Hi, I'm new to the site and having read some of the posts, feel I can totally relate to people here. I will try and keep my story short and would really like some advice if possible.
I am divorced and living on my own with my daughter (have been for 8 years now). When I was married, my husband and I would sometimes have nights out at a casino and I really enjoyed it, but we had spare cash then and also we were careful with the amounts we gambled.
I never thought about online gambling, only thought you could play poker online, until 18 months ago when a colleague at work mentioned playing blackjack online. That night I went home and the world of online casinos opened up to me. I play started off placing small bets and had some "beginners luck" so carried on, fast forward 18 months and I now play roulette online most evenings and at weekends when my daughter is at her Dad's, it has become an addiction and I'm spending more and more money that I don't have.
I was close to breaking point in January as my overdraft was maxed out and my credit card was close to being maxed out too, then in early February I had a few big "wins" and I thought, wow this is fantastic, I am in control of this and I'm winning. I even paid for a 4 day holiday abroad for me and my daughter at Easter. Of course, that was short lived though and now I have gambled all the money I "won" (aside from the holiday which, thank goodness, is all paid for).
I am so gutted and so ashamed of myself. I can't bear the thought of all the money I've wasted. I have a wonderful family and can't bring myself to tell them and ask for help. My dad is quite well off and has always been good with money, he even helps people with debt management! How can I tell him?? Also, I am contemplating getting help from debt consolidation organisations, but am terrified of having a black mark on my credit rating as I'm hoping to move house later in the year. Advice gratefully received.....
Hi HK24 - First of all, a big 'well done' for admitting you have a problem and for the very wise step of joining this site. You will find that there are many more people here who have had longer experience of quitting than me - I am only on Day 7 of giving up online slots, but already am feeling stronger and better about things. As a first step may I suggest that you put a barrier between you and these online sites by a) self-excluding, and b) putting a blocking software in place - I am using K9 (free) but there is also betfilter.com and some others which you pay for.
Secondly, if at all possible, I would tell your father about this - it sounds as if he would be able to give you some good advice. He may be shocked by your confession, but I am sure you will find strong support from him.
Remember you are not alone in this battle and you will always find support and wisdom here. Best wishes.
Hi HK24 and welcome to our Forum,
This is a great step forward for you as you acknowledge that you need support with your gambling addiction.
At GamCare we offer confidential support to help you stop gambling and that includes practical tips, like self-exclusion, blocking software and advice that could make things easier for you when you try to stop gambling. If you find that your urges are too strong to manage, we could refer you to see a counsellor which can help you emotionally.
Our lines are open between 8am and 12 midnight every day of the week and you are welcome to give us a call on our Freephone 0808 8020 133 and talk to a trained advisor. Alternatively you can use the Netline.
http://secure.gamcare.org.uk/netline
Best wishes
Rachel.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
