Will power alone - Lets do this!

31 days GF.

Just back from a weekend in London, had a great time.

Leaving gambling in the past, no urges to gamble and I intend to keep it that way.

Hi, I respect your stance in the debates section although I don't entirely agree with you! (I mean that last bit light-heartedly.)

It's your journey on a daily basis and it's not necessarily a linear path so we can deviate/change our views/open up IF and when we feel comfortable to do so.

I personally don't think you are being "dishonest" and I think you have expressed yourself very clearly.

I'm posting this here as I never got involved in the debate elsewhere from the start.

Best wishes, Phil.

Phil thanks as always for your message (not sure where was best to reply, you have a number of threads so thought I would respond here).

I have learnt that the debates section is not to be taken lightly 😉

I am willing to accept that over time my opinion may change and that although most of what I write is nonsense there is at least truth and reason to what I do.

I maintain that I came here to quit gambling - nothing more and nothing less. I know that the outcome will be a better me, I will have more money and time to enjoy life and that can only be a good thing.

Some people come across a bit preachy and single minded at times but everyone seems to be well intentioned so I will at least listen.

Onwards and upwards, all the best!

34th day of being GF is almost over.

It's been good not having to check my bank account daily in the hope that "winnings" are paid out in time to cover bills or pay for petrol to get to work.

Looking forward not regretting the past.

Day 37 GF.

Sat in a restaurant opposite a bookies - watched a young woman come out looking distraught, fiddle with her phone for 5 mins then go back in. I wanted to go tell her about gamcare, she looked too young to be throwing her life away like so many others.

I wonder if there is really anyone that gambles responsibly their whole life? Or does everyone end as a CG eventually?

I am sure a big win early on was the trigger for my problems - if true it can happen to anyone

Day 39 GF.

Wasting my money on Amazon Prime deals rather than handing it over to bookies.

Not thinking of gambling at the moment but ready to be bombarded with promo's as the new football season approaches. Bring it on bookies! You're not getting a penny of my money!

UTV!

Dear ItMattersMore,

I think you are right that with the right conditions everyone could become a compulsive gambler. I have never had any issues with addictive behaviour prior to this, nor is addiction in my close family/early caregivers, so on paper it made no sense!

Well done on your 39 days - that's awesome!

Another day ticked off and the only urges I get are to punch P@ddy P0w3r etc in the face when they make light of having a bet.

Instead of the "Gamble responsibly" line being thrown about maybe gambling should go the cigarette route? When placing a bet perhaps there should be pictures of CG's that have taken their own lives just so the bookies can make a quick ВЈ.

It really is a blood sucking industry that takes no prisoners.

One thing that has totally gone from the news is the plan to reduce maximum stake on FOBTs to £2 from the current (crazy) £100.

Although machines were never my thing, the despair I saw on some of the people playing them was horrible to witness.

I'd say a FOBT should have a health warning for sure....

Another couple of days chalked off. Its been a good weekend, night out with friends, and then family time including a bit of party planning for my daughters forthcoming party.

@Phil72 from what I understand FOBTs have been developed to pull on the correct strings in "victims" brains to encourage continued playing - how can this be allowed? The things are designed to create CG's.

My betting problem is a bit of a niche one which I think makes my fight a bit easier than others (maybe??) - By self excluding from **** specifically I have straightaway removed about 90% of the markets I would bet on. New bookies will no doubt appear that I am yet to self exclude from but none seem to have the amount of goalscorer markets as the aforementioned. I am also restricted in that I can only bet if there is a decent standard of football on. Whereas FOBTS and online casinos are available 24/7 meaning there is no escape, potentially no periods of "rest".

Bring on tomorrow I am ready and waiting.

48 days GF.

Nothing much to say so just a check in.

52 days GF.

Life is so much easier when you don't give your hard earned cash away.

Some good stuff coming this week after an enjoyable weekend with friends and family.

To quote Rob Schneider (I bet that's never been said on this forum before) "You can do it!"

Good job buddy ! Proud of you ! Keep sailing ! We're never gonna back down 🙂

Stay GF!

Sars

Thanks for your post on my diary and congrats on 54 days. ..brilliant. Your positivity is key let's do this!! S:)

Day 59 GF.

One week until the football season is back properly. I am looking forward to testing my resolve and to actually enjoying football rather than staring at my phone either placing bets or checking results.

Rekindled an old hobby and haven't thought about gambling this weekend.

Take the red pill and face real life head on. The blue pill is too destructive in the long run. And if you haven't seen the Matrix then there's always Google.