Finally a way to stop

Why do we do it? The buzz of a ‘big win’ on the slots isn’t really ever going to be a big win, not enough to make you happy. 

Fruit machines are the killer to me. I travel with work and on the road a lot so it may be a service station, a bookies or even a pub with friends but it’s a problem. 

If I’m honest, I used to play roulette in the bookies every week and now I have realised that I miss the income I had from this. Of course I’m not a winner and sometimes I could lose hundreds in one sitting but over the last couple of years I did well and walked around with a pocket full of cash. 

The law changed, I turned to slots, as you could no longer do £50 a spin on roulette (£50 in 5 seconds) since then I haven’t had a win but I still go in and play the same game to try and earn that extra money I got used to having from my winnings on the roulette.

I have a good job but recently broke with my partner of 4 years (mutual break up, who am I kidding) she didn’t know the extent of my gambling and I have developed anxiety and stress which is completely down to the fact I was living a secret life of gambling beyond my means which I know is the reason we drifted apart.

Im struggling to pay bills and have fallen behind on rent because of this which is now effecting my day to day life. I don’t sleep well which effects my work and when I do sleep my dreams are insane! 

This is all down to gambling - I know it is and I tell myself I’m going to stop, I don’t even enjoy the slots anymore but it’s the chase for the big win (that will probably never be big enough no matter how much it is) which never comes.

Im 33, moved back in with my parents since my break up and nobody but me knows the extent of my gambling and troubles.

I need help, I know I can do it and I need to do it before it’s to late and I lose my job and my amazing family bond. 

From today I’m going to stop being proud and get help because this could change my life and I could end up with nothing.

Any advise please let me know - it’s a horrible hole to be in.

Hi,

We are here to support you too Danny, our helpline 0808 8020 133 or via our Netline,  we offer free advice, information and treatment. 

Take care of yourself,

Forum Admin

Hi Danny

first thank you for taking the time to read the post. Sounds like you are in the same place I was, and from your words sounds like you really are ready to stop. 

There is so much support you just need to grab and own this. Of course talk with family and think about goals and what controls you must put in place. We as gamblers are the ones that know what we do and ways around it to ensure we can gamble so time for a change. 

I am not for a min talking about you stopping work but what can you do different with the travelling as this sounds an issue ? 

Can someone look after your cash ? 

And do not be afraid to talk with your GP

Into day 5, feeling more weak today but still to take my meds. Diffidence this time is that I want to beat this I must beat it. Feel today is not about taking one day at a time but more like 1 hour at a time,

i will keep myself busy today and maybe buy a new gym outfit ready for my next journey of my life. 

Hope everyone else is staying strong and talking cause together everyone can beat this 

Hi both,

Im 250 days gamble free and never....ever.... thought it possible. 

Commit to stop. Get blocks in place. Reduce access to money. Read and chat here. Speak to the experts. That’s the only way to really start this journey.

it gets better. Well done for being here