Never again.

Hi Stu,

Thanks for your support.

The target I set to stay away from gambling is the same as it was 63 days ago (what ever happens and how ever much I want to gamble I'm not going to do it). I also fear slipping but every day that passes takes away some of the fear as I'm proving to myself that it can be done. As I'm the only person that can ensure a slip doesn't happen it's important to remember the decision I made 63 days ago. Worse than the fear of slipping is the feeling after a slip which for me is an excellent deterent, thinking of the consequence of having a slip before it happens.

To help ensure a slip doesn't happen I've self excluded from all UK casinos, hundreds of online casinos and hundreds of local betting shops (can't do all UK betting shops as there are to many of the f*****s). I also haven't had a cash card for over five years and don't plan on getting one. Although the above didn't stop me for the last few years they are still good to have in place as they do make it more difficult. I can now trust myself with £40/£80 and withdraw it from the counter at the bank.

I do have other targets but they aren't related to stopping gambling. The other targets are to help me move on from gambling and enjoy myself without it. One is to continue going to the gym to get in to shape! The second is to find other things that I enjoy. I'm currently waiting for the next decent UK boxing event to be announced so I can book a ticket straight away, things like this are something to look forward to and are helping me move on from gambling.

30 days is more than enough proof that gambling can be beaten. Use the fear of a slip to reinforce the decision you made 30 days ago and what ever happens eliminate gambling as an option alltogether.

That's enough of my ranting for one day.

Best wishes, power and strength to all.

Day sixty five. Going the bookies later today. Moving house to a new town so taking passport photos to the two bookies located around the corner to double self exclude. I should already be self excluded via the bookies head office but i dont trust the b******s. Mate is coming with as he already knows im a n*b and we would end up fighting in the shop if i went near the fobt.

Sat opposite a bandit with over £120 cash in my pocket, one of the new swanky ones with many games to choose from. Piece of s**t is lucky i haven't set it on fire. There's more chance of it being on fire than it receiving any of my £120. 67 days is stayin put 🙂

Hope the move went well for you and stay focused. Have you noticed how not only are more and more bookies opening but the FOBT's are getting pride of place with huge advertising etc. Am sure they will push so far before eventually getting found out as the robbing b******ds they are but by then too many lives will be ruined. I also am determined they are not getting any more of my money or time.

Exhausted after the move as well as working at the same time. Went in to the two bookies with photos. One was easy enough and straight forward but i had to have an argument with the manager in the fred shop to get them to find an exclusion form. Told me they didnt have any and id have to go back tomorrow. After an argument they found some exclusion forms and the task was complete.

You're right about the fobts M.E. They also have new hd screens and speakers. I pass the shops almost every day and see new posters in the windows! £50 free play on the new game. £50 free play my a**e. The adverts on the tv are also beyond a joke.

Nice one Last Chance re: getting these lazy ba**ards to get their finger out and find the self exclusion form.

Least your move is now done and you can start to chill out a bit more.

£50 free play my a**e indeed... more like take the £50 free play (and it will end up costing you £5,000!)

Keep going with the NO GAMBLING mate. I'm now on Day 27, after a crazy man possessed binge where i lost £6,000 online in 12 crazy mental hours. I can't ever do that to myself again otherwise i'll end up in a box 6 feet under. Choose LIFE!!

Cheers 2012..

Day 73. Even more determined than on day one, but also feel more confident now. Sometimes i feel like id love to spin in a feature and get some retriggers. Then i remember it's not an option, find something else to do. The features are evil b******s.

Hi LC,

Well done on day 73, great achievement and you should be proud!!

Time passes as well as urges gets weaker, you are in a driving seat my friend, kerp making the right choice 🙂

Merry Xmas and Happy New year !!

Sandra

Thanks Sandra.

Today i feel extremely relieved. I've made it to 75 days (longest ever) and there's no reason i cant do another 75 or even 750.

Im not a massive fan of Christmas day but will celebrate it being day 76 and am happy enough with that for now.

Happy holidays.

Day 80. All is good.

Day 81. All is good because i havent given in to the feeling of wanting to gamble, in fact ive eliminated/abolished/struck out/exterminated gambling as an option all together. Sorry pokie machines but it's not going to happen.

Gambling gave me a bad whooping. Now im going to give it a bad whooping.

Going the gym this evening when i leave my office, time to stop being a lazy sloth.

Hi last chance, great to see you doing so well,80+ days is a massive achievement, keep up the good work. Believe it or not since joining the gym 4 weeks ago, I have been that busy ( and tired!) from work, I have yet to go! Work should calm down somewhat in the new year so hoping the gym sessions can begin! All the best.

Day 86. Loosing track of the days now, or at least trying to. Was in arrivals at the airport t'other day, walked past the arcade and a novomatic machine was giving me the eye. Walked in with 100+ quid cash in the wallet to have a closer look. To say i really wanted to have a play would be a major understatement! Anyway i didn't so am still on day 86. Have been wanting to play recently and thinking about it a lot but not going to.