Focus on the future, because in the future you haven't gambled

Genuinely thank you to everyone for your kind words and support. It has been an eye opening last few days and have had several chats with loan companies one who started asking about if any of my debt was through gambling, to which I had to reply yes, that ended the call very quickly. Managed to get a payday loan at a high cost and a bit from my parents, but if this episode hasn't scared me into stopping I don't know what will.

I promise you all now that as soon as I get my inheritance it will all be going back to pay off loans and give me a lot of breathing space to continue to pay off loans.

As you mentioned Clare, there is no one on this website who talks about big wins and how they clawed back their losses. It's a loosing game, even though my last binge wasn't on sport or mainstream gambling it shows how I as a person cannot control myself in whatever crazy scheme I start to think I can get some quick money back.

Hopefully talking to my boss this week about a pay rise at work that had been promised to me earlier in the year. I hope that gives me an extra boost I need right now.

Just to add, I'm actually really excited about cracking this for good now. Over the last 150 days I've gone without gambling I haven't missed it and I actually don't enjoy placing bets as it scares the hell out of me but I do it as a means to try and get more money as I panic when I suddenly have lots to pay for instead of being reasonable and knowing my wages can just about cover it.

Anyway 2 days clean, busy with studying this week so a clear head is just what I need.

Will try and report back daily until next payday which is 23 days away.

Hi Dan,

It's good to see you back posting and feeling POSITIVE.

Suzanne xx

So busy at work today and loved having no distractions in my brain about what if, can I just spend 100 quid to try and win back x amount.

I know I can't win, and I know I have no spare money left. Otherwise I will not make it to next payday in a financially ok place, I think bankruptcy would be my next option and that is an definite no no, would ruin my job, family and my future.

Hiya

Well done you're on day four now 🙂 it sounds as though you've really got the closest you can get to gambling destroying all the good things in your life. You've come close but your U turn has just been in time to save you from risk to your job, bankruptcy, your family and future.

Keep clearly focused and remember you may not get accepted for loans in the future if you were to have another slip. Tread carefully and accept you can't ever gamble in any shape or form. This is what I've done. I'm paying off my gambling debts and I got into as much debt as I imagine I can deal with without involving anyone else.

We have to acknowledge how close we've been to things going (even more) drastically wrong and be thankful for the parts of us that lead us on the path to a gamble free future. I know I can't do bingo or scratch cards and I'm not even sure I trust myself to play lotto !

Total ban on anything gambling related is the way forward for me and possibly yourself too I think !?

Clare x

Thanks Clare, yes this is the closest I've been to total ruin.
I do feel like I'm starting to have my eyes open again after a long period of just getting by and not caring too much.

Had a chat with my boss about a pay rise (as during my last spell without gambling I really put a lot of effort into my new role), hopefully that should get sorted out soon. I can make it to next payday though so if it doesn't happen this payday it's not the end of the world.

More studying tonight.

A week tomorrow and good to see your days rolling by. Hope the studying going well and keeping you occupied and good you've now sorted finances to get you through - fingers crossed for the pay rise sounds like you might get soon!

Clare x

Forgot to post last night as was shattered and wanted an early night. Posting today on day 6. Down to London at the weekend, taking a few people down so petrol money paid for and as I have a study session all day Sunday I have made it clear I won't be drinking much on Sat night, so therefore won't be spending much either.

Finances looking ok, 19 days to payday.

Day 8, cracking weekend in London. Managed to spend as little as possible but still didn't appear cheap to my friends as I got a few rounds in and often said don't get me a drink due to having a study session today.

Kept an eye on football but too busy to think of bets.

Also good bit of news that my aunties house has sold and should be getting inheritance in the next couple of months as expected. I should be over 50 days gamble free by then and be in a good place to clear off some debts that were causing me a bit of headache during expensive months.

Can wait for the summer and my gamble free future. 🙂

Up to double figures already, soon be in triple figures 🙂 plenty of distractions this week and now the days are getting longer I'm looking forward to being more active again and getting out of my bedroom which has been too many times the location for a binge as it's my comfortable location.

Hi there,

Well done on another day of winning and good to see your growing strength and determination to have the future you so deserve. Keep making the right choice and never stop believing!

Be proud

Sandra

So I've just had a thought:

4 years ago, around the start of the cricket world cup, I didn't have a job and due to having spent a bit on round the world travelling I started to bet on the cricket to try and beat the system and steal some money from the bookies.

That day I got arrested and sentenced to 5 years in prison. I'm currently 4 years into my sentence and with good behaviour I can be out in 2 months. Looking through the bars I see the outside world and it looks fantastic. Bring on the next 2 months, I'm going to be on my best behaviour.

That's a good way of looking at it Dan,

Thanks for your message yesterday,

Keep strong and positive.

Suzanne xx

12 days until payday, still having to be very tight with money. Really want to get some new clothes but will have to wait or just put them on my very dwindling credit card balance.
End of April can't come quick enough but if I can survive without taking out another payday loan I will be happy.

So a good catch up with some lads for a 5 a side match and a beer today, plus man u got a well needed win.

Hoping to have a chilled out evening maybe get a bit of studying in but it's just getting really frustrating, all I ever seem to be doing.

Exam in 9 days and currently not going to pass so need to get my head down, at least I don't have gambling distractions.