One day at a time - support thread for compulsive gamblers.

Shovel_Lad

Just to let you know there is a long standing support thread for ex and would be ex-gamblers

[Deleted User]

andyfromotley wrote: »

I'm sorry that you feel that GA isn't for you can i ask why? There are other services around. Gamcare may be able to refer you to a counsellor. Google smart therapy in your area or speak to your GP.

My gambling problem is a very private thing and nobody else in my life knows about it. I just don't feel able to go and sit in a group and discuss it. I also find it easier to be abstinent when there are no reminders of gambling in my life. I think going to regular meetings to talk about it would make me more likely to gamble! I didn't know individual counselling was available so thanks for that suggestion, I will look into it.

andyfromotley wrote: »

I am very worried that you are about to get a substantial sum of money but are still gambling. Mt experiences tell me that i know what will likely happen to that money. Is there a plan you can put in place for someone else to manage it for you.

I'm going to pay off all my debts and buy a property. I might put some money in shares as this still gives me a small daily thrill from making/losing money but without the inevitable long term loss. The person I'm receiving the inheritance from was very anti-gambling so this is a huge incentive to do the right thing in their memory. My credit report is so bad now that I won't be able to get in any more debt for years even if I wanted to.

Well done to everyone who is not currently gambling. I hope to be in the same position soon. I know from experience that if you manage to stop then your life can turn around very quickly.

Muhren

[Deleted User] wrote:

I'm going to pay off all my debts and buy a property. I might put some money in shares as this still gives me a small daily thrill from making/losing money but without the inevitable long term loss. The person I'm receiving the inheritance from was very anti-gambling so this is a huge incentive to do the right thing in their memory. My credit report is so bad now that I won't be able to get in any more debt for years even if I wanted to.

I would strongly advise against shares as there is a member at my GA meeting that stopped gambling for a year but then started shares and it turned out to be even worse for him financially than betting on sports and fobt ever was.

Craig32

I don't know the precise date, but I hit the wall near the end of May, when my gambling got out of control. Then I took out payday loan upon payday loan to try and win the money back, which was then lost. Before i know it I am nearly 30k in the hole. 1 x Loan, 4 x Payday loans, 1 x Overdraft, 3 x Credit Cards.

From having the red mist, a lightbulb suddenly went off in my head, that this wasn't the future that I wanted, and whilst the damage had been done I was going to clear it, get out of it, and live a happy life debt and gambling free.

I spoke to my girlfriend, friends and family, and what a huge relief it was to get that off my shoulders. No longer was I having to lie, cover my tracks on why I had no money etc.

I joined GA, signed up here, and it was all been positivity since. No negative feedback. My parents were very negative to begin with, but even they are coming round now and showing positivity.

I feel like I can't lose now, with everyone behind me supporting me.

One thing I have got to say, and this could be a lucrative project for someone, but there has to be a Gambling Black List Register existing in the UK. And once you had signed yourself up to that you would never be able to sign up for a gambling website again. Upon trying to register the bookie would do a search for your details on this register, and if you're there, decline your registration.

I would keep closing accounts, but then there was always another one I could open up with.

I don't think the UK realise just how destructive a gambling addiction is. You can be a drug or alcohol addict, but there is only so much alcohol you can drink that day before you ko. This isn't the case with gambling, there seems to be an unlimited opportunity for further credit.

I have only ever been an online gambler. I have never set foot in a casino or bookie shop bizarrely.

Anyways, keep the faith people. This can be beat, and it will be beat. i believe in you!

TakeAwayKing_2

Hello all. I am still in the grips of CG.

andyfromotley

Hi

Shovel, ty i didn't know that and will check it out.

611 - you have to tread your own path. But please remember that there is always a warm welcome for you at GA if you change your mind. Sharing can be incredibly difficult but most people find it a huge positive. I agree with the danger of dabbling in shares.

Craig - hi and welcome, your story is all to familiar! I'm glad you have found your way to GA and glad that you are on the road to recovery. I agree about the blacklist, i fear the gambling industry has no real interest in stopping compulsive gamblers. Sadly though CG will always find a way around any system, the change has to come from within us.

Takeaway - HI and welcome. I'm sorry to hear that you are still gambling. What do you propose to do about it? There is plenty of help out there waiting for you. Equally the world has an infinite supply of pain for you if you continue. When you are ready for a change check out Gamblers Anonymous or gamcare.

Just for today - I will not gamble.

andy

cantcope

well done for creating a post and tackling gambling.
There is a post thats been running since 2008 here for ex and would be ex gamblers https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1090463

there are lots of stories of success on taking back control and clearing debts on there. it certainly helped me with somewhere to write my thoughts down over the last 7 years