Hi all. I haven’t posted on here for a while but wanted to reach out as I’ve got myself into another mess. Tennis betting has crippled me. I love sport and particularly football and tennis, but the in play nature and almost 24/7 nature of tennis has led me completely astray. I went for 8 months between Feb and November 2024 with no bets and felt great, before relapsing again in November and then again in June of this year after a break between Feb and June 2025. I’ve blown a large amount of money and it reached a head last week when I didn’t have enough money for essentials to get through to pay day.Â
My wife has known I’ve had a problem on and off for a while but is sad that I’ve lied to her at times about it and I feel terrible about that as it’s really not my personality to lie but the shame I’ve felt from gambling has led me down this path. My wife wanted me to put her on my account earlier in August and I put it off as I was ashamed of her seeing my transaction. If only I’d done that though, as I wouldn’t have then subsequently thrown away a lot more money since. I came clean to my wife again last Thursday and also my parents and whilst this was probably one of the worst days of my life and I feel disgusted, upset and terrible about my actions, I’m slightly relieved I’ve opened up more.Â
The gambling has puddled my mind and I just cannot understand how I can be so cautious and careful in most areas of my life but then let this impact so badly.Â
It would be good to hear from others with similar problems. Thanks.Â
Hi @autumnleaves
Thank you for reaching out on our forum and whilst I'm sure you will receive support from other users in our community, please do feel free to contact our helpline through call or live chat anytime
It sounds like it has been a difficult time for you but opening up to your loved ones is a big step.Â
Please do reach out to us if you would like, an adviser will always be there to talk things through
Best wishes,
PhoebeÂ
Forum Admin
Hi Autumn leaves,
Thank you for sharing — it takes courage. Relapses are common, especially with fast-paced sports like tennis. Feeling guilt and shame is normal, but it doesn’t define you.
Being open with your wife and parents is a big step. Practical steps like self-exclusion tools, limits on accounts, and support from groups like GamCare or a counselor can really help. You’re not alone, and recovery is possible one day at a time.
Stay gentle with yourself — reaching out shows real strength.
Sorry you have a problem, I've just looked at Mecca bingo hall in Leeds it looks really tantilising all the slot machines and coziness but once you start peeling away the exterior you are going to lose money and walk away skint and without the glamorous enticement before you and end up alone and questioning yourself bigtime what have I done, funny thing is ultimately behind it all it's just a lightbulb and unfortunately too they can blow up in your face so forget the limelight and concentrate on the simpler things in life.
Thanks all and I wish you all well.Â
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.
