struggling but self exclusion help

Hi Gboy92,

Welcome to the forums and great you've had a look around and, you're right- a good mindset will certainly help kickstart a gambling free (GF) life. But, of course, as you recognise, this is just part of it.

Because we're fallable we have to be one-step ahead of the gambling 'devil' that lurks within us at all times - that means additional strategies. You've excluded every site every online site you can think of but ... what if the devil tapped you on the shoulder; would you find another one...? Maybe it's worth going the whole hog and getting blocking software (which is free, just give Gamcare a call and they'll point you in the right direction).

Do you gamble aside from online? Then it's worth thinking about practical steps to shut down those routes?

How about money supply? Would it make sense for someone else to help control your finances? At first hand, it's possible you might think that's a sign of weakness. But you could look at it as a sign of strength. Worth a thought.

And to improve and hone your mindset, what about counselling? Again, ask Gamcare to chew over whether that might help you.

And, of course, the good people on these communal forums and chat, with every experience you could possible imagine under their belts, are here to help, support and share as we aim for that wonderful GF life.

So, yes, keep posting, gboy92 - terrific idea - and here's to a successful outcome which starts today!

All the best

Mixer

Hey GBoy92

I agree with Mixer. It's great you've self excluded but is there more blocks you can put in place? What i found the hardest but most beneficial is handing over control of your money as mixer said.

I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Good luck

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I

hi mixer and conrad and thanks for the comments.

i have only ever gambked in casinos and online and i am self excluded online and self banned from the casinos. i genuinley can say slots and other betd like foot all etc dont bother me....hopefulky this sticks too!!!

i woukd hand over my money now if i didnt frel like my partner would leave me instantly.

it would be the right thing to do botb of you are right but for now although its leaves a door open to gambling, i need to test my resolve without telling her just yet as i have a child on the way.

coming on here is down to the news that i am having ny first child and i dont want them to lose out financially or have their father there in person but in the casino in his mind.

i also dont eant to risk them having a split relationship with mum and dad so for now im trusting myself to do the right thing.....

cheers guys and heres hoping

Hi gboy92,

I certainly take your point about asking your partner to handle your money - if it's not a good idea, then you're right not to entertain this option.

However, can you trust yourself to do the right thing; thing is, sometimes resolve isn't enough as we know too often, right. (What if another online casino rears its ugly head...?)

And it's not when we're skint when we're at our most vulnerable, but when we've got a bit of cash. So, here's further food for thought. Again, this might suit you, it might not, but here goes anyway...!

1. Open a savings account online. It's not as cumbersome as it sounds, but of course, you can always pop into a branch (if your bank's still open, that is...!). Make sure you've got photographic ID and two bills.

2. Make a weekly transfer of the money you need into it, from your main bank account. This should be less than you earn - the difference is what you would otherwise gamble. In other words, only transfer what you need - there should be some left over.

3. You will get a bank card with your savings account. This is your 'spending money'.

4. GIve your bank card to a trusted relative or friend who knows what you're doing and why, if you can. (This might be considered a reasonable 'secret' to keep from your partner, but your call.) Now, if you need money over and above what you've transferred, then you'll have to explain why (could be awkward if you've gambled away your 'savings' spending money.... but that's the idea).

It's just a thought, this, though. It might not be practical to you Gboy92, but you can see, if you do find the tempation too much, that there are practical steps you can take in this direction.

You're heading for a very exciting time ... here's to you making sure you really enjoy it, you're certainly here with good intentions backed up by solid actions, with exclusions you've already put into place, here's to you seeing it all through!

All the very best, Mixer

Self exclusions are a positive step as for telling your partner I don't think that's a bad idea you don't tell her as Ive read a split verdict on that one on here good luck