I have been trying to control my problem gambling seriously for the last year or so. Stopping for periods then just going back to gambling. 4 weeks ago I hit rock bottom I couldn't source any more money to gamble with, I'd got myself in debt which will take me a few years or so to pay off.
I decided I really need to stop gambling. I have posted on here before when trying to stop but normally a day or 2 after deciding to quit but this time I wanted to do it differently. I wanted to leave it a month of me being gamble free before I post which i have now done.
All my online accounts are closed so I have tried to make it as difficult as possible if the urge does get stronger. Hardest part is realising that I have this debt I have to deal with for years to come which probably took me under 2 weeks to get into and the thought after that is could I get out of debt by gambling.
Con
Well done on taking the first preventative steps.
As for the debts - they serve as a reminder that gambling never let you win.
There can only ever be 1 way to win and that's never to part with your hard earned cash in such a reckless way
Put the losses behind you. It's money gone. It won't be coming back. Chasing a loss only adds to the loss the debt and the misery. It will prolong the agony
Today if you don't waste 1 penny you are a day closer to being debt free and living a normal life without the destruction of gambling in it
All the best
Shellyb
Thanks ShellyB!
Urges have been getting a bit stronger over the last couple of days with the World Cup starting tomorrow. Betting on football wasn't really an issue i would only spend little amounts a couple of times a week more of a social thing amongst friends.
I've still not gambled though just hoping I can make it through the world cup without betting because I know if I do bet I will be back to square one in no time.
Con
It may sound like a long shot but have you thought about being straight up with your friends or social circle.
You'd only have to say it once. If they are real mates they'll appreciate your honesty
Everyone appreciates honesty. Believe me I've met some real tough guys over the years but those who face their issues are the ones who get the most respect.
A simple- I'm out the sweepstake mate I've got a real gambling issue I'm trying to beat - is all it takes. Once you've said it you don't have to say it again.
Will that then leave you free to enjoy the World Cup.
I'm not a footy fan, I'd rather poke my eyes with a spoon but even I like the WC atmosphere. Wouldn't it be nice just to enjoy the banter?
Shelly
Hi mate I know what u mean about the World Cup I'm a massive football fan and loved a football bet that wasn't my down fall although I'm kicking out all forms of gambling and I was at work before and one of my mates who is also in my social circle asked if I was putting big money on Brazil tomorow to which I replied no mate I don't gamble anymore, that's all I said he obviously doesn't know how bad I was anyway he laughed his head off at the answer I gave him if only he new the truth eh, good luck mate
hey Con, I remember you on chats and forums from last year and I too stopped posting and got back into old habits, I too would love nothing more than spray some bets on the football, but the fact is it wouldn't have to be football, it could just be flys up a wall!!
hope it works out for you and hang in there!
Phil
Thanks all for the replies people!
Very true Phil thats why I'm staying away. I've told people at work and my friends I'm not having any bets over the WC so they won't ask me again. I'm just going to try enjoy the football and keep myself out of trouble.
Con
Well into 6 weeks gamble free now. Was really struggling the other day. I did post on here but for some reason it wasn't saved.
Still finding it difficult with the world cup being on and everyman and his dog asking if I'm having a bet. I have a good few days when i'm fine then I'm reminded of the debt im in when I have to pay for something. Sucks tbh but I only have myself to blame.
Con
Hi Con
Hang in there mate, im too finding it hard to resist the urges but find it quite amusing when a bet youve put on in your head crashes and burns, like Germany only drawing last night or Italy losing against Costa Rica or Spain losing etc etc.
Makes it cone through loud and clear that theres only one winner at the end of the day!!
Very true actually Sonic. There have been some shocking results in this world cup so far, I didn't think about if i actually was betting that i wouldn't have won at all.
Con
And at the end of the day if we did win then we wouldnt be using the winnings constructively.. its gambling money afterall... so it would only eventually be lost again... we cant win because we cannot stop... so its better not to START!!
Personally im 8 grand in debt and im determined not to make my situation any worse than it needs to be
Gamble free since 18 May 2014
9 weeks gamble free!
Still staying strong survived the majority of the world cup only 2 games left and I will certainly not be betting on either of them. Bit worried as it's getting closer to the Premier League season but taking it 1 day at a time.
Finding I'm getting down from time to time with events coming up I have committed to like holidays, birthdays and nights out stuff like that which involve me spending money. Trying to pay of debts and keeping to the stuff I have committed to is very hard.
I know this will come out eventually but I'd like to be further into my recovery than I am now before it does. Have bit more of a plan to getting debt free and so on.
Con
Great news
Just take each day and event as it comes leaving the gambling further behind you with each step. It's the only way forward
Shelly
Hi con
Ver well done on nine whole weeks
Keep gong and keep strong you are gong great
Suzanne x
Week 11 gamble free.
With the premier league season starting very soon. Thinking more and more on how I'm going to miss having my weekly bet. Football betting was never causing me any harm I would bet between 5 and 10 per week.
I Keep having the same conversation in my head could I go back to betting on football and be in control, I know no one here would recommend it but when it's been a part of my life for 5 or so years. I don't know how I will cope without it.
It's not just the gambling element I will miss it's also a big topic of conversation amongst collagues and friends.
Con
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