Hi just wondering if you have ever picked up on signs that someone you know could have a gambling problem?
This happened over a year ago, I had a chat with someone in work. We are not friends but get on well enough, we were sitting having lunch and soon others joined.
Eventually the chat went on to gambling, and the guy I’m concerned about said he played roulette and had £6000 in profit but he kept going and lost it.
rightly, or wrongly only my family know about my gambling problem and I’m too ashamed for anyone else to know. I was asked if I gambled before and while I wanted to say ‘don’t do, I lost close to £100,000’...instead lied and said ‘nah, just lottery tickets’.
Hi
I don't broadcast to anyone that i have a gambling problem , a few people in my work place know i don't want to gamble as i have said its not for me as i can't control myself or i don't want to put myself in that position, especially when a work night out comes up like going to the dogs or casino. You should only confide in people you trust i believe especially in a work environment, this is only my opinion.
Hi LF.
Yes its not a good idea to talk about gambling at work or any situation where you are not comfortable with the environment.
Work is a false social situation where you cant really upset anyone. I have found that active gamblers dont want to hear about stopping, recovery or your ideals.
All they want to hear is gamblers banter because addicts stick together. Its just like smoking where we are not really welcome in their group if they know I wont smoke. Addicts stick together and take comfort in that. They also introduce others to their vice as most drug addicts really do.
You cant help that guy at work because the strong probability (almost a certainty) is that he will badly react to you and you have to keep working there. Addicts are deluded and until he is ready to seek help you cant help him...You have everything to lose in a work situation because you know how work politics in the pecking order goes.
I learnt the hard way that gamblers do not want to be questioned. The responses range from patronising ridicule to outright anger....one very loose acquaintance went beserk with the how dare you routine and foul language.
I never did that at work though and its fine line of not talking about gambling or laughing it off without appearing to be a square to them.
We should be proud and we are not the "squares" However to protect my job I never tell anyone that doesn't need to know.
Its a difficult one and thankfully where I work now, the topic of gambling rarely if ever comes up
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
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