ex and would be ex-gamblers support thread

WorzelG

What do you guys think about the morality of online poker? Ive been playing a lot over the past few years and make decent poket money but you guys stories make me think twice.

I mean I knew my profits came from somewhere but I didnt no people got in serious trouble.

Would you support a ban of online gaming for everyone?

Ames

I don't know about a ban for everyone, but there should be tighter controls. For instance, when my ex set up an account with my bank details without my knowledge until I got the bank statements, the company wouldn't talk to me about it, they said that unless I emailed from the address used to create the account they couldn't do anything!

I think that TV advertising should be banned though, especially for the bingo sites etc that run ads in the early evening, they're targeting people who are bored and more likely to form a habit, but also kids are being taught that gambling is normal and ok.

I don't know where the line falls - between personal responsibility and taking control for your own affairs, but there being protection when it all goes wrong.

cantcope

I dont think online gambling should be banned. Lots of people can enjoy gambling without forming an addiction. I do agree with Ames though that there is far too much tv advertsing.

i've noticed in the last year that almost one in 10 programmes are sponsored by some gambling site. Every womens magazine i pick up has their own online bingo site with ads' showing people with big fat cheques. Not once have i seen an ad showing a young woman with a huge credit card bill being evicted from their home... oh no... they wont tell you that.

I drive past 3 billboards advertising online poker on my way home from work, a total of 7 miles.

as a child the only gambling that i knew existed was sun bingo and the grand national. It's everywhere nowadays and i am seeing more and more young people (16+) enter the GA rooms. so sad to see. and i'm sure there are plenty more that havent been to a meeting

Maybe i just notice it more because i have a problem with it.

made-in-sheffield

A am not a gambler but see the effects it has on the people involved, family, friends and colleagues.

Please read the petition and consider signing...

petitions.number10.gov.uk/ReduceGambling


Thanks

itsalongroad

Hello,
I gambled compulsively for years, managing to blow redundnaices, house equity, and build a huge debt whilst doing a fairly well paid job. Since then been going to GA, and managed to stay gamble free. The one observation I have reading these pages, is there is a huge focus on money, money lost, and money to be repaid. Ok money is fundamental, BUT since stopping gambling, my life has changed immeasurably for the better

TIME, Peace of mind, focus on the people around you (when my son talks to me, I am not thinking about gettign a bet on, or the need to rush to the laptop...i am lsitening), enjoying tv, and comedy, and walking the dogs..my health etc

The benefits are endless, I could go on....

Debt wise, I still have it, I have paid approx 30% and have probably 4 years more to go, and thats just to clear the credit cards/loans/od's....before I start on the huge mortgage I managed to get...

so what - dont give up gambling becuase it costs too much...give it up and get your lives back

Thats it - I know its really hard to keep going, but in my experience the rewards make it worth it

good luck to all

GeorgeUK

Thanks for the post itsalongroad.

Great to hear that you're sticking to just debtbusting and are happier now.

cantcope

Great post. I agree it's not about the money, not for me anyway. I have to admit at the start it was. In my experience not many people admit they have a problem until they have no further access to money.

I'm nearly at my 3 years off and apart from being debt free i now have my life back. I sleep well, i dont worry about bills each month, i am more considerate and understanding. Most of all i am more patient.

How's everyone doing this week?

riquelme

hi everyone again, been a bit lazy as far as posting and going to meetings is concerned, still havent gambled though. nearly bought a go on a scratch card being passed around the pub the other day for the footy team i play for. just did it automatically then i said that if i won i was donating it to the club. conscience clear.

for me its half and half, ive got lots of time for my family instead on the laptop constantly, but its hard knowing what ive done is going to affect my familys quiality of life for the next 5 years. we really wanted to save for our childrens future and now im paying £300 a month off a gambling debt. its also going to affect us moving house, when this happens im sure im in for a rough ride from my OH.

stay strong everyone

cantcope

Hi Riquel,

From you saying you bought a scratch card rings warning bells. That should not be an automatic thing. Get to your meetings. I'm sure you've been warned what can happen if you stop going and it sounds like it is.
This thing is progressive. Might just be a scratch card for now but give it a month and i dread to think what could happen.

For your families future you must keep on top of this otherwise they will be affected for life, not just 5 years.

Sorry this sounds like a lecture but it's meant to be

riquelme

CC - its nothing to worry about, it was one of those cards that gets passed around all the players and you have a go/ pick a team for £1 when the card is complete the winner is scratched off, it wasnt as if i went out to buy one. straight away i realised what i was doing and simply donated the £1 to the club. thanks for your concern, its appreciated, but im still pretty strong.

will get to a meeting next week though