hi everyone, I have recently come to terms and opened my eyes to the severity of my gambling and what a problem it has become.
My main issue is I work for a high street bookmaker, and I feel if I open up to them about my problem they will find a way to remove me as they won't want a problem gambler as an employee. Being faced with all the gambling going on, serving punters has made it increasingly difficult to resist and I keep going back to gambling.
I have been looking for another job and because of my debt (about 12000) I can't afford a gap in employment. I also work alot of overtime to try to reduce my debt although it has been for nothing so far as I kept on gambling.
Is there anyone who has been in my situation, or can offer advice?
Hi boltonwonderer,
You're certainly not alone with this problem, and we speak to other people working in betting shops that have issues with gambling all the time. That's a good step that you've acknowledged what a problem gambling is for you, and yes, it would be a great idea if you could find a job where you weren't exposed to it constantly. I understand it's difficult to just quit, though, with all that debt. Have you thought about speaking with any debt relief agencies, like StepChange? They might be able to help you out a bit on that front; here's their website: http://www.stepchange.org/
I'm sure it's frustrating to work all those overtime hours and see very little of it going to good use. Have you thought about giving us a call for a chat? We might be able to help you decide on a direction for your recovery, such as possibly getting individual counselling, which helps a lot of gamblers find ways to manage their urges more effectively. If that sounds like something you might be interested in, we'd be happy to speak with you on either the Helpline (0808 8020 133) or the Netline from 8am to midnight any day of the week.
I do hope you're finding the forum to be a supportive place, and well done for posting. Hope this helps, and hang in there, things can definitely get better for you.
Travis
Hi! I had addiction before, was able to stop being addict. I've got job at an arcade and it slowly came back.... Now im working for a bookie just like you, and in an arcade. Long hours working hard.... and then being tempted to play... Next day i feel disgusted to come to work. Wasting lot of energy on nothing... I'm not a pro, we are in the same shoes, but dont waste time like i did last year when i first contacted gamcare and didnt go for meeting. Ask for help before gets even worse (debt), or you risk losing job by doing something silly. Btw I've got colleagues too, caught on gambling.
I've never worked in the industry but I can appreciate what a nightmare situation this could be. I could see that if your employer found out the repercussions would be awful. I'd do what Gamcare suggest and speak to them for advice sooner rather than later. I'm a former CG and that was bad enough without actually working in the industry.
I hope it all works out well for you both.
Best Wishes.
Thankyou for your advice, I've spoken to stepchange and they've suggested a debt management plan to help pay off my debt. I worry this will c*****e my application in the future for a mortgage etc?
It's not that I can't afford to pay it off I just wish I could consolidate but my bank won't allow this for such an amount.
Unfortunately boltonw. as you may be aware,your creditors will inform the credit ref agencies of any defaults and reduced payment arrangements. It could very well have an adverse effect on any future mortgage application with mainstream lenders. I suppose if you can you'd ideally need to service the normal monthly payments on your current loans for the duration. Only you know if that's possible. It puts even more pressure on you to quit gambling as to continue will put the kybosh on any future financial plans. You are obviously going to have to do some very serious thinking. At least you are in a job and o/time is currently available. It's easy for me to say but look after any spare money (possibly ask a relative to save it for you).
On an optimistic note, I'm on 50 plus days gambling free and at present I don't feel the need to gamble. The urges aren't as great either for me at any rate. If you can reach the same point as me, you may feel the same way. I hope you can anyway.
Whatever course of financial action you take, I wish you well.
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