Hi,
So here i am again. Been a long time browser if this site but have not posted. I am usually here when i've blown another load of money and am looking for help.
I've had a problem with gambling for 8 years. 8 years! What a waste. Some highs but mainly lots of awful lows. Built up debt over this time, then in the summer i won 28K!. I couldnt believe it! It was enough to pay off my debt and leave me some money for a holiday for me and my family. We went on that holiday but soon as i was back, yep you guessed it...i blew the lot! 25k in a matter of months. I had never had that much money to my name and the loss crippled me mentally.
Since then i have been playing slots pretty much everyday. Its now meant i am 16k in debt, some of this is now payday loans which are the worse of all debt. I feel utterly low and disgusted with myself. I stupidly thought because i have "VIP" status on my online account that i could make some money from the cashback offers. Some weeks i have but i now am completely out, maxed all my credit cards and now have just enough to service my debts until payday, even then it will mean i have just enough to scrape by. This shall be me for the next year at least!
The debt and general lack of funds is making my urges stronger. I am such an idiot! I am depressed and tired all the time and finding it hard to be positive.
I pray that this can get better. Life is short and i am inflicting pain on myself and my family. I want a happy life thats comfortable so that i can enjoy the things and people i love.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated as i have kept this to myself for 8 years, i cannot tell anyone so this forum is an outlet for the pain i am feeling.
I wish you all love and courage in your journey through this awful illness.
Welcome smile. I absolutely understand your pain. Although i was already a regular gambler by the time i had my big win (£50k) that win changed my life (for the worse) without doubt. It sows the seed that you can win big and once youve done it once you can do it again right?! I made the mistake of playing bigger and bigger stakes (online slots) in the hope of winning it back - please dont do it. As sickening as it feels you have to accept that the money is gone and the only way you can win is to stop gambling. With time your finances will recover. Ive worked out that my 10 years of gambling debt is going to take me more than 10 years to pay back but things are on the up now ive stopped gambling (9 months and counting). You will get all the help and support you need here so reach out and let us know how youre feeling. Theres no shame here so big hugs and chin up x
Hey smile.
Hope you are well. We all have felt like you so you are not alone. Agree with samorgo, the only way we can win is to stop gambling. I have gambled for 30 years and thought I was doing it for a better life too. In tbe end I was relieved when my bet lost and my money was gone because at least the cycle was broken. Us gamblers are strange creatures you know! Try to concentrate on your family and seek help for your debt. That will maybe ease the stress just a little. The sun always shines in the morning and the darkness fades. Stay strong.
Hi smile - stopping is your best decision ever! Not gambling is to only way out! I have a debt similar to yours and agree as gamblers we want to solve now!! I have read the Allan Carr book “the easy way to stop gambling” this has changed my thinking that I can’t win! And gambling is something I am not giving up but not doing because it will kill me! Keep the faith one day at a time
If you've been browsing here a while you will have seen the standard advice on the best ways to block your access to gambling along with getting to GA. If you're ready to stop it's time to act on it.
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