I currently have been living with my parents for the last couple of years. I was depressed before, but have unfortunately added a gambling problem to my list of issues.
I recently took out a loan and a 0% credit card to consolidate some of my debts which meant that I could start looking for jobs and move out to my old town, maybe some slight hope for the future. I'd still be in a lot of debt, but maybe doable assuming I could get a better job. I now know that this was a dangerous plan, while still not being 100% gamble free.
Recently, I was gambling small amounts after a bonus was added to my account. I gambled for hours, up here and there, until I hit a huge losing spree on roulette. I lost the balance I had, plus the loan amount (**) plus much of the credit card balance (**). I went to work the next day with 2 hours sleep and a hangover.
I now cannot move out for at least 6 months and even then it's tight. I don't like this job and every day is a struggle. I know I can't try to win this back, but how do you deal with this? That loan is going to be there for 5 years, all gone in 30 minutes. Due to my stupidity, I'm now stuck here working for 'free' to pay off debts. I'm not a young man any more and yet more time is wasted.
Stay strong and try not to gamble.. Easy to say lol
Try to look at your time in your current living situation differently, I kmow you probably wamt to get out but you need to try and make it nicer and more pleasemt. I k ow it's easy to say but it's like a long flight somewhere, just focus on what's the other end.
Sounds mad but get a 2nd job in the evenings =. Ore money less time at home. Keep at it mate ?
Yeah thanks dude, really need to reframe the situation like you say. But I think even if everything worked out right and I didn't gamble, I'm still paying off debts for years and I have other issues that has caused profound regrets about the past. I've worked office jobs that I've grin and beared out for 15 years and now I find myself massively in the hole owning nothing. I'm not sure I'd enjoy any job either. I'm not sure any of it is worth it now.
I don't want to make it worse by gambling though. My 'high roller' days of gambling months of paychecks in an evening are gone for the time being as I can't get any more credit.
Dear sardo,
Thank you for sharing your experiences on the Forum; it sounds like you are determined not to gamble but feel that your current situation and debt is overwhelming you.
I would like to suggest you contact our team of advisers either on the netline or helpline 0808 8020 133 (open 7 days a week from 8.00am until midnight) for further advice and support including practical steps that you might take to support you in to recovery and assist you in managing your debt. In turn you may then feel more in control and able to make some other changes to your current circumstances.
Wishing you all the very best,
Forum Admin
Thanks admin. Unfortunately there's not a lot that can be done. Stepchange say just keep paying the psychiatrists say consider bankruptcy - but that might not be possible without repercussions.
Dear Sardo122,
Perhaps spend a bit of time looking at your options. StepChange will be trying to help alleviate your current situation. People can come out of the other side when they have been made bankrupt. There will be a debt solution for you.
Best Wishes
Forum Admin
Hi admin, unfortunately the last call I had with Stepchange they were very curt and I have to say slightly impolite, they kept talking over me when I was trying to seek some advice on bankruptcy. They basically said we can't help, come back when we can. I don't want to dissuade anyone from Stepchange as they are usually helpful and have good reviews.
What I've learnt about bankruptcy is there's a possibility of getting a restriction order, especially likely with gambling debts. One result of this means that any surplus income will have to go toward debts for a period of 3 or more years after filed for bankruptcy - which what I'm doing now anyway. I have a meeting with citizens advice bureau next month, but I fear they're going to tell me the same thing as Stepchange. There's not really too much that can be done other than suck it up and pay if you can make the min repayments.
Dear Sardo122,
Keep exploring, we hope that your appointment with Citizens Advice is helpful . The bottom line is that it is all about affordability and taking some of the pressure off regarding debt. Keep posting and sharing and take good care of yourself.
Forum Admin
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