Not sure how to start these type of things, but I'll just go ahead.
My gambling started about 2 to 3 years ago on sports betting with a small wager on a both team to score. Came close so tried another and then another (you can see where this is going). Although I never put more than 5 to 10 pounds a bet, it's the frequency of these bets per day or even hour that is the problem. I lose 5 or 10 pounds and then I'm back in.
I'm not in great debt, but I did lose approx a grand in savings over the 2 to 3 year period and I am always in my overdraft. I can't remember the last time I got paid and none of it went to the bank. Being able to save money is non existent and I always clear the overdraft at the end of the month.
In a future perspective this is dangerously damaging and can only go on for so long, before I'm in trouble.
I have a wife who I love dearly and I'm letting her down. Although she doesn't know about my problem, it's gambling or her. I want to provide a great future for us, I'm only 32 and can save myself now.
I'm currently 5 days gamble free and will battle on to 6.
This diary is mainly for me to record and track my progress, but if it helps anybody along the way the that would be good.
Hi mate,
welcome to the forum, you'll get some great support here from people in the same position as you, people who are trying to chance their lives forever. Look for as many positives as you can, you aren't in debt and you want a great future for your family. You can do this and will do this. Keep up the good work, nearly a week done.
Wilsy
Hi Wilsy
Thank you for your kind words, I'm feeling determined and motivated to best this.
Day 6 GF
Day 6 was a success, was way too busy at work to get time to bet. We've been mourning the loss of our beloved cat, my mind has pretty much been thinking of him with not much taking my attention.
We loved him dearly and miss him greatly, I don't want this to be a trigger to start gambling again and must keep strong.
On to the next day, baby steps.
Day 7 GF
It's good to see that 7, a week without gambling. Been a sad week but I've kept strong. The weekend is coming up and there's loads of football on, I've got no accounts running so I've no access anyway.
Kept my attention away from gambling by watching films and playing games. Back to the gym next after a week off so more energy can go that way.
Have a good day people.
8 days GF
Gonna make it to 9. Weekend coming up, need to stay focused. It'll be hard seeing the football scores without putting anything on. Might be wise to switch off and stay away from them.
11 days GF
Weekend been and gone so fast. Had a discussion with my wife about savings, it hurt to have to lie as to where all my money goes. I've spent so much time and money on gambling that I have nothing to show for any eaarnings. Yes my bills are paid on time each month, but I'm not really living more just existing. I can't justify spending money on things I want but will go and blow £100 gambling like it's nothing.
The worst part is having to lie, but I can't tell her as it would destroy us. I need to best this demon and move forward in life.
12 Days GF
Another day down.
Pay day can't come quick enough, thinking of ways to clear that credit card that's been hanging over me the best part of 5 years.
Wife wants to help but I can't let her see my finances until I'm straight and keep putting her off. Only time and no gambling can fix this, I know full well I can't use gambling to get me out of this hole so must keep going.
13 Days GF
Things are going okay, I fancied a bet last night and if I had, the acca would've lost anyway. Inevitably I'd have gone in again to win that money back, so in a way I actually won last night by not betting.
If I'd bet ВЈ10 per day i'd have saved £130, that is a decent amount of money to me and could go on things I actually want instead of giving it to the bookies.
Onwards and upwards, I will not bet today.
Good on you Id, I have just treated myself for not gambling by purchasing some Nike Air trainers costing £180. Keep up the good work, the days will soon rack up.
Shaun
Hi Shaun
I like the idea of rewards for not gambling, think I'm going to get to a month and treat myself to some Puma King Astros I've had my eye on.
Thank you for the comment and good luck with your journey.
14 days GF
Another day GF and it went so quick. The football last night threw in a couple of upsets that would've seen my bets lose had I had placed them. Feels good that I have won by not gambling and shows how unpredictable games can be. The only winners are the bookies.
Today I will not gamble my hard earned money.
Hi mate,
well done on 2 weeks abstaining, really proud of you and keep making the right choices and those giant steps you would have to make to have a better life will become pigeon steps... in time. I'm sure you understand what I am saying.
Look forward to waking up tomorrow and slamming a huge '15' days at the top of your next post!
Wilsy
Congrats on the 2 weeks without gambling.
I love the line - 'today I will not gamble my hard earned money' - I'm feeling that more and more since quitting. There's a real agony in taking hours to earn money just to lose it in a few minutes.
Keep bottling up that good feeling of how clean life can be without the time, money and mental energy wasted on gambling.
Wishing you all the best.
Equinox
15 Days GF
Thanks for the comments Wilsy and Equinox.
Half way through a month and I'm determined to go the whole way.
Yet again the weekend is upon us and this is where the gambling lure is strongest. I'm slowly learning to watch sport without throwing money at it.
Have a good day all.
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