Gambling addict state of affairs

Daedalus

mark24c wrote: »

it would appear not http://www.abacusfinance.co.uk/Gambling-Debt.htm so tell the gambling companies to whistle for it

mark24c wrote: »

are gambling debts enforceable?

I am afraid gambling debts are now enforceable (gambling act 2005). It was designed to stop rouge bookies refusing to honour bets.

fozmcfc

andy.m wrote: »

Slots was my addiction, BUT, however unsavoury people think the previous poster was, the admission and cure ultimately comes from within, or it doesn't come at all.

Same here, offline slots, then moved big time onto online slots for the best part of 25 years.

Gambling is an addiction like any other and can be just as deadly as well.

Until you stop and hopefully beat the addiction, people do look for excuses and to blame others (most definitely been there, done that).

Nothing and I mean nothing forces a person to gamble, like nothing forces people to smoke or drink or eat tons of food.

Unfortunately after starting to do any of the above beyond moderation, it is extremely difficult to stop.

Common excuses are to get away from lifes other problems, some say peer pressure, some say to try to win money in the case of gambling, because they think it is easy to win.

I'm not saying that in the case of gambling in particular, more couldn't be done to stop people getting addicted. For instance I believe all gambling should be off bound to any children under 16. It is very annoying to see children as young as 6 or 7 hanging around seaside arcades trying to tell adult how to play the over 18 slot machines.

Sometimes in life we make the wrong decisions and it is about facing up to them and then doing something about it.

Some people can do this alone, some people need help and there is absolutely no shame in getting that help. Ironically the OP is a fitness instructor, now I'm sure that they have help many people who are out to lose weight, because they are addicted to eating fatty food. But they too cannot do it on willpower alone, but need help and guidance.

If I was the OP and didn't feel as though I could conquer it alone, I would use the gambling supporters thread here, plus look up Gamcare and of course GA.

castortroy28

Hi Hi...

I wouldnt call myself an expert on these things. However I am a recovering gambling addict.

I have gambled on everything known to man including bare knuckle boxing in dodgy car parks.

Is it possible that I could have more information regarding the gambling debts? Is it all spread bet companies who gave you a line of credit and then asked for a margin call when it went the other way?

I only wanted to know as I think from my gambling experience could help you.

Moving on from there, I am glad you admitted that its an issue and trying to deal with it. Its damn hard at first as you have to go cold turkey. It takes time but as long as you have a good family, and support then you will make it through. You dont actually owe that much in comparisson to what you owe.

Good luck to you and i am subscribing now.. let me know how you get on and if you need some help msg me.

Cas

Apples2

help897 wrote: »

thanks for this

I have recieved court letters before so it is an interesting one

Are you here for advice or support?
It is VERY difficult to have both which satisfies you.

If you have stopped gambling and are looking for advice on how to deal with your £6.6k of debt (not too much really, people borrow more to buy a second hand car) then stick around.

If you are still gambling, you may want to go elsewhere for specific help, this isn't it.

Whatever you do, DO NOT go anywhere near that stupid link mark24c has provided. I would put good money on those ambulance chasers waiting for your call so they too can grab more of your cash.

Your Debt is pretty much unserviceable on your income so you need debt advice, either one of these two:

Consumer Credit Councelling Service

Payplan

Both are free to you and will help deal with your creditors.

If you are still gambling (one week isn't long), it is pointless, all bets are off until you get control of your addiction.

Good luck to you but MSE is not the right place to deal with this other than to read about other peoples stories.

olivia84

sorry to barge in; but i just wanted to say i can't believe the way ILW repsponded to the OP. yes people have to be blunt and be cruel to be kind, but the OP already acknowledges the mess he is in, is trying to sort it out, hasn't gambled for over a week and came here for some non judgemental advice on his financial situation. there are ways to be factual and blunt without being patronising, sarcastic and downright nasty.

and i've just played into his/her hands by even responding, but it really winds me up to see folk clearly enjoy kicking someone when they're down just to make them feel in some way superior. kn** head.

OP; i hope you get sorted and quit the gambling for good, i don't know much about the enforceablility of gambling debts but i would imagine they would be treated as any other unsecured debt?? if so, there will be lots of good advice here on how to help you sort it.

i don't know much about it but i would imagine having as little access as possible to money would help?? is there any way, after payday, you can pay all your bills then give someone else your money to look after for you? is there anyone can pay your bills for you?

obviously there is no point in trying to sort out your finances now if you continue to gamble. draw a line under it all, keep going to the meetings and accept that the debt's there. as martin says, there are no money worries that do not have a solution.

good luck

Apples2

From the website mark24c posted:

5. How we will be paid


5.1 As most of our work for you will be done at the start of the Period, we will retain as a fee the first monthly payment and 90% of the second monthly payment to cover the cost of implementing your Debt Management Programme.

5.2 Unless we agree otherwise with you we will take from each monthly payment under the Debt Management Programme a gross fee equal to 17.625% of the payment received, subject to a minimum fee of £30.00.

life_unexpected_2

Help good luck with dealing with your addiction and sorting your debts.
I'd definitely look for a GA meeting especially if you have no friends or family to support you.
With financial stuff I think if you are able to pay the minimum for know and chuck any spare cash at the wonga loan this may best. Though I say baby steps as battling any addiction is hard add other too much pressure in other areas of your life and you could set your progress back .

Good luck with your efforts

katy_ann

Well done on realising your addiction and not gambling for a week, onwards and upwards

Please do not listen to some of the people on here, as the forum states at the top of the page, the forum is for advice and not judgement.

Good luck on your journey x

[Deleted User]

ILW wrote: »

Stop making excuses and do not gamble.

Just to remind you that Martin MSE has posted in huge font at the top of the DFW board:

Pls remember Debt-Free Wannabee's for support and help not judgement
Dear MoneySavers.... Debt Free Wannabee is one of my favourite boards on this site. It's also one which runs a delicate balance. Many people who have serious debts have hidden them for a time, been scared to confront them, suffered depression or have even had suicidal thoughts because of them. While elsewhere on the site robust discussion is welcomed, in Debt Free Wannabee may I politely ask MoneySavers to err on the side of kindness. Of course many are in debt due to over-spending, financial illiteracy, or mismanagement of money (and some through no fault, only due to change of circumstance). Yet the fact they are here means they're looking for help, guidance and to take charge of their finances - and that in itself is admirable Please use your knowledge and kindness to help rather than to berate. This board often has the power to move me to tears with the sheer power of the community that's grown and I hope it will continue. If you feel it’s important to point something out that the poster may find negative but needs to understand, then it's not a problem, but do think carefully about your phrasing - people can be very sensitive and nuances may mislead when it’s in an online Forum. I love this forum. Many have been and seen through their debts. Yet as it gets larger it's easy for the 'anonymity' of posting to mean as well as protecting users, it's easy to 'post and leave'. I hope this note may act as a wee reminder what it's all about. Martin

[Deleted User]

help897 wrote: »

Hi guys.

This is my current situation:

Bank Balance £0
Gambling company 1 - I owe £3000
Gambling company 2 - I owe £1000
Gambling company 3 - I owe £500
Gambling company 4 - I owe £500
Wonga - I owe £1100
Other - I owe £500

I get paid around £1300 per month.

I have not bet for around a week. I can survive until the end of the month via selling my phone, eating cheap foods, walking instead of driving etc...

Yeah i got myself deep in the crap - but I have personal reasons for why I went so off the rails.

I feel like taking out a loan but I am scared of spurious companies - I doubt any good companies would take me on as a young male gambling addict.

I have had companies offer my loans but quite high interest and not sure i trust them.

What is the best thing to do in my situation?

Thanks

Hi :-)

are you ready to quit gambling for ever? Do you think you've reached the bottom? If so then Gamblers' Anonymous can help you http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/, plus there is a support thread on MSE here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1090463

It could be that a Debt Management Plan (DMP) may help you - but this can be a long haul slog depending on your income etc. Please call/email either National Debtline, CCCS, or PayPlan. These are all free charities or NGOs which can help you decide what to do.

I am no expert, but have guided friends through the processes of DRO, BR & DMPs. If you'd like more detailed advice you can post up a SOA and someone more knowledgeable will be along soon.

This forum guide is good, too, a compilation of all the best advice and an action plan: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2976812

Good luck with fighting your addiction and I hope you slap it's 'arris into next year