OT Gambling addiction

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving

Thanks in advance guys

Not an addiction. But to keep habit in check.

I stick to a set limit. And tend to follow a few tipsters on fb. Go with their bets after a few checks... Where in league, last results, etc.

Often get to about 200 quid up. Tipster says keep going. But I say bank most. And start again. From that I'm about 500 up this season.

Hope that helps.

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving

Thanks in advance guys

You're a addict get help.

Not an addiction. But to keep habit in check.

I stick to a set limit. And tend to follow a few tipsters on fb. Go with their bets after a few checks... Where in league, last results, etc.

Often get to about 200 quid up. Tipster says keep going. But I say bank most. And start again. From that I'm about 500 up this season.

Hope that helps.

Cheers mate my issue is I blocked myself from online sites so use will hill by me, no limits there my own fault tho, well I’ve spunked most of my overtime money £500 this month in 2 days, won’t be doing it anymore as I can’t afford to, I’ll likely be back betting a little start of Prem season, summer usually take a break

I stopped cos of a point my mate stated.

You never see a bookie on a bike...

Sounds silly but it's true. Mugs game. I went into a debt management plan ... cos of casinos..and betting.
Never ever again.

I stopped cos of a point my mate stated.

You never see a bookie on a bike...

Sounds silly but it's true. Mugs game. I went into a debt management plan ... cos of casinos..and betting.
Never ever again.

Been in a dmp myself mate cause of this nonsense so disappointed in myself, I’ve seen my daughter today and just felt like crap, that money could have been saved for our future, but I spunked it down the drain, I know I’ll beat the demons but there’s nothing worst than trying to claw back losses

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving

Thanks in advance guys

I had the same problem lost loads. I went cold turkey and spent the money I felt like gambling on my daughter or family. Days out holidays. Presents etc. It felt more rewarding in the end than chasing bets. Saw my money being used for something good. and now 2 years later I can bet now but know my limits.

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving

Thanks in advance guys

I had the same problem lost loads. I went cold turkey and spent the money I felt like gambling on my daughter or family. Days out holidays. Presents etc. It felt more rewarding in the end than chasing bets. Saw my money being used for something good. and now 2 years later I can bet now but know my limits.

Thanks mate good to hear positivity come from it all , hing is I’m in debt trying to clear it and saving to live to Wolverhampton where my daughter is, I will get there not gonna bet anymore for a while

Good luck kicking the habit wolf and from what you said it’s definitely a habit and a problem...don’t let it beat you

My true story if it helps.. I’ve had a Betfair account for about 5 years and I consider myself a reasonably savvy gambler

I gamble £20 maybe £30 a week on average and only bet on football mainly in the championship

I consider myself reasonably informed and I gamble only on games I think I might have an edge I.e the championship as I watch nearly all the live games and being a City fan think I have a pretty good knowledge of the league

Even with my knowledge and my so called “edge” over the bookies my account is still showing as -£950 over the last 5 years proof gambling does not pay

Punters in general never, ever win..Do yourself a favour and get help to stop gambling completely you won’t regret it

Good luck kicking the habit wolf and from what you said it’s definitely a habit and a problem...don’t let it beat you

My true story if it helps.. I’ve had a Betfair account for about 5 years and I consider myself a reasonably savvy gambler

I gamble £20 maybe £30 a week on average and only bet on football mainly in the championship

I consider myself reasonably informed and I gamble only on games I think I might have an edge I.e the championship as I watch nearly all the live games and being a City fan think I have a pretty good knowledge of the league

Even with my knowledge and my so called “edge” over the bookies my account is still showing as -£950 over the last 5 years proof gambling does not pay

Punters in general never, ever win..Do yourself a favour and get help to stop gambling completely you won’t regret it

Paul Just the response I needed as well as the good ones above, definately knocking it on the head, on a signed up to a gamblers anonymous forum so will hopefully get the help needed thanks mate

I'm actally the same as you wolf I can gamble big do it for a few days then ill go weeks maybe months without gambling again like I was doing about 500 pound a day in football bets and casinos.its mad how it takes over you..last bet I did I put 600 pound on a team lost the money and I haven't bet since and that for about 4 weeks ago..so you haven't got a problem yet coz like u said you can stop for while but like the rest said you need to know your limits

I would suggest if you need to get a payday loan for bets then it is a problem. Surely the interest on one of them would counteract any winnings anyway?

I bet but more for fun, never more than I'm happy to lose.

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving

Thanks in advance guys

You are addicted mate and should never gamble again. Even on the lottery, bingo and scratch cards. Go along to a GA meeting or two to see how common this disease is then get some help if you can't stop. There's usually an underlying issue for people who can't stop and it's often anxiety or depression.

PM me if you want any more info. I'm an addictions counsellor.

Hey mate,
Sorry to see you in such trouble and pain. I will share my story if it helps.
I started smoking dope when I was 12. It led to never going to school and I did my first E on my 18th birthday. I never looked back, pills graduated to powders and by the time I was 27 I was doing MDMA 3 or 4 times a week. It made me super ill, I was thin as a rake, moody and hated everything and everyone. I stopped doing the hard stuff and got back into weed, telling myself all the usual rubbish how it's not addictive and can't do any harm but really I was just replacing the hard stuff with something else, and that something else may as well be heroin, it doesn't matter what it is I will always be an addict.
First thing they teach you in NA is we are different, we have an itch that can't be scratched and that it is best described as an allergic reaction, which means we react differently to any other person doing the same thing. It sets off something in our brains that we act upon completely, neither stopping nor knowing when to do so, whereas other people don't have that.
Pretty much all human beings are addicted to something, and everything in the world can be addictive, be it sex, relationships, not having relationships, talking, eating, excersise, laziness, money, even tea and coffee. Rarely anyone knows about it however. You recognise you have a problem which is good and is step 1, so you have to act on it, get yourself to a meeting mate, hopefully it will change your life as it has mine.
Lastly I don't know if you are religious or believe in god but there will be alot of talk about such things, but described as a higher power. If you are staunchly atheist don't let it bother you, your higher power can be a post box if needs be it just has to be something you believe in, from your heart, that you can use to objectively look inside yourself and those around you. Step 2 is that you came to believe a power greater than yourself can restore you to sanity, which is what first came to mind when reading about your daughter, you have to use that power, but importantly do not do it for her, you have to do it for yourself! There is a massive difference between using that power as an instrument of belief and using it as a reason to behave a certain way. It will become clearer than I am able to describe here. Good luck mate.

I am 32 now and have not long come off the streets after a year of rough sleeping and hostels. Although I still smoke it is only every 2 weeks when I get my benefits. I know as soon as I go back into the real world the urge to get high every day will consume me, but I know I can always go to a meeting and meet a load of people who are in the same boat and we will help each other stay healthy and positive. It's kind of magic actually, it's wonderful. Again good luck mate

Admit you have a problem to the closest person to you, and tell them everything...

Hi mate,
I was going to post something similar to this last year.
I had a problem when I noticed I was spending OT money on gambling just like yourself.
Sometimes £50-£100 a day! I’d always get a large portion back but I was losing 10-20 quid a day.
I realised this wasn’t right and I told my misses & my parents who gave me advise.

I had signed up to pretty much all the sites available , even bingo at one point. Looking back it’s quite embarrassing!
I do the odd bet here and there now but only on football games of interest rather than Uganda under 16ns

So, in short, as per above : speak with those close to you and it makes it a hell of a lot easier.
Good luck!

Good luck kicking the habit wolf and from what you said it’s definitely a habit and a problem...don’t let it beat you

My true story if it helps.. I’ve had a Betfair account for about 5 years and I consider myself a reasonably savvy gambler

I gamble £20 maybe £30 a week on average and only bet on football mainly in the championship

I consider myself reasonably informed and I gamble only on games I think I might have an edge I.e the championship as I watch nearly all the live games and being a City fan think I have a pretty good knowledge of the league

Even with my knowledge and my so called “edge” over the bookies my account is still showing as -£950 over the last 5 years proof gambling does not pay

Punters in general never, ever win..Do yourself a favour and get help to stop gambling completely you won’t regret it

I consider myself reasonably well informed.....ah the gamblers famous last words

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving

Thanks in advance guys

the saying is..only bet what you can afford to lose..ive heard it and read it many times..
if your chasing previous losses thats not what you are doing. so my view is if your not already addicted your on your way to it..
you need so PM fergy ....

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving

Thanks in advance guys

You are addicted mate and should never gamble again. Even on the lottery, bingo and scratch cards. Go along to a GA meeting or two to see how common this disease is then get some help if you can't stop. There's usually an underlying issue for people who can't stop and it's often anxiety or depression.

PM me if you want any more info. I'm an addictions counsellor.

Also agree with this. I was going through a lot of stress & depression following having my first child. Lack of sleep, money ( due to misses being on maternity ) and I found comfort from gambling where I could’ve been saving this for my son.
I feel terrible looking back but I’m so glad spoke to people about it soon enough to sort things out - I am now the happiest I’ve ever been.

I know plenty of regular gamblers, and they often tell me how much they have won on a particular day. Makes me wonder how the bookies are still in business, because most gamblers always seem to win - or so they say. Personally, I would rather hand my cash over to someone who really needs it rather than give it away to someone who already has loads of money. No harm in a flutter on the Derby or something similar, but I have never been able to understand those who work hard for their money, and then just chuck it into a slot machine, or hand it over to a lady behind the betting shop counter and walk away with a lot less cash than they had a few minutes earlier. Might help if you work out how many hours you have had to work to line the pockets of someone else.

I know plenty of regular gamblers, and they often tell me how much they have won on a particular day. Makes me wonder how the bookies are still in business, because most gamblers always seem to win - or so they say. Personally, I would rather hand my cash over to someone who really needs it rather than give it away to someone who already has loads of money. No harm in a flutter on the Derby or something similar, but I have never been able to understand those who work hard for their money, and then just chuck it into a slot machine, or hand it over to a lady behind the betting shop counter and walk away with a lot less cash than they had a few minutes earlier. Might help if you work out how many hours you have had to work to line the pockets of someone else.

It’s all very well being rational but that’s not exactly the way people with gambling issues think is it.

Ignorant comment

I know plenty of regular gamblers, and they often tell me how much they have won on a particular day. Makes me wonder how the bookies are still in business, because most gamblers always seem to win - or so they say. Personally, I would rather hand my cash over to someone who really needs it rather than give it away to someone who already has loads of money. No harm in a flutter on the Derby or something similar, but I have never been able to understand those who work hard for their money, and then just chuck it into a slot machine, or hand it over to a lady behind the betting shop counter and walk away with a lot less cash than they had a few minutes earlier. Might help if you work out how many hours you have had to work to line the pockets of someone else.

It’s all very well being rational but that’s not exactly the way people with gambling issues think is it.

Ignorant comment

Don't see why this is an ignorant comment. Sometimes it pays to be honest and say things as they are. I know gambling addiction is a mega problem for some people. It was for my best mate who was also best man at my wedding. He worked out that he was often losing in half hour what was taking him two days to earn. He was told some hard honest truths by his friends and family rather than pussy footing around the issue, and has'nt had a flutter of any sort in at least 15 years. All addictions are a problem, and the first thing that needs doing with any addiction is accepting you have a problem, and really wanting to do something about it. All ex smokers know that to give up, you must first really want to give up, and unless you are 100% committed to wanting to get rid of your addiction, there is no point in trying. Half hearted measures won't work, and it may take a few attempts to finally succeed. If you really want to do it, and are determined enough, you will get there in the end.

[quote="Wolfpac"]Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving


The fact that you have put the problem on this forum must be a big step forward. Hats off to you. I think from what you say , that you do have an addiction. I am sure that with help from GA and others you will be able to kick it completely. I am not against gambling as I enjoy a flutter myself but luckily I have always bet small amounts.

I am glad they are limiting the amounts on the machines in bookies. But on line betting is another easy way to lose lots of money. also it annoys me that they bombard people with ads before during and after football in Sky tv. A lot of youngsters are watching and get enticed into gambling.
Anyway I wish you the very best in your efforts to control / quit.

Anybody else had a problem with the ol gambling ?

Lost a fair bit today on the footy, starting to lose more than I’ve won, been on off like this for years, taken out payday loans in the past to fund habit but can stop for a while then restart it, like a bug, annoying as I was close to breaking even today on chasing a few losses but didn’t come in.

I don’t see mself as having an addiction but I’m betting every few days and it’s money I shouldn’t be wasting in all fairness, overtime money I’m blowing instead of saving


The fact that you have put the problem on this forum must be a big step forward. Hats off to you. I think from what you say , that you do have an addiction. I am sure that with help from GA and others you will be able to kick it completely. I am not against gambling as I enjoy a flutter myself but luckily I have always bet small amounts.

I am glad they are limiting the amounts on the machines in bookies. But on line betting is another easy way to lose lots of money. also it annoys me that they bombard people with ads before during and after football in Sky tv. A lot of youngsters are watching and get enticed into gambling.
Anyway I wish you the very best in your efforts to control / quit.

Agree with all that. The betting industry only pay lip service to "responsible gambling". They want your hard earned money, and their adverts of free bets, money back in certain circumstances, a free bet if your team gets knocked out in the group stages etc., are all designed to make you a regular punter. Thousands have managed to get away from gambling, cigarettes, drugs etc. It can be done, just needs the determination to join those thousands who have already proved it can be done.

I lost 20 Grand in a year back in the day on the dreaded Roulette machines. I still have financial problems now from when it happened, approx 8 years ago. I still bet, but have it pretty much under control these days, just the occasional blow-out which I don't beat myself up about. I know I'm never going to stop completely, though did go a year without betting about 6 years ago just to prove I could do it, but found I missed days out at the Races-Cheltenham, Ascot, Chepstow...

The best news for me is that they've reduced the stakes on the machines, I won't even bother playing them once the ruling comes in. I tend to do a few bets a week, but nowhere near the amounts I used to gamble.

I don't bet on my phone, so if I don't want to be tempted into having a flutter, I just drink in Pubs that are nowhere near a Bookies. Good luck to you, hope it all works out.

I know plenty of regular gamblers, and they often tell me how much they have won on a particular day. Makes me wonder how the bookies are still in business, because most gamblers always seem to win - or so they say. Personally, I would rather hand my cash over to someone who really needs it rather than give it away to someone who already has loads of money. No harm in a flutter on the Derby or something similar, but I have never been able to understand those who work hard for their money, and then just chuck it into a slot machine, or hand it over to a lady behind the betting shop counter and walk away with a lot less cash than they had a few minutes earlier. Might help if you work out how many hours you have had to work to line the pockets of someone else.

It’s all very well being rational but that’s not exactly the way people with gambling issues think is it.

Ignorant comment

Each and every addict is different and can find different ways out. The above is not to dissimilar to mine which worked for me but not others.

Paul you comment was ignorant beyond belief thinking you know what does and doesn’t work for everybody.

I know plenty of regular gamblers, and they often tell me how much they have won on a particular day. Makes me wonder how the bookies are still in business, because most gamblers always seem to win - or so they say. Personally, I would rather hand my cash over to someone who really needs it rather than give it away to someone who already has loads of money. No harm in a flutter on the Derby or something similar, but I have never been able to understand those who work hard for their money, and then just chuck it into a slot machine, or hand it over to a lady behind the betting shop counter and walk away with a lot less cash than they had a few minutes earlier. Might help if you work out how many hours you have had to work to line the pockets of someone else.

It’s all very well being rational but that’s not exactly the way people with gambling issues think is it.

Ignorant comment

Each and every addict is different and can find different ways out. The above is not to dissimilar to mine which worked for me but not others.

Paul you comment was ignorant beyond belief thinking you know what does and doesn’t work for everybody.

Is that what I said?

I know plenty of regular gamblers, and they often tell me how much they have won on a particular day. Makes me wonder how the bookies are still in business, because most gamblers always seem to win - or so they say. Personally, I would rather hand my cash over to someone who really needs it rather than give it away to someone who already has loads of money. No harm in a flutter on the Derby or something similar, but I have never been able to understand those who work hard for their money, and then just chuck it into a slot machine, or hand it over to a lady behind the betting shop counter and walk away with a lot less cash than they had a few minutes earlier. Might help if you work out how many hours you have had to work to line the pockets of someone else.

It’s all very well being rational but that’s not exactly the way people with gambling issues think is it.

Ignorant comment

Each and every addict is different and can find different ways out. The above is not to dissimilar to mine which worked for me but not others.

Paul you comment was ignorant beyond belief thinking you know what does and doesn’t work for everybody.

Is that what I said?

Yes it is. You said the comment was ignorant when in fact it was you.

But please feel free to explain what you meant then.

When The Fun Stops - STOP .

Thanks guys for all your replies, I'm in work reading them, sorry I cannot reply to them all but I do appreciate everybody taking their time out to reply and to those who have commented with their stories its nice to know I'm not in this alone, I have had a chat with my best mate, she had an inkling I was back on it because she's seen less of me this last 6 months and knows I should have a lot more money than I have cause I've been working a lot of overtime lately. I'm seeing her later to have a good chat about things, why I gamble, what I need to do to stop .. thing is there has to be an underlining reason, I am depressed, not massively but I am to a certain degree, my life is chaotic, my daughters mum moved back to her home town of Wolverhampton 3 years ago as she missed her family, I had a stable job down here so couldn't move with her, instead of doing the sensible thing saving up to move up there, I started gambling as it was a release then met a new girl who I was with for 2.5 yrs until last October, in between I had been seeing my Daughter 3 weekends a month and in holidays, getting her Friday night after work and dropping her home on the sunday evening, hard work with the travelling (10 hrs a week or more) but life was settled, lived in a lovely house, my daughter adored my recent ex but my she started getting fed up of the weekend family time, she missed going out with her friends, she basically said she wanted to split up to go travelling to which she did so I am now back living at my parents, it's not a great situation being 34 living at home with my folks but it is what it is, I give my Mum £300 each month to put a side for my plans to move to Wolverhampton by end of 2019 so I can have a fresh start with my Daughter, she will be 8 by then so the time is now. In a nut shell I think it's a vicious circle, I've gambled a lot in the past because I was stressed with life (not an excuse) but lost more and more then tried to chase losses, pulled some back then lose more, I dread to think the amount I've lost, I'd easily say 10 or more thousand, I just tried to block it out, I'm not a big drinker, I have friends but don't see them often, I'm either working or spending weekends with my daughter / family, my main passion in life is football and music.

I will beat my demons, I am still breathing, I shouldn't complain .. sorry for the long post guys, had to get it off my chest