Hi all. I've had a gambling problem for many years. Pretty much all online, live dealer table games - Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat
Came to a head last September when family found out, big horrible conversations after the mess I'd got into - resulted in me self-excluding on GamStop for 5 years.
They really wanted me to seek professional help and didn't think GamStop would be enough - I managed to convince them it would be fine and after 4-5 months of showing my bank statements to them every month, being sensible and saving up a decent amount of money from my salary it has kind of been the elephant in the room ever since as they assume I am still clean.
I don't want to promote other methods although I'm sure we are unfortunately aware of them. Long story short found non GamStop casino(s) to play at and I have got back into the same cycle of squandering all my wages
I self-exclude with these non gamstop casinos from time to time but it's pointless as they un-self exclude me on request.
I don't really want to speak to anyone in real life but I don't want to carry on like this. It has been going on far too long and I need to do something. Any practical advice I am all ears
Thankyou
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your experience in our forum
If you would like to block gambling sites not covered by Gamstop, I would advise registering with Gamban. Gamban is blocking software and it blocks all gambling related site and apps getting on your phone. It is completely free and can be registered on up to 14 devices. You can register with Gamban for free here at this link https://gamban.com/gamcare
You may also like to consider asking your bank to put a gambling bank block on your bank card. We have a section on our website about gambling bank blocks and which high street banks provide them. https://www.gamcare.org.uk/news-and-blog/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bank-gambling-blocks/
There is financial support available for people with gambling related debt as well as support for families and relationships which are affected by gambling. Our helpline is open 24/7 if you would like to access further support
Thank you again for contributing to our forum
@forum-admin Hi forum member. I was not aware of there being financial support for people who have got into debt through gambling? What is this support exactly.
Kind regards.
Pink Lady 🩷🍎
Hi,
Well done for posting on here, that’s a huge achievement.
Unfortunately, for this to work, you’ve got to be completely transparent. Only you can want to make the changes, and trust me, you cannot do this alone. You need to talk, you need to open up and you need to grab hold of every bit of help you can get your hands on. There is nothing to be ashamed about, this is an illness you’re dealing with.
I was you 2 years ago, 4-5 months of no gambling, my husband thought that I was ‘over it.’ I didn’t tell him the whole truth, I held back a lot of stuff. We didn’t put things in place (like him taking over financial control) so a lot of doors were left open for me. I got complacent and back on to it worse than before. This then went on another 18 months, I tripled the debt and then hit rock bottom.
Today I am 407 days GF, and I don’t even think about gambling anymore. I feel a million times better now I have control of my life. Gambling ruins everything.
Please be kind to yourself xx
Dear Pink Lady,
Thank you for your further response.
Just to clarify we are able to signpost/suggest to Forum Users from the UK that wish to discuss financial impact with regard to gambling debt with debt charities such as www.stepchange.org.uk and www.nationaldebtline.org.uk
You may also wish to look at the 'benefits calculator' and 'charitable grants search' on the www.Turn2us.org.uk website if you have not already.
Best Wishes,
Louise
Forum Admin
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.
