Last Gamble

Gennaro,

It's not easy, my friend. I've been where you've been many times. I'm trying to stop, and have stopped, for 250 days. It's always one day at a time, and my relative 'success' (because this is forever) has been achieved for one reason, and one reason only. I've handed over full financial control to my wife. I live on pocket money. Now this may, or may not, suit you. But, let's face it - desperate times call for desparate measures - and these are desperate times, right? But it's not so bad, actually. My wife, and young son, are much happier as a result.The peace of mind alone is good enough for me. But enough about me.

How about you. You're not enjoying gambling and, let's be frank, it's eating you, never mind eating all your money. Your wife doesn't like it, need it or deserve it. To be frank, she absolutely hates it and I daresay your daughter as well. They both bear the brunt and that's not fair.

Quit the machines. They're fixed anyway. If you're not a pro (I'm not either), then you're a mug punter, feeding it for the benefit of the pros. This includes FOBTs which are manipulatable just as much as any pub slot (they are NOT random).

Yes, you might feel better telling your wife, which is good, but that's not enough, actually. It's temporary relief and you'll soon be back unless something changes. But what?

I'll tell you what. Like me, accept you're a compulsive gambler, and it's likely to be for life. That's fair, right? Also, that you need to do something substantive and meaningful to deal with it. I would suggest, apart from handing over financial control, to attend counselling. It's free on Gamcare - just search this site, you'll find it easily.

I would also think long and hard what you want out of life. You have a wife and daughter, think of them. Do they deserve this? Are you that weak ... NO, actually.

NO, you're not weak. You've got it in you; after all, you made the effort to post here, on Gamcare. Deep down, you care. Deep down, you're alright.

But you need to make some decisions, and fast. You know full well you can't carry on like this. Hand over financial control Ban yourself from bookies. Get help, like counselling. Keep writing posts on here, tell us how you're feeling. Prove you're up for this. Enough is enough, right?

Gennaro - time to turn a corner, my friend. Ready to move mountains? For you? Your family?

Make this the day you turn a corner, my friend. One day at a time, promise yourself you won't gamble. Do that, you'll be fine. Willpower on it's own, though, isn't enough. Consider my advice, and the great advice you'll find here on Gamcare, and you'll be alright.

Your life, your family, your future - now's the time!

[Post amended - one or two typos!]

Hi Mixer.

Thank you for your post. Very much appreciated.

I am at present awaiting a call from the counselling people and I look forward to getting this sorted.

I also plan on downgrading my bank account so its not so easy to apply for credit and overdraft extensions. I have already blocked for the last 2 years but I have only been challenged once.

Thanks again for the positive steer on this and wish you all the best my friend.

A pleasure. All the best to you, Gennaro. Keep posting 🙂

Had a call from the counseller today and booked in an appointment for later in the week.

Looking forward to the next step.

Gone a week almost without a gamble.

This time last week I was mega gutted and felt horrid losing money again.

All the best.

Hi there.

My last gamble was 21 days ago. Wife still has my bank card. Its quite nice not having to have the card and think about drawing out money with the opportunity to gamble.

Once I get 2 a month and pay day I can pay a small amount off my debts.

After reading on here for several years the worst thing I could imagine was telling my wife. It was a massive load off my mind.

Been keeping busy with DIY and spending more time as a family.

Hope to keep up on the more positive aspects of life.

Oh....almost forgot. The counciling is very helpful also. I find it is a good scheme to be able to open up to someone without any judgement......

Thanks all.