At last I think this is a diary! Basically I am a small time gambler, but as I don’t have a high income it’s bad! I got into bingo around 10 year ago and would go two Orr three times a week, luckily the hall closed down. Didn’t bother me, didn’t go further afield for another bingo. Then I started going into the bookies and playing on the slots, again wasting only £5 to £10, now I will go in and spend £50, I can use my sense and come out if I get a good win! However a few weeks ago I dropped £1500 on a couple of machines, couldn’t beleive it, ha, took about a fortnight to loose it all! Was doing £2 stakes to get the big win again. Hate it, it’s like money means nothing till you’ve lost it. I don’t want to end up the old woman who spends her days in the arcade lie the ones I see every week!
Hi Marypoppins. Glad you started your diary. I don’t think it matters how much you spend on gambling. If it interferes with your life and causes you distress it’s too much. I started with small bets and it increased to my giving the slots most of my pay.
Coming here and getting support and reading so many posts has helped me enormously.
A life without gambleing is the goal for all of us.
Stay strong
Carol
Thanks carol, means a lot, did go on online slots but got gamban on and it’s working great
Hi Mary Poppins. I love the manicure.
Its good to see you now have your own personal diary. It is your private place where you can relax and chill out as you keep a record of your gamble free adventure.
Here you are amongst friends who understand the pain, sadness and confusion that you have most likely experienced. We are the unshockable because each and every one of us has gambled away money that should not have been gambled away. However, that is all in the past now and we don't look there unless we really have to. Let's all go forward together, shoulder to shoulder and arm in arm as we search for the peace, fun and happiness that is waiting for us up ahead ...stephen x
Hey maryp you got there! Keep it up gal.
I’m delighted about the diary. Had a pretty rough day yesterday, I suffer from SAD, went into the shop and wasted what I had in my purse, luckily had the sense not to withdraw. WILL NOT DO IT TODAY! I could’ve got a manicure with that money!
Hi Marypoppins
Gambling is bad no matter how much money we lose because we also lose the most important thing, TIME.
Glad you are on the road to recovery.
Good advice on my diary, I will try my upmost to get out of it.
Shaun
Put another £50 in my Monzo pot today, pot is locked till may, yayyy
Hi MP, it's silly isn’t it how we waste money on slots and machines but won't treat ourselves with the smallest thing! Glad you’re writing it all down here, I went through a few phases where I thought I was managing it. Wish I’d found the courage to admit my problem sooner, so well done at being here!
Hi MP
Great you are saving money, just shows what we can do without gambling. Keep it up the early days are the hardest and I am 100% confident you have the gambling beast under control. Well done.
Shaun
Hate winter, need a hobby, maybe start reading, any books on gambling anyone can recommend, not 12 steps stuff x
Been on the chat room for the first time, really enjoyed it
Hi Marypoppins, thank you for posting on my diary and showing your support. I appreciate it a lot. I wish you all the best on your recovery.
Difficult times atm, 95 year old mother with Alzheimer’s is on crisis watch, she has gone completely insane, she is tied in a wheelchair all day because if the put her in a chair she will do a runner. God knows what this next few days will bring. She can move the wheelchair with the brakes on 100 yards on her own! We are at our wits end.
Hi Maryp. Sorry to hear about your mom. This has to be so stressful for you. Hopefully the doctor will be able to figure out why she is behaving this way. Sometimes infections in the urine can cause changes in behavior. Wish you and your mom the best. Stay strong. Carol.
Affected by gambling?
Looking for support?
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.