Hi all, I had signed up to Gamstop and been just enjoying life, pretty much oblivious to gambling. My exclusion period came to an end and I removed it and as expected, spent a week gambling. Thankfully I made a “profit” and came to sense, and registered to Gamstop again yesterday. I’m atleast proud of myself for being able to do that before gambling my entire pay for the month like I used to. I’m in such a better place financially than I was and I just know I don’t want to be where I was again. Anyway, for the first time in my last 8 years of gambling I just had the urge to tell someone about my problem, that being my partner of 2.5 years now. We have great communication and I feel like I’ve been hiding this from him, although also not really as I had Gamstop on before I met him and hadn’t been gambling. It hasn’t been a big part of my life, he had no idea and I’ve never had to lie to him about it because it’s just never come up. So i told him yesterday and he was so understanding, just shocked. I kind of expected he would be because he can see my efforts and how upset I was about it, he knows how well I manage my money in my normal state. I just expected some more judgement, or disappointment, but he said we’ll just get through it together… I’ve got my Gamstop on and if I were ever to gamble again he’s just requested that I let him know. It’s such a weight lifted, I feel like I can finally talk to someone about my problem should I need to.
That makes such a difference when you have a partner that is understanding and supportive. Glad you went straight on to Gamstop again after your win . I didn't realise it comes off again ? I will have to be super careful in that case I have it for five years I think .
@r1p7euasno thanks for replying Mary! Yes, I put it down for 1 year, and kept extending the exclusion. It came to the end of my year and I called up to have it removed (delusion that I could maybe play £25 a month or something, or even buy a lottery ticket online!) but realistically we all knew how it would end. I have no desire to gamble in person, online only, so I’m safe again. It’s funny because even after less than 24 hours I’m back to my normal self, not really thinking about gambling. That lack of control when you have the opportunity is so fierce. Having my partner’s support is more reason to not do this again!
Hope you are doing okay!
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