Young and Dumb 2.0

Hi Luke , just pick yourself up dust yourself down then have a good word with yourself , no point in beating yourself up what's done is done , lok at where it went wrong and put some stronger blocks in place if need be , maybe look at speaking with you IP to see about having parental blocks in place so you cant access any over 18 sites ? or as we always say report your card lost and when the new one arrives scratch off the 3 digits so you can't deposit ( without writing them down of course ) !.

Your never going to get extra income from gambling so maybe look at taking on another part time job if that's an option ? , hard work is the only real way to earn money mate and without the risks attached to gambling :))

Take care fella !

Day 01

Thanks Alan for the supportive comments and advice. Obviously today has been hard as I'm always thinking of how much I've lost, I know I shouldn't but it's hard not to.

Today I've made my first steps, as I'm young and looking to save most of my money, I have opened an ISA, this way I can regularly save and not deposit into betting websites!! I have also tried to stay positive by trying to use my time differently in a productive way, for example being healthier and fitter and taking time to read a book and learn.

Looking forward to writing my next post at 1 week.

Thanks,
Luke

Welcome back Luke.

With the resitance against gambling high why dont you put even better barriers in place? Can your girlfiriend take control of your finances? Have you blocked yourself from all online sites?

Hi Luke welcome and best wishes it would be good to place more blocks in place gives you peace of mind too, best wishes Lu x

Week 1

There were go. One week complete, pretty easy as I've been this far many times. My real struggle is a few months down the line. I have found that it not necessarily the addiction to gamble I find hard, its the constant thought of my losses and the money troubles I have ahead during christmas. However, I need to be strong and clever enough to realise gambling will only make it worse. I'm self excluded on most sites I know of and I'm keeping myself occupied when I'm not at work. Week 2 here I come.

Thanks, Luke

Hi Luke,

Just like you I saw gambling as an extra income but believe me it isn't. I'm proof of this after losing 11K chasing my losses and thinking I could make money. I have lumped 1K on bets that should be bullet proof just to win £40 as I was under the theory if I could make £40 a day the loss would be repaid in just over a year, all good until you lose the grand after only being up a couple of hundred.

Gambling is a vicious circle, you are still young mate so crack it now before it takes over..

Day 33

That's one month complete! My personal best is about 3 months so thats my next target. It's been pretty good so far, self exclusion helps massively and its becoming fun to save money! I realise that I'm in a much better financial situation that I was last year so that already a positive.

Thanks everyone!

Day 48

Nearly hitting half a century! Feeling better with myself and about life in general. This time last year I was depressed and having suicidal thoughts but I'm glad I had the will power. Christmas is round the corner and I'm able to spend money on loved ones.

Lets keep it going.

Day 50

Onto 100

Day 63

I hope everyone had a good, gambling free christmas! I'm at two months now and the 100 day target is getting closer, without gamcare I'd be in the same bad, depression situation as I was earlier this year, but having this to express my feelings has helped loads.

Hi Luke,

I have just seen your diary whilst browsing the site. How is is going? Hope you're still GF and enjoying the extra money that is bringing.

Phil

Day 92

Hi Phil, it's going great! I've changed my mind and it's changed my life, I'm taking care of the pennies and the pounds are looking after themselves. I can watch sport now and fully enjoy it, I've just booked a holiday to France which I wouldnt of been able to do this time last year. Just one more week until the century and then the target moves on to 200. I'm visiting this site less and less as my thoughts on gambling are declining.

Thanks

Luke

Brilliant! It's always concerning when someone goes 'off the radar' for a bit so it's fantastic to hear you're still GF.

I'm only on Day 10 myself but can't wait for the feeling you just described. Have a great holiday...you've earned it!

Phil

Day 100

WOW. 100. I have reached my first big target! It's seemed a lot longer than that. Everyday which ticks by is a personal best and its such a great feeling, gambling seems like something of the past but I know I shouldnt relax too much as urges can build at any point. I'm enjoying saving money and having fun. Next target will be 150 days. So here we go!

Luke