Hey - So I've been realising more and more how much of an issue gambling has perhaps become for me. I've gone from playing the odd game for a bit of fun, to chasing wins to try and get my money back. I'm now at a stage where I feel guilty if I gamble and I've been telling lies, even to myself, about how often I do it. However, what I realised is that perhaps it started because it was a bit of a distraction. Box ticked that I'm aware of it, but how do you stop. I want to, but still find myself drawn in. Bored - lets play a slot machine online. Sad, lets see if I can win some money to cheer me up. Any and every reason really. Any tips on that next step would be most appreciated. TIA x
Hi me84, the good thing is, there's blocks for online gambling. Slots was my go to, and its taken me years to finally open my eyes and see sense. I too gambled for distraction, to escape my head. But it doesn't work does it because as soon as you stop, those feelings are still there.
I would advise you to sign up to gamstop. It excludes you from online gambling. Also get gamban on your devices for extra protection. Banks can also put blocks on gambling transactions or if you feel you need to, you could hand finances over to someone trustworthy like a partner or parent.
Try find new ways to distract yourself, books, music, puzzles, gym, swimming, walking. Just find you again and something you enjoy doing. I've started walking and its doing wanders for me ? I'm really enjoying it.
Theres also a chatroom on each day at 1pm and 8pm if you want to talk to others going through the same thing.
Good luck
Stace
What you are describing is very common. Boredom, depression, thrill-seeking, etc. are all triggers for gambling. I have struggled with this for years. The only thing I can think of is just try to find other ways to have some fun in life besides gambling. Because temporarily, gambling can be a fun distraction, but it is an expensive way to achieve your goals. Weigh the cost/benefits. Is it worth losing hundreds or thousands just to have a little fun? Wouldn't it be better to spend that money more wisely? Wishing you all the best in finding alternatives.
Hi. Good job you have reached out! Welcome. Truth be told, it’s not easy to stop and it’s easier said than done to choose a hobby, keep busy, etc because you will still have that itch to gamble. In my experience, willpower alone is not enough. I was struggling with gambling for 13 years and up until last September when I hit my rock bottom I had to do something very different and put every stop in place possible. I now have no access to money (no debit card, just Apple pay with gambling restrictions via my bank), I pray every single day for good in my life (though i never ever preyed before September!) and GamCare helpline put me in touch with a counselling program. It’s been amazing and my brain seems to have rewired to the point where I have no urges at all and simply do not care about any sport - the thing I used to gamble like crazy on.
I decided my last bet was simply the last straw, what’s it going to be for you?
I needed urgent help as Though i lost tens of thousands, I got lucky it should have been a lot more. I did not need the stress of it any longer as it would have ended me one day.
Good Luck and all the very best
Thanks guys.
I haven't gambled since posting - just a few days I know, but we all have to start somewhere.
Working from home today, bit of a lull in the day and got the itch to go on one of the regular sites (still got that overwhelming feeling that I'm due a win because of how much I've lost, which is ridiculous I know). But, instead of going on there, I chose to come on here instead. It's certainly offered some positive reinforcement and given me a second to think about whether I really want to play or if I'm doing it out of habit and the thrill of the chase.
Already know I would feel guilty if I gambled, more so if I lost - so glad I took the time to read the comments you kindly left. Thanks again 🙂
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