1 month update..

7 Posts
4 Users
0 Likes
2,250 Views
KevGambler
(@kevgambler)
Posts: 14
Topic starter
 

Thought I'd post some thoughts down in here.

I think it was the 22nd July I decided enoughh was enough. I put gamstop in place a week later and have not looked back. I've not had an urge to gamble as such, every time anyone mentions betting I let them know I've excluded for a year. I've not told anyone that it's through gamstop or I consider myself a problem gambler but that I don't want to bet anymore because it's a mugs game and there's only ever one winner!

I have thought about betting a few times and often like to check odds on matches knowing I won't bet but out of interest. I try to even resist doing that now though as I don't like thinking about it.

For those wishing to stop, I think gamstop will turn out to be the best thing I've ever done. I know now that there is no access to gambling for me unless I go and physically place a bet which I know i wont do. Please consider this as I think it would help change many lives. Keep fighting the battle everyone and have a great day.

K

 
Posted : 23rd August 2020 8:34 am
(@thesurgeon21)
Posts: 2
 

Hi Kev, 

Great that you've self excluded using Gamstop. I'm in a similar boat to you and have registered albeit for the full five year period. 

You mention that you've self excluded for one year - I suppose my question really is why you've opted for one as opposed to five years as I'm curious to know your intentions after the 12 months is up. I was tempted to do the same as you but in the end figured I would only be waiting out the period until I would inevitably be tempted again.

Well done on the month free!

S

 
Posted : 23rd August 2020 8:46 am
(@bladesman)
Posts: 328
 

Well done Kev on a month gamble free. Gamstop is great to stop temptation and I have Betblocker installed as well. 

My only question to you is why only for 12 months, what happens then, will you think you have beat this. Your answer may be yes but for me I have put the blocks on for the 5 year max so the temptation doesn't resurface. No matter how well we are doing, I'm now 73 days gf, this evil will always be lurking in the shadows to catch us out at a weak moment.

Well done so far but keep your guard up ?

 
Posted : 23rd August 2020 8:50 am
KevGambler
(@kevgambler)
Posts: 14
Topic starter
 

Sorry I missed the responses above.

I did think that, what would happen after a year? I wouldn't want to assume I can control my gambling, ive done long stints off and came back into betting slowly then taken a big hit on the only casinos which are horrible but give you that rush. 

I think you are both right, I probably should have just done the 5 year exclusion. Is this something I can do now or do I have to wait till the end of the year?

... 

Today is 48 days GF. I don't think about betting that often but when I do I come on this site to read others story's and find motivation. I did think about what it would be like to gamble this evening and would like the feeling of winning a bet. Fortunately gamstop has prevented this. Best decision I've ever made to sign up to that. 

 

 
Posted : 7th September 2020 9:25 pm
KevGambler
(@kevgambler)
Posts: 14
Topic starter
 

I used someone else's account to set up a fantasy football account through a well known betting company as ive used gamstop but wanted to get involved with the fantasy football again with my mates. 

I used this persons account previously to get the free bets and didnt realise I had one left in. I was debating not using it as it could be a potential trigger, but i put it on a low odds bet to try and win my fantasy football entry (10 free bet to 20 cash). Inevitably lost the bet.

Not sure how i feel about the actions i took. I still dont want to bet again and put it on knowing it was only a free bet and that was that. But part of me feels guilty for putting it on at all because it technically is still betting so ive gone against what I aimed to do. 

Still very much focused on a GF life though.. A small hiccup in the journey ahead! 

 
Posted : 14th September 2020 1:19 pm
Chris.UK
(@chris-uk)
Posts: 887
 

@kevgambler Just ask yourself Kev, have you had enough after everything you went through? 

With this fantasy football stuff you're holding onto something as you'll be watching the scorers, the goalkeepers, anything that scores you points with the same emotion as you do when gambling.

Just let it go and if you need to watch it, just watch it from a fun point of view, not a gambler or fantasy football.

Chris.

 
Posted : 14th September 2020 2:07 pm
KevGambler
(@kevgambler)
Posts: 14
Topic starter
 

Hi everyone i can't recommend Gamstop enough. Ive stopped thinking about gambling as much because i know i cant do it. Im not ever going to make the mistake of letting accounts go open again. Ive also come to realise how bad gambling advertisement can be in sports. It's everywhere!! It makes me angry when i see it on tv. 

I have done a few 5 pound bets that friends have put on in a group bet but still have no desire to get back into it. I am aware that i probably shouldn't even be getting involved in this. Maybe its something i need to completely cut out.

What has changed my mindset is investing money in stocks. My mindset towards gambling has completely changed. I now look at it as a waste of money and like to put money towards my future and avoid that gambling adrenaline rush we all loved but hate.

I'm writing this post as a reminder to myself of where i was last sunmer. Take it day by day and eventually you will start to feel positive again. Use this site to read others experiences and educate. K

 
Posted : 7th February 2021 9:51 pm

We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.

Find out more
Close