Why do I gamble?

blackmaff

I am doing so well, and keep derailing my attempts to become debt-free.



Stupid Matt.

I could've been so far ahead with my plan and be debt free, if I could just resist betting.

camuk81

Is there anything that you know triggers it that you can prevent?

immoral_angeluk

Have you spoken to gamblers anonymous, or any other support groups?

poppy10_2

Have a look here

http://www.gambleaware.co.uk/help-and-advice/

You can self-ban from all reputable online and offline betting outfits operating in the UK

bangersnmash

Difficult. As you know, a problem that afflicts a lot of people.

Ok, can you get yourself banned off all the websites and or if you go to casinos etc banned from them. There's some software called gamlock or gamblock or something like that that bars your access to websites so get that installed. For venues as I understand it they are legally obliged to ban you if you ask them to so if you go to places then tell them.

Knowing that you've done this will now also switch off the part of your brain to do with it. Re read this line that I've written here over and over again to get it further imprinted into your mind.

If you still have an urge then immediately do some displacement activity like go for a walk or a jog, phone someone up, eat some chocolate, go to the shops, have a beer, go down the pub, anything that breaks the moment and distracts you and puts you into a different mode.

Analyse what the triggers are then avoid the situations. Is it boredom, or certain thoughts. Is it late at night or when you're alone. If it's boredom then do something you enjoy to break the tedium. If it's certain thoughts then have a batch of other thoughts ready to think about instead such as think about the best holiday you ever had, some of the best times you've had with friends, think about a hot beach in the sunshine, the sun on your face, the drink in your hand and the friend who you're having a laugh with. Construct a whole fantasy sequence to think about. If it's late a night then go to bed earlier. If it's when you're alone then go to see someone or phone someone up or do some net chat like on this site.

You can beat this, you can decide to do so. This is an old mental exercise that works so now put the desire in a small box with a lock on it and turn the key and lock it in. Now climb up the ladder and put the box on the top shelf and push it to the back. Now climb down again and put the key in with the cutlery in the kitchen. Now it's safely out of the way. It's gone. Away out of reach. Re read this and believe that it works. It does work, as I say, it's an old mental technique and it works so allow yourself to believe that it does. Then it will. As a self fulfilling loop.

So now you're free. You've sorted it out. Good.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

chucknorris

Could it be that because when you stop it leaves such a void that you become bored and end up being enticed back into it?

If you were spending a significant amount of time gambling you will need to find something to fill that time, could you use this positively by using the time productively by getting fit, taking up a sport, learning a language or taking an academic, vocational or other type of course or qualification?

abundant1972

Hey there... I understand what it's like having been there not so long ago... I nipped it in the bud before it got too out of hand but I probably blew £400 earlier last year in the space of a month and am only just now catching up with myself... I had to use Wonga (don't all shoot me!) to cushion me through Xmas which of course charges high interest... it kind of just spiralled me out of control...

For me it was whenever life felt out of control... it could be a bad day at work... or *another* failed relationship... sometimes it would be just the volume of my debt overwhelming me... and that chance - however small - of being able to win and clear it all was too enticing. A quick fix that never came. Sure I'd have the odd win which would convince me that the next one was just around the corner... and of course it never came... How is it for you Matt?

I guess I learned the hard way... and the stress of the last 6 months never breaking even each month has taught me a valuable lesson. Now this bit is going to shock people... I do still have a spin on the slots every day BUT... and i stress this strongly... I now only allow myself to do FREE slots. There are a couple of sites that offer these... but I have to be really strict with myself. Sometimes the temptation is still there... and I had a £10 slip a month back... but quickly felt bad again and haven't gone back. For me - and I appreciate it may be different for everyone - if that gambling urge surfaces - I have to face it... and look behind what is causing it - and tackle it in another way.

I now check in here everyday on various threads and goals - which gives me a feeling of being back in control. Even small things like paying £1 a day into a savings account gives me a feeling of building prosperity and a way out of my debt. For me, once I am on this roll - I am not so tempted to risk my hard earned money. Also... because I see so many people on here trying so hard... I feel I am not only letting myself down - but everyone else... And by chipping more off my debts and feeling able to encourage others... well I guess I get a new feeling - one of well being - that is replacing that old gnawing need for something else.

I think you could ban yourself from sites as suggested... I know I did for 6 months... to remove the temptation - but unless you find that trigger as some of the other posters talk about - you will likely find some other way to alleviate it. It's your choice as to how you do that - in a way that is positive and affirming - or in a way that takes something from you and derails you as you put it...

If it helps... PM me on here if you are struggling or need a chat. I check in everyday so will get your messages... and we can help keep each other on track!!! It's what I love about this forum - even though we have never met - we have a shared sense of each others pain - and a shared determination, courage to beat our problems, and compassion for each others journey to becoming debt free.

We WILL ALL make it... and nobody's getting left behind!!! Love you all x

bangersnmash

What a great post abundant, and other bods, you're all uplifting. Well done and also well done with the way that you're dealing with yourself and selves, excellent. Top stuff. Keep it up. All the best.

blackmaff

You guys

Thank you so much for your advice.

I will try the gamblock. I just removed any gambling apps from my phone (no wonder I gamble!)

It's a mental thing, I always convince myself 'You can win' and 'It's only 10/20 pounds'

And before you know it

Shame
Despair
Sadness
Another month away from Debt Free.


I've decided everytime I feel like betting, I am going to use my mobile banking app to move £1 to my saving account, and not gamble.

I've kidded myself into thinking I can gamble SOME of the time, which is a stupid thing to do.

It needs to go the way of smoking, and be gone for good.

Thank you all

cantcope

Feel free to come and post over here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1090463 we are all either just starting our journey without gambling or on it and offering advice and support x