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In debt and gambling

Hiya,

I am struggling financially because when I get money I am wanting more and I use video gaming sites to gamble. I am on a DMP at the moment and have debts around 11K.

I'm a bloody idiot

Comments

  • First of all you need to speak to someone about the gambling problem. You need to address why you are acting out in a self destroying way. If you can't get therapy then have a sponsor someone you can turn to when you get the urge to talk things through. I'm happy to help if you don't have someone closer to you.

    Secondly contact your card issuer to ask them to restrict Gambling sites. (Natwest do this) not sure about others.

    Although expensive and didn't work for me their are great reviews for company called Gamblock which restricts any pages / apps involving gambling from your phone.

    This isn't an option for everyone but my sister has my money and drip feeds me 15 pounds a day minimising the impact if I do act out. It's also allowed me to have a strict budget and now I'm saving money each month.
  • It sounds like you need professional help. Probably the best place to start would be GamCare which offer free support, advice and counselling.


    http://www.gamcare.org.uk/
    174 BPM >> CC Balance (0%) -£3,565.99 - Target DFD Dec 2017 >> Loan (Car) (3.1%) -£19,803.74 - Target DFD Nov 2020
  • Dory35
    Dory35 Posts: 12 Forumite
    Thank you xx
  • Well yes and no - the first step to resolving this is recognising you have a problem. I deal a lot with addiction in my line of work. Nobody grows up thinking I want to be an alcoholic, I want to be a gambler, I want to be a drug addict, but things happen in life and all of these things are inherently addictive. The next one will be the big one, the next one will make me rich.

    As per above, please get professional help. The worst thing you can do is try to battle this alone. Find someone you trust - friend, professional whatever and don't spare the details. This is the day of reckoning.
  • Dory35, get anti-gambling software installed on your phone, laptop etc I got myself in a terrible mess playing pokerstars and it worked a treat. you have to pay $60 or so but well well worth it

    IGNORE this post - do NOT buy that software it's a hacked account spamming.
  • motivated
    motivated Posts: 3,044 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic PPI Party Pooper
    My brother had issues a couple of years ago. He downloaded K9 blocker on all computers and someone else had the password. It's free too.

    It helped him massively just a thought
    Good luck
    M
    Emptying my lake with a teaspoon
  • National_Debtline
    National_Debtline Posts: 7,998 Organisation Representative
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 27 February 2017 at 3:51PM
    Hi Dory

    I agree with the others here that dealing with your gambling issue is the main thing to tackle, otherwise it’s going to make it difficult to move forward in dealing with your debts. Well done for recognising that you have a problem and seeking help.

    Is your DMP with a free provider such as Stepchange or Payplan, or are your paying a fee? If you’re paying a fee you should really look at free options.

    James
    @natdebtline
    We work as money advisers for National Debtline and have specific permission from MSE to post to try to help those in debt. Read more information on National Debtline in MSE's Debt Problems: What to do and where to get help guide. If you find you're struggling with debt and need further help try our online advice tool My Money Steps
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