to go!)
Mitch91 – 78 days - ROCKING! – Hope all’s well with you, Mitch; haven’t heard from you for a couple of weeks but no worries, due check in when you can.
Paulll – 74 days - ROCKING! There’s always a good karma, I like to think, when we help others, so long as we don’t neglect our own journey. I would say you’ve got the balance about right, Paull, and continue to wish you well.
Velvet7 – 68 days – ROCKING! – Last week you posted about getting all the Christmas presents etc. out of the way and what a lovely feeling it is. Not only having paid for them all, but no further stress facing and fighting through the crowds! Being gambling free really does bring peace of mind in so many ways.
Moorey – 56 – ROCKING! – I was a bit concerned about you last week Moorey but my worries have been assuaged. You are right about trepidation about hitting a target and where to go from here: is it ‘mission accomplished’? As we well know, it’s nothing of the sort but we always need to visit our aspirations and motivations. I look at this this way: we never arrive at the finish line, but we certainly finish a stage, like the Tour de France. There’s another stage to come – but an exciting one and one worth looking forward to! But always one day, one step, at a time.
Marson123 – 49 - ROCKING! – Thank you for your kind words Mason and I was likewise touched by your words. Life ain’t easy and we all need sincere, genuinely intended support wherever we can find it and you’ve got it here, my friend; I know you’d do the same. Keeping posting, keep safe and rest assured all of us here are rooting for you.
Christer1 – 48 – ROCKING! – Thank you for your update Christer and as you say; 10 days till Christmas! Gamblers never look forward to Christmas; it just compounds the misery. But we are recovering gamblers, the other side of the fence, and we can allow ourselves a little slack. Not to gamble, but to ease of getting stressed by it all. Christmas, like gambling, is as easy or difficult as we want to make it. We don’t have to fight the crowds or get sucked in to all of the hype of it all. We are allowed to chill about it if we want to, and would probably say, as we recover, we don't need or want the extra 'hastle' of it anyway!
Antics – 47 – ROCKING! – Thank you for the update Antics, and you are quite right in supporting those of us who have relapsed and reported this to fellow Guru Challengers. It shows honesty, and, most importantly, respect.
Vibe – 39 – ROCKING! - I know from your posts that work isn’t great and that can be a real stress; I’ve had rather poor bosses in the past and it can be a nightmare. I really hope things are sorting themselves out; don’t forget to cover your back and believe me when I say things will eventually even themselves out. Don’t rise to the bait, poor managers invariably come unstuck these days; we’re living in different times and bad behaviour, thankfully, gets rooted out a lot quicker. A LOT quicker!
Slotfool - 38 – ROCKING! - Thank you for your update, Slotfool, and checking in as you consolidate your Striver status. All good, and why not?
Abstainer (*ELDER status achieved*) - 31 - ROCKING! – Back up to Striver and I am not going to patronise you and say ‘I knew you would’ because life is never that easy. I know you’ve had health issues and still not out of the woods. The most important thing right now is for your continued recovery. The fact you’re keeping your resolve shows your inner resolve and fortitude. We are all with you Stephen.
re-RESOLVED MEMBERS
Chartom3 (*ELDER status achieved*) – 8 – ROCKING - ! Genuinely delighted that you have dusted yourself down, and back in the rump seat, ready to do this all over again. This is the spirit, the character that epitomizes the spirit of this Challenge and those of us that are part of it. We are all with you.
06/11/17 (Previously ‘’Adam123’, Helpless‘& ‘Next Steps’) - 7 – re-RESOLVED - I know you find this tough. I wrote this post today, about fruit machines, with you in mind, actually! I’d be interested in your thoughts; whether it helps you. I really hope so, Adam.
RESTED
Geo – RESTED - Sadly, I have to rest you Geo but you are always welcome back – you know that.
HowDidIGetToThis – RESTED – Regrettably, I will have to rest you HDIGTT. You are, of course, welcome back anytime.
STATS FOR NERDS: We have ‘rested’ 2 members of our Challenge this week. No new members, so we currently have 2 GURUs, 8 ELDERs, 13 STRIVERs and 2 re-RESOLVEDs; a net total of 25.
Have a great pre-Christmas week, everyone.
Let’s keep strong; keep sharing and keep strong!
Mixer and Athena, your hosts for this challenge.
Thanks for another enjoyable Sunday evening read, Mixer.
You’re rollcall is always insightful and personal towards each and every member that registers. That takes a lot of effort and time on your behalf. So thanks a lot mate.
Here’s to another week of staying gamble free....
Checking in 140 days. Working nights these days. Thanks for a great post Mixer.
Thanku mixer for your great roll call you are right in many ways normally I dred Xmas but this year it's all good money still left no urges but still taking each day as it comes
Thanks Mixer for the time & effort you put into the weekly rollcall, always look forward to reading and wish all on this challenge well with there recovery journeys.
Checking in on Day 58
Morning All
Just checking in 80 days GF! soon be at the magical 100!
Had a few urges the past week or 2 which iv battled but come out on top. MASSIVE positive for me as iv crumbled so many times in the past.
Hope you are all set for christmas 🙂
Thanks Mixer for all the thought you've put into these weekly rollcalls. They've been a real boost and support. It does feel worth it to me, to have reached 100 days, I remember starting this challenge and 100 days felt like it was quite out of reach.
Well I said at the start that it would be great to get to Christmas with 100+ days and I am nearly there which feels brilliant. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss gambling at all, but its not the only thing in my life now like it was then and I have other interests now so the urges are less. I will keep going one day at a time and I hope all the challengers can too keep going guys x
Hi Mixer. Congratulations on your 130 days gamble free yesterday. Great progress and great attitude. Thanks for all the help and encouragement you have shown myself and other travellers. Take care and best wishes for a great christmas.
Good evening everyone! And thank you, one and all, for your kind messages and keeping in touch with our group!
I will send a fuller update and reply tomorrow; meantime I remain gambling free at a time of weakness.
For example, normally I'd buy Christmas presents 'in town' and then gamble lots afterwards. This year, it's all on Amazon to avoid having unnecessary cash on me, and a card (a no-no). It's the only way - I know what I'm like. Why take the risk?
Take care all, a full half-week post tomorrow 🙂
Mixer
Thanks for all the updates Mixer. I’m happy to have reached day 80 today. Well done 4D on reaching 100 days - woo hoo !
Day 52 gf here I'm happy I've made it this far again I must keep trying to get more
Moorey - thank you for the kind feedback, and also great to see you're building up a good total here. This is what it's all about; and we know deep-down what we have to do, need to do. But we're doin' it!
Adamjamal - thank you for checking in; and great to see you living a gambling-free life, always one 'hard-fought-but-so-worthwhile' day at a time!
Christer1 - you are right to be always be on your guard... that is exactly the way to be. Always make sure the blockers are in place to deal with those weak moments. Remember: we are allowed to live that better life and how much more we can enjoy it when we open our eyes to what's truly out there.
Chartom3 - thank you for your comments and without question great to see you racking up a serious gambling-free day count - keep it going my friend.
Mitch - it is of immense testament to your character that you have dealt with the weak moments - they happen - on the chin. Remember: if you plan for those weak moments; i.e. have financial controls, are self-excluded, taken as many steps as you can - then it can make a massive difference. Walking into a bookies with no money means (a) you can't gamble and (b) you've put an excellent pre-emptive strategy in place. (Should you walk into a bookies? Not really, it's just being cruel to yourself, but you see my point.)
4D - It's been great to have you with us as part of our collective journey towards a better life, 4D. This is just the beginning. Hittng 100 days proves we CAN do it; it's now a case of, day by day, living the life we've proved we can do. Life will chuck loads at us, but we know we can always handle it better when gambling free. Simple as that!
Abstainer - you are such an inspiration to others whilst never losing sight of your own journey, Stephen, which you do honestly and that is so respected by so many of us; truly. Wishing you a great Christmas too, my friend.
BoxingDay - hitting 80 days is fantastic. Such an important achieivement because it's not easy, it requires hard work, thought and an genuine desire to break free of it. Keep it going (till Boxing Day 2018 :))
This is a difficult time of year and I've had my moments in the last week, but held back because of my minimal money supply. Office parties etc. and having a few sherbets leads to 'what the hell' moments but without cash - I retain strict control - I'm covered (won't borrow money and I always stand my round). When I have money in my pocket at the end of the day, I never 'save' it, I pass it back to my wife and the day is reset to £0. I'm getting used to it, especially as my family is happier. When we're gambling free, postitivity does start to spread, however 'uncomfortable' this seems to us - we're so used to self-punishing ourselves!
I'll have another weekly update on Sunday, as always (wild horses etc...) but let's all keep going, relax, not get unnecessarily stressed by what seems to me to be an increasingly 'hyper' time of year, and enjoy what matters - those around us, and the peace of mind that comes with doing the right thing, the best thing.
Mixer
Thanks Boxingdayfresh for your kind words, really appreciate it. Only 18 days to go now & I hope to see you achieve 'elder' status, keep going & you will get there!
Thanks mixer too and I will take on board your wise advice about not having too much access to ready cash. Its something that has really helped me and proved a massive relief as well 🙂
Office party tonight (I've just got in) and a few sherberts were indeed drunk but thank god, no casino.
Stay strong peeps u know its worth it!!!
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