[Timo wanjohi]

I wish I could reverse time, this were my thoughts after blowing through a year’s worth of savings in a day through sports betting.
nI had done sports betting before, and it had only got out of hand once, I had cleared University,was unemployed and needed to make money but lost all I wagered.
nI then stopped sports betting there and then for about 2 years(concentration was fully on my work) and then I lost the plot completely in one stupid day.
nIt all started when I placed a $100 bet on Juventus to beat Udinese,Juventus lost the match, I found myself a $100 short.Being the sore loser I am, I withdrew $200 from my account and placed another bet,I won, I should have quit then but I got greedy.
nI wagered my $200 plus profit on a virtual match, I lost the $200 and the money on top.
nI basically got trapped in this endless cycle of chasing my losses, and before I knew it I had lost about $3000 in just a few hours.
nAfter blowing through all that money, I took a loan, wagered all of it, lost it, I was getting desperate, I called my sister borrowed money from her,promising to return it, lost it all, today I took another loan,lost that too.
nI am still in denial, I still don’t want to admit to myself that I have a problem, but I do have a problem, My family is in the dark, they have no idea what is going on with me, everyone thinks I have my stuff together, but I don’t and it’s killing me.
nI also have been unemployed for the past 3 months, so I have absolutely no idea how I will repay all that I owe.I blew through all that I had saved up.
nBut I am applying for jobs like crazy, so I am hopeful that will pan out okay(fingers crossed)
n
n

[dunc]

Hello and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you?re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you?re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We?re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you?re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

And on that note….

I?m going to hand you over to our community because I?m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you ??

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

n

[Steev]

Chasing losses is to some people the definition of problem gambling. Knowing when to stop is not in our nature. We don’t want to stop – because we can’t think of anything that we would rather do with the money than have the “thrill” of another bet.
nIf you read the threads in this forum you will see what you need to do to stop gambling. Cut yourself off from places where you gamble – ban yourself, or block on-line sites as soon as you can. Cut yourself off from the access to money. No more loans – cut up your cards – carry as little money as you need for day to day life. I think it would be wise to let your family know. I know it will be difficult and you will feel ashamed – but I don’t know anyone who has managed to quit gambling alone and good family support will really help. It is possible that someone in your family can carry your finances for you until you are strong enough to resist the bets.
nIn any event you need to get good support for yourself. This link https://gamblersinrecovery.com will give you access to the times of Gamblers’ Anonymous meetings in different countries. As many of them are on zoom now – it is possible to join one on-line which may be hosted on the other side of the world. Other than that you can see if you can get counselling through your medic or a local support group.
n
nPlease don’t live in denial. It was a year’s savings. I gambled a whole house away and loans that I was still paying back 20 years later. Nip this in the bud. Do these things now. I wish you well.

[Timo wanjohi]

Hi steel, I now realize I have a big problem, I’m trying my best to walk away from sports betting.

I have contacted the sites I frequent asked them to close my accounts and block me from registering any other accounts, I’m still working up the courage to tell my family what I have done, hopefully I will tell them soon enough.

Thank you for your reply.

[Enough808]

Hi Wanjohi thank you for sharing your story. I know the feeling of shame and guilt and hiding. It is very scary to have to tell your loved ones about your problem but it will be a huge relief for yourself when you do. Regardless of the outcome, whether they accept you and forgive you or not. I think part of overcoming the addiction is facing your fears and being open and sharing. The consequences of our actions are there waiting for us no matter what. The only question is when do we want to face them?

[Author]

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