How my gambling addiction started, and what I should do now

[Baconsandwich]

Hello everyone ~ I know I have a gambling obsession, it comes and goes. I'm in my mid 20's, I have a 40k~/year job in California and don't have many expenses.

Let me just talk about my history.

About 2-3 years ago I turned 21 and went to Las Vegas, at first I only wanted to gamble because I wasn't old enough prior to this trip and it sucked because all my friends are older and I had to sit in the sidelines... So this was my first real trip so I brought $500 just to gamble with. I would have been totally fine losing it all, after all - it was just for the experience (I spend so much more on other things on that trip anyways).

I played some BJ (without knowledge of basic strategy).. And randomly went to whatever slot machine caught my eye - It was fun. Then I won a 1k jackpot (beginners luck =D) I gave about half of it back to Vegas before leaving.. So I won about 400-500$ on my first trip.. Not bad!

I like to be knowledgeable about any of my endeavors so I was naturally curious on how to play blackjack properly, and how to be the 'best kind of gambler.' - I found this website called vegasclick.com (A fantastic website... I can't say enough good things about it even to this day.) I learned what to avoid, how to bet smart, how to play blackjack.. etc.

That website advertises the accredited online casino Bodog (now called Bovada).. So with my new 'knowledge' I wanted to immediately put it to 'use'.. I was a conservative person.. I naturally thought all online casinos are suspect. So I just deposited $20 into this RTG casino and see how it goes.

I played $.20 spins and $1 hands at blackjack, and had a great time, it lasted me an hour or two. So I had no problem depositing $80 more just for fun. I stayed at .20 spins like usual and $1 hands. That lasted the whole day.


The next weekend I deposited about $50 and was craving some slots. Still only doing .20 spins, I managed to get a spin bonus on Enchanted Garden that put me up to about $175... that was insane. But then I wondered to myself... what if I had bet .40 instead? Or $1 on that spin? This is where it began..

I started betting $1 per spin and quickly lost the entire bankroll, I deposited $200 and would vow to stop if I hit a bonus.. I wasn't addicted at the time. Soon enough I hit the bonus and that $200 became something like $400.. I actually cashed that amount and didn't play for a month or so.

I had finally received the money from Bovada, and what better way to celebrate then to play a bit more? I deposited half of that money and just settled for nothing less than $1 spins and $5-$10 hands in blackjack... I lost it all in 30 minutes. Then I deposited $200 more and it lasted me the rest of the night before losing all of it again. I was even up $7k at one point.. AND LOST IT ALL THE SAME DAY!

I WAS ADDICTED! From then until now I have been playing on and off... but each time I did I lost a ton of money, I have made some cash outs, a few of them being $1000-3000 - But in the end... I am about $10-15k in the hole in gambling in a couple years of playing. I am about 6k in debt (About 3k from gambling).

I wonder if somehow convincing myself to be a lowroller ($.20 spins and $1 hands) would solve much of this problem.. Because as I recall I had more fun when it was that way it was the entertainment cost if anything.


What should I do? Should I just focus on quitting online casinos altogether? B&M casinos are not the the problem here and I will continue to keep going to those, because losing $200-400 every few months is doing nothing more than a slight dent.

SUGGESTIONS? Sorry this post is very long... But I really need to stop this. I haaaaate being in debt...
Thank you for reading.

 

[Baconsandwich]

Also, the way my job works... I am even able to gamble at work.. This is definitely a problem.

 

[dionysus]

1. Delete casinos from your desktop
2. Write or phone the casinos asking to be self-excluded
3. Stop visiting gambling forums
4. Get a dog; they require loads of attention

 

[Baconsandwich]

1. Delete casinos from your desktop
2. Write or phone the casinos asking to be self-excluded
3. Stop visiting gambling forums
4. Get a dog; they require loads of attention

Getting a Dog is very good advice... Me and my girlfriend were thinking about getting one.

Thanks

 

[secret2]

If I were you, I would spend the money that you may spend of gambling and put it to further your education.

That way you will be too busy studying and then you'll have more money at the end of your studies(hopefully).

Yes, I liove the idea of getting a dog!

I can say this easily but I am 50 yrs old and never had a complete education. So I really hope that you can put your attention to school.

Now, for excitement and adrenalin?...um..(not that I would ever do it..lol) Find a hobby such as zip-linging or just hold a few parties with your friends, something less solitary....

Solitude is another danger of addiction, too.

I wish you all the luck...and let us know how you are doing?

 

[dionysus]

now I want a bacon sandwich..bastard!

 

[dunover]

Getting a Dog is very good advice... Me and my girlfriend were thinking about getting one.

Thanks

The majority of casino income comes from addicts and people sucked in to lose self control. Most regulars are enduring some form of ongoing loss and depression. You have suffered a setback, but are young enough and have a relatively small amount of debt. Focus on that and knock it on the head now. What you did is no different to thousands of others. Don't become one of those rheumy-eyed soulless zombies that shuffle out of the bookmakers in their supermarket plimsolls and charity shop clothes, on their way home to a rented room and cupboard with stale bread and a tin of baked beans in. Because by what you said, this will happen, when not 'if'. You react badly to gambling, like some do to alcohol. At least you realize that now. If you take a wrong turn now, looking back on a mere $6k of debt, with a home and girlfriend would seem like paradise. Good luck.

 

[colly]

A dog won't solve it any more than a baby keeps a bad marriage together!

OK Colly is going to go against the grain here- GETTING A DOG TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM IS A BAD IDEA- getting a dog because you love animals and have the money (including the annual vet fees and emergency fees) commitment and time to look after a living being for the next 10- 15 years is a great idea. OK animal shelter volunteer worker rant over.


Write to the casinos and ask to be voluntarily banned
Stay away from gambling forums and ask CM to put you on his list so you can only access the quit/addiction section
Clear the cache on your computer then install a program called Gamblock

Yes you are right you start low rolling and it gets bigger and bigger- I started lowrolling 16years ago and you don't stay a lowroller.


Good luck

 

[secret2]

OK Colly is going to go against the grain here- GETTING A DOG TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM IS A BAD IDEA- getting a dog because you love animals and have the money (including the annual vet fees and emergency fees) commitment and time to look after a living being for the next 10- 15 years is a great idea. OK animal shelter volunteer worker rant over.


Write to the casinos and ask to be voluntarily banned
Stay away from gambling forums and ask CM to put you on his list so you can only access the quit/addiction section
Clear the cache on your computer then install a program called Gamblock

Yes you are right you start low rolling and it gets bigger and bigger- I started lowrolling 16years ago and you don't stay a lowroller.


Good luck

Sorry for derail:

Wtg, for volunteering at an animal shelter...and I do understand this. Just that I am a dog lover....sorry, you are correct as dogs aren't just for 'our' needs...and they could be in danger for this reason.

Annie, says 'woof'

 

[secret2]

Gamblock, is easy to get out of, though, isn't it?

I think to self-exclude is better.

 

[dunover]

OK Colly is going to go against the grain here- GETTING A DOG TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM IS A BAD IDEA- getting a dog because you love animals and have the money (including the annual vet fees and emergency fees) commitment and time to look after a living being for the next 10- 15 years is a great idea. OK animal shelter volunteer worker rant over.


Write to the casinos and ask to be voluntarily banned
Stay away from gambling forums and ask CM to put you on his list so you can only access the quit/addiction section
Clear the cache on your computer then install a program called Gamblock

Yes you are right you start low rolling and it gets bigger and bigger- I started lowrolling 16years ago and you don't stay a lowroller.


Good luck

No, don't get Gamblock it will **** your PC up. I've seen a PC with it on. Open too many windows and a red notice appears 'attempting to remove gamblock may result in unpredictable behaviour' and turns off then restarts your PC. It can do this randomly sometimes. Read the news and sometimes a page will have a story not actually related to gambling, i.e. 'Lotto Winners Secret Lovechild' and it will close the browser down or give you a 60 second warning. It also removes your 'system restore' by changing available dates so only post-gamblock dates can be used, and these are kept to a few days at a time. So, if you have a bug from the past or file corruption that comes of it, you are stuffed. I had to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the blokes windows from scratch to rid him of it.
Get K9 (free and get someone you trust to set the password) it's just as effective and far less invasive.

As the chap above says, you won't stay a lowroller - you've had the buzz of bigger stakes/wins now, and you can't unring the bell........

 

[colly]

Gamblock, is easy to get out of, though, isn't it?

I think to self-exclude is better.

No bloody hard- once its in you can't uninstall- you would have to buy a new computer! or completely wipe and rewrite your drives- won't allow you onto any gaming related sites- blocks emails that are gambling related and won't allow you into webwallets used for gambling.

The reason you need to clear you cache prior is because it will also block your online banking if you haven't and it sees gambling transactions in there- used it for 4 years its brilliant

 

[secret2]

No bloody hard- once its in you can't uninstall- you would have to buy a new computer! or completely wipe and rewrite your drives- won't allow you onto any gaming related sites- blocks emails that are gambling related and won't allow you into webwallets used for gambling.

The reason you need to clear you cache prior is because it will also block your online banking if you haven't and it sees gambling transactions in there- used it for 4 years its brilliant

oh, ok..I thought one could just 'go back to a prior date'.

Well, maybe I should further my education in computer technology.

Wow....thanks for that.

 

[Simmo!]

Sorry for derail:

Wtg, for volunteering at an animal shelter...and I do understand this. Just that I am a dog lover....sorry, you are correct as dogs aren't just for 'our' needs...and they could be in danger for this reason.

Annie, says 'woof'

LOL...we have an Annie who woofs too

On topic, I'd go with the deposit limits thing to help you keep the bets low. Also, it sometimes helps to save the gambling for a specific time of day - as something to look forward to perhaps - and at a time when you know there is a finite amount of time you have. IE: if you go to bed at 11pm, save the gambling until 9pm so at 11 (if you are still going!) you have a reason to cash out and leave it. I find the longer you gamble, the more likely you are to start ramping up the bet size so keeping sessions short and cashing out after each one is better.

 

[dunover]

Yes, it goes right into root and system files and can only be deactivated with code from the program suppliers. I would advise people NOT to get it. In PC terms it's like having a pin-sized melanoma on your arm. Easily surgically removed, but along with a large area the size of a 5p or 1cent coin which contains a lot of healthy tissue, to make sure. Gamblock removes the problem but with a lot of peripheral healthy stuff.

 

[dionysus]

I'm an animal lover too
but
A dog that's about to get put down would rather have (IMO) someone, who oh, say, has the time at home to sit on the computer and spend money BUT is trying to spend his money and time elsewhere while at home.
Granted, not everyone has the time to meet a dog's needs but if you ARE and CAN, adopting is great; Lord knows enough of the unwanted poor buggers sit in shelters (remember I didn't say BUY a dog)

 

[Mousey]

My 2 cents:

First go to the Quit Gambling page here at Casinomeister, if you haven't already. Read it, check out the info at the links provided at the bottom of the page.

Second, give your girlfriend the money you usually would deposit online, and have her put it away into an account to pay off some of your debt. Debt so young is not good. It only gets worse if not nipped in the bud. Same with the gambling, if it controls you and not the other way around, then you're addicted and it's best stopped NOW.

Contact all casinos and groups and have them lock you out and TELL them you have a gambling problem (not, I wanna cool off for a while). And remember that if you fudge your details to skirt the block, and you go in and win later on, you can't have your winnings. Not that you would do that... just saying...

A new dog or kitty if you're an animal lover is great advice. You need to redirect your energy and attention. Or learn to skatebaord if that's something you've always wondered if you'd like it... or skiing... or reading all those books you never got around to yet... or paint the bathroom... or clean out that hall closet that's a danger to anyone who opens the door... or.. you get the idea.

It won't be easy, it won't be fun, but sooner is better than later. DO it.

Good luck to you. We all wish you the very best.

 

[colly]

I'm an animal lover too
but
A dog that's about to get put down would rather have (IMO) someone, who oh, say, has the time at home to sit on the computer and spend money BUT is trying to spend his money and time elsewhere while at home.
Granted, not everyone has the time to meet a dog's needs but if you ARE and CAN, adopting is great; Lord knows enough of the unwanted poor buggers sit in shelters (remember I didn't say BUY a dog)

I agree but the point I was making is that a dog isn't a fix its a long term commitment and should never be a casual thought- you are either able or not- it's not something to think about as a diversion from gambling- and this guy doesn't have spare money to spend gambling- he's in debt from gambling!. I would love to see all the animals in shelters and pounds get a home(along with a ban of puppies and kittens in petstores) but it needs to be the right home and a forever home- animals adopted and not cared for or returned when no longer useful ,, or the owner can't afford a vet bill or the puppy have grown up or its inconvienient are just traumatized a second time.

Oh and the gorgeous Colly cross in the avatar - my baby ( along with 2 others shelter kitties)

 

[dinahbrand]

I would agree with removing all casinos from your computer and would add one more. When you feel the need to gamble try immediately using the money to pay a bill instead. Most bills can be paid electronically now and it would be a good way to bring down your debt.

I really wish you the best.

 

[dionysus]

I agree but the point I was making is that a dog isn't a fix its a long term commitment and should never be a casual thought- you are either able or not- it's not something to think about as a diversion from gambling- and this guy doesn't have spare money to spend gambling- he's in debt from gambling!. I would love to see all the animals in shelters and pounds get a home(along with a ban of puppies and kittens in petstores) but it needs to be the right home and a forever home- animals adopted and not cared for or returned when no longer useful ,, or the owner can't afford a vet bill or the puppy have grown up or its inconvienient are just traumatized a second time.

Oh and the gorgeous Colly cross in the avatar - my baby ( along with 2 others shelter kitties)

just an fyi, i never said he had spare money to gamble, but that he was spending money gambling

 

[dazlazz]

Hey Baconsandwich,

I see all the 'casino gamblers' here are saying the usual stuff, "exclude, remove from desktop, even crap like, get a dog" - The real advice is get a huge bank loan, borrow everything from friends and family, steal everything from anyone you can find....then go $5 a spin on those crazy slots and soon you will be crapping like a dog let alone being able to buy one!

Happy New Year Baconsandwich - go and smash those casinos - they are your true friends after all!!

Regards,

Daz

 

[dionysus]

wth? if that's advice, it's poor
if it's meant to be funny, it isn't
if it's sarcasm, it leaves a alot to be desired

 

[dazlazz]

A Canadian calling himself dionysus - is that sarcasm - nah? - Funny - Yes!
Lighten up dionysus - telling someone with a gambling problem to get a dog is nonsense! It ridicules the situation.

 

[same_old]

Hi,

I just wanted to chime in and give my two cents worth. I've personally used Gamblock on two occasions when I also thought my gambling was getting out of hand. I have had NO issues with gamblock at all and WOULD certaintly recommend them if you are trying to give up. What the other poster was saying that this software will block ANY and every webpage that has something related to gambling on it. for example- if you go to a news website and start reading some article about someone winning lotto or something then that page will be blocked and you get a pop up saying the computer will shut off in 45 seconds if you do not exit this page or website.

Just make sure you download ALL of the regular updates they have and its fine to go- it REALLY helped me a-lot.

Regards,

Same_old

P.S- you've already passed the first step and that is acknowledging that you do indeed have a problem- step two is removing all the triggers that make you WANT to gamble.

 

[dionysus]

A Canadian calling himself dionysus - is that sarcasm - nah? - Funny - Yes!
Lighten up dionysus - telling someone with a gambling problem to get a dog is nonsense! It ridicules the situation.

then you obviously missed the point, and chose to focus on one suggestion; whether you like it or not is besides the point, and while disagreeing is fine, calling it crap is rude. As for suggesting to go gamble, humour or not, you dont tell a drunk to go drink and get over it

 

[premiergaming]

To save all the fuss. Go to the registerd Proffessionals online.

The GA is a good place to start as they can take the conversation deeper and more.

Speaking to fellow gamblers is not going to help you.

 

[P.V.]

Hello everyone ~ I know I have a gambling obsession, it comes and goes. I'm in my mid 20's

SUGGESTIONS? Sorry this post is very long... But I really need to stop this. I haaaaate being in debt...
Thank you for reading.

I have a site/database where you can self exclude yourself from multiple operators and gambling websites. As some have mentioned Gamblock, simply self excluding where you play at now isn't going to stop you as you can go elsewhere to play. If you have another computer you can bypass Gamblock so what good is that? Also not sure what their software costs but it isn't free.

You can also try gamblers anonymous .org site if you prefer that way but from reading your post it appears you want to stop online gambling only.

Unfortunately, not sure why, not many IGaming operators are following our self exclusion database, kind of makes me wonder sometimes but nevertheless why don't you get onboard and get your details listed. There's no charge for members just wanting to access the one click self exclusion solution but you'll need to contact us via email or you can PM me here.

I'll give you a free access code for registration to bypass any fee request, you should go directly to self exclusion, read the terms and click ok. You'll be added to our database. I truly hope it will help you in the future.

In the mean time any operators following self exclusion threads, let's stop making this issue site by site, software provider by software provider and get some common ground on helping problem gambling, folks like the OP. It's going to be 2013 soon, if a gambler knows they have a problem and wants to stop online gambling now, it's a no brainer to have one place to stop and one button to push! IMO

So if you're serious Baconsandwich PM me so I can get you added to the database and I challenge all the operators here at CM to come get onboard and follow player's self exclusion requests.

And for any naysayer this isn't self promotion but a common since solution rather than the old school procedures currently in place which are outdated and stink.

 

[dazlazz]

then you obviously missed the point, and chose to focus on one suggestion; whether you like it or not is besides the point, and while disagreeing is fine, calling it crap is rude. As for suggesting to go gamble, humour or not, you dont tell a drunk to go drink and get over it

For all the recovering alchoholics out there - fantastic you did the 12 steps - you are you all ready now for step 13 - - - - - the next drink! Enjoy it!!

 

[maxd]

For all the recovering alchoholics out there - fantastic you did the 12 steps - you are you all ready now for step 13 - - - - - the next drink! Enjoy it!!

Daz, you appear to have gone on tilt here. If you're trying to be humorous I can promise you that you're missing the mark by a long shot.

I'm putting you in the Moderated user group because your last few posts have been remarkably insensitive and will get you into deep shit if you keep it up. "Moderated" means that one of us mods will have to approve your posts before they appear on the forums.

Let one of us mods or Bryan know when you feel you've returned to normal -- meaning you won't be insulting the hell out of people for kicks any more -- and we'll bring you back to the forum general population.

 

[dunover]

Hey Baconsandwich,

I see all the 'casino gamblers' here are saying the usual stuff, "exclude, remove from desktop, even crap like, get a dog" - The real advice is get a huge bank loan, borrow everything from friends and family, steal everything from anyone you can find....then go $5 a spin on those crazy slots and soon you will be crapping like a dog let alone being able to buy one!

Happy New Year Baconsandwich - go and smash those casinos - they are your true friends after all!!

Regards,

Daz

I hope Dazlazz you read the posts properly because I never mentioned pets or self-exclusion or the 'usual' caveats of self-exclude/gamblock etc. In fact I ignored the dog bit, and pointed out the pitfalls of the gamblock route. I told the truth in that if he gets worse, his present situation would seem like paradise compared to further down the line when he could have neither money, home, girlfriend nor hope. In other words, change has to come from within himself. In a way, it can be hard to give a young guy advice he will heed. We can all say, DON'T touch the fireplace to our kids as it'll hurt, but we all know they will do it once, grizzle and THEN realize the pain they didn't have to endure if they HAD have listened lol....

On the other hand, you have been moderated for your aggressive posts, which I have some sympathy for you with, as I can see the parody you made in the first one I quote here. The scenario you describe can and does frequently occur, and your post is clearly an attempt to shame/ridicule the OP into getting a grip. I can see that, perhaps others can't. I agree the dog suggestion is frankly ridiculous - the person who suggested that clearly has no idea how bad an addicted gambler gets. The puppy now, 5 years down the line it will be starving as the owner would rather spend his/her last pound on a bet/spin than a tin of dog food, would be hanging around the bookies or glued to their PC rather than take it for a walk. Unhappy broke owner = unhappy dog.

Don't get the 'Dionysus' poke though...

 

[Baconsandwich]

12/28 update

Thanks for all the replys people.

A bit more information about myself, I think a huge contributing factor to my situation is that I am getting really lazy with my life. I don't mean I'm lazy on the job etc. - But I don't find myself actively looking for other things to do on my free time.

For example, If one of my friends asked me to hang out, or if my girlfriend wanted to do something - I wouldn't hesitate to say yes. I would have a great time and not miss gambling at all during that time. It's when I'm alone and on the computer all day I start to get bored - Then I find myself depositing etc to pass the time in some sort of exciting fashion. But I never find myself going out of my way at all, to ask someone else out and stuff. And as a result - I've noticed my circle of friends growing smaller and smaller to where its just a few people.

I actually do want a dog - We have discussed it a number of times before, I have the means and desire to take care of one. So that is actually a good suggestion (even though normally it wouldn't be.)

I'm actually going to the casino with my mom tonight, (she asked Me if I wanted to go). We go there once every few months because it's the only way we can bond... by hitting buttons on a penny machine next to each other and catching up with each other on a 1 hour car ride - I'd occasionally go to a $10 blackjack table. My mom is completely unaware of my problem, but I always believed B&M casinos have little or nothing to do with it, you see - I'm bringing $300 cash, no credit cards - So theres no danger of losing anything more than a few fingers (hehe). And because of the fact that we need to leave by a certain time - I find myself losing far less or even winning at a B&M, because with online casinos I find myself losing almost every time only because I don't stop playing for anything.



So yea, I'll check back here later.

Thank you!

 

[Tirilej]

Thanks to you...for being honest

Allthough honesty is easy when you talk to strangers, like us.
It's really great that you have started to realize you do have problems, and that it certainly are going to get worse if you don't stop.


Start being honest to your family, girlfriend, closest friends.
You are nothing without them, and you have to learn to treat them as you want them to treat you...with honesty.

A lot in the gambling world is lying, cheating, stealing, hiding, especially if you don't have any control. Take back your control by starting to be honest. They can help you, and they will.

Also take peoples advices here. We all have different things to give to you and you take what you need right now.
Good luck!

And please you people who are talking about other things or are giving advices in a sarcastic way, this is not about you. This is about a young person looking for help and advices and nothing else. Respect him

 

[just play]

Thanks for all the replys people.

A bit more information about myself, I think a huge contributing factor to my situation is that I am getting really lazy with my life. I don't mean I'm lazy on the job etc. - But I don't find myself actively looking for other things to do on my free time.

For example, If one of my friends asked me to hang out, or if my girlfriend wanted to do something - I wouldn't hesitate to say yes. I would have a great time and not miss gambling at all during that time. It's when I'm alone and on the computer all day I start to get bored - Then I find myself depositing etc to pass the time in some sort of exciting fashion. But I never find myself going out of my way at all, to ask someone else out and stuff. And as a result - I've noticed my circle of friends growing smaller and smaller to where its just a few people.




So yea, I'll check back here later.

Thank you!

I'm thinking there may be more to you having a gambling problem because of this paragraph.

Being in your teens and 20's is supposed to be the most exciting time of your life, before you get married, have kids, buy a house, etc...

Have you ever thought about having a chat with a professional? Even one time just to check it out? Not about gambling, about how you think you have gotten "lazy in life". Many insurances even cover this.

My advice would be to call up a friend or even a few friends and go out, have fun. That will lead to them calling you, or you calling them more often, which will lead to not having a lazy life. What does your girlfriend think about your attitude changing?

 

[dunover]

I'm thinking there may be more to you having a gambling problem because of this paragraph.

Being in your teens and 20's is supposed to be the most exciting time of your life, before you get married, have kids, buy a house, etc...

Have you ever thought about having a chat with a professional? Even one time just to check it out? Not about gambling, about how you think you have gotten "lazy in life". Many insurances even cover this.

My advice would be to call up a friend or even a few friends and go out, have fun. That will lead to them calling you, or you calling them more often, which will lead to not having a lazy life. What does your girlfriend think about your attitude changing?

No, I disagree. What you are not realizing is that the symptoms of life he has described here are BECAUSE of his gambling, not the cause of his gambling, no matter how much the OP looks for an excuse for his embarkation on his road to ruin. This is the classic indicator of the vicious circle he is getting into.
Going to the casino tonight will simply exacerbate his issues - win, lose or draw even, he is still taking another step toward misery. The fact we're discussing this is pointless as he is going to the casino tonight. He clearly doesn't want to stop, and can't say no. He'll ignore us and find out the hard way.

 

[just play]

No, I disagree. What you are not realizing is that the symptoms of life he has described here are BECAUSE of his gambling, not the cause of his gambling, no matter how much the OP looks for an excuse for his embarkation on his road to ruin. This is the classic indicator of the vicious circle he is getting into.
Going to the casino tonight will simply exacerbate his issues - win, lose or draw even, he is still taking another step toward misery. The fact we're discussing this is pointless as he is going to the casino tonight. He clearly doesn't want to stop, and can't say no. He'll ignore us and find out the hard way.

I disagree. Here are 2 quotes from him that lead me to believe this isn't about gambling, it's about something else that turned him into a gambler. I don't want to put labels on anyone, and we can wait for him to reply, but my gut instinct is to seek professional help, not about gambling.

I do however agree going to a casino tonight is extremely strange for a person to do if they post they think they have a gambling problem? Again, which leads me to believe this isn't about gambling at all.

A bit more information about myself, I think a huge contributing factor to my situation is that I am getting really lazy with my life. I don't mean I'm lazy on the job etc. - But I don't find myself actively looking for other things to do on my free time.

It's when I'm alone and on the computer all day I start to get bored - Then I find myself depositing etc to pass the time in some sort of exciting fashion

 

[dionysus]

I disagree. Here are 2 quotes from him that lead me to believe this isn't about gambling, it's about something else that turned him into a gambler. I don't want to put labels on anyone, and we can wait for him to reply, but my gut instinct is to seek professional help, not about gambling.

I do however agree going to a casino tonight is extremely strange for a person to do if they post they think they have a gambling problem? Again, which leads me to believe this isn't about gambling at all.

I can certainly relate to these two things; I used to play once a month, but now that I'm in a new city with no friend or familiar connections and home full-time, I gamble a hellava lot more. Granted, the vice was always present, but being home on the computer exacerbates it. Like smoking: wayyyyyy more in front of the computer. Beer? More because I'm home bored. Boredom and loneliness and depression can really push a habit into addiction

 

[Baconsandwich]

***Just came back from the casino***

Ah I have quite a bit to think about now... Even when you guys conflict with each other on what advice is right/wrong - It all offers me perspective. Thanks guys.

My girlfriend knows I like to gamble quite a bit, and we've gone to casinos quite a few times, but neither she or I believe its destructive behavior because I never end up with staggering losses after a trip... I bring between $300-500... (It's not like I'm going to go to a machine and withdraw cash right in front of her... after losing my entire bankroll.) Not to mention the fact that we actually win once in a while at casinos, or break even sometimes.

She doesn't know I gamble online but I swear I'll tell her the moment I decide to play again, either way I have already started to self-exclude from the places I play. Gamblock is probably a joke to me, my job is computers/networking I'm sure I'd find a way to remove that thing if I realllllly wanted to gamble - then what good is it...

I do believe it is an ONLINE gambling problem, and not something that needs a different kind of professional help. I have taken breaks from it and go back to my regular life of work/girlfriend/friends/videogames/etc. - It seems like I would go on a binge, followed by chasing losses etc. Then snap out of it... before going back in again...

Today, I went to the casino, had a comped meal for 2, then lost $200-250 over the course of...oh 5-6 hours. During that time I was able to catch up with my mom, and spend quite a bit of time eating/talking with her - And that makes her/us happy. I didn't feel the need to chase losses, I didn't feel remorse, and I didn't feel like I wasted time. All of those statements are untrue when gambling online. Don't get me wrong, online gaming is a great service/entertainment but not to people like me. My job/hobbies center around being on the computer all day/every day for God sakes.

Oh and my mom won like $150..

And yea, I need to work on being honest with the people in my life.. I believe that, for now, it might be enough just talking to you guys.. Because I am being completely honest with everyone here and I feel a lot better. I have been on a youtube spree watching documentaries on addicts.. My favorite was the 'BBC Moving On' haha, I can't get enough of their accents (I'm from the USA obviously). I've seen a few others but are there any recommendations? (if you cared to watch things like that)

I haven't completely ruined my life... Not even close - I'm not saying that in an arrogant way at all... Because everything I've done is simply a prelude to doing so.

I already have it planned out... I'm getting $2k from a payout... I'm getting around $1.5k~ on my tax refund.. And I'm getting another $1.5k~ on my bonus check at work, all by the end of February. This is enough to cover my debt, I'm using some of the money I have now to cover some payments obviously.


BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.


What a great new years resolution right?

I will update later... Thanks again
Cheers!

 

[dionysus]

BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.
BUT. I. NEED. TO. STOP. GAMBLING. ONLINE. TO. ACHIEVE. THIS.


What a great new years resolution right?

I will update later... Thanks again
Cheers!

No,why make it a resolution? Stop today, NOW!

 

[P.V.]

***Just came back from the casino***
Oh and my mom won like $150..

No disrespect but I'm having a hard time taking you serious, you never requested to be added to my self exclusion global database. But to be fair I've offered this to many posting within the problem gambling section, not one taker.

Until you do then the rest as far as I'm concerned is conversation per say, you're not really interested in taking every step possible to be banned from online gambling IMO or you'd be chomping at the bit at any and evey offer.

Also and again JMO you should not be talking about even land based winning's from your mom or anyone within the quit gambling section. It's the quit gambling section..

 

[chuchu59]

Baconsandwich,

Given your username I thought you were addicted to eating a lot lol.

Seriously, I am not even sure you have a gambling addiction as you felt pain in losing those thouands of$. Most addicts shrug off those losses believing they are minute in proportion to what they earn.

Some gamblers do use this small-bet method ie 0.20 spins to reduce their addiction but the downside is when you hit big your confidence will grow again giving you an urge to bet bigger and the whole vicious cycle starts again. It could work if you get your thrills from a huge win eg 1000x bet for a single spin at 0.20c but there is no guarantee how you will feel if you hit something like this as your subconscious mind has been used to betting much larger not so long ago.

The real danger as I see it is your facile access to funds given your relatively high income at such a tender age. You could try going to your banker and automatically transfer say 70% of your income to an investment tool. If its done by autopay your bank balance will be quite low once you receive your income and given the fact that you feel pain when losing several thousand this will compel you to bet smaller for your entertainment. It will not be easy to cut off gambling altogether so good luck.

 

[Baconsandwich]

No disrespect but I'm having a hard time taking you serious, you never requested to be added to my self exclusion global database. But to be fair I've offered this to many posting within the problem gambling section, not one taker.

Until you do then the rest as far as I'm concerned is conversation per say, you're not really interested in taking every step possible to be banned from online gambling IMO or you'd be chomping at the bit at any and evey offer.

Also and again JMO you should not be talking about even land based winning's from your mom or anyone within the quit gambling section. It's the quit gambling section..

I'm taking my time to express myself in the most honest way I can. As far as exclusion.. I've excluded myself from all the casinos I've went to, they are all accredited, I have absolutely zero urge to take up any 'offer' from Some casino - As the junk mail I receive from affiliates about match % offers look like nothing but spam. I am also from the USA... about 99% of online casinos are out of my reach anyways.. so once I take out all of the ones that I've played at... I really have no other options.

If you're going into the devils advocate mode and would say that you cannot take me seriously because I'm not taking Every Step Possible to be barred. Then there is an infinite number of cop-out reasons to believe that I'm not taking every step possible (Such as 'throw away all my computers' or 'close and cancel my bank account and all forms of electronic payment' or 'let someone else hold ALL my money'). I'm just trying to say I'm not interested in debating with you on that front - Just believe what you want. And Previously I've mentioned I already had a talk with all of my online casinos for exclusion... It's not like I really just sat here and did nothing, I did take action.

About talking about the land based winnings, you're right - that was insensitive and inappropriate and I was just summarizing the night to the best of my knowledge thats all, no harm or foul intended. If you look at some other previous user posts on this very thread there is much more junk to be found, perhaps you should have a word with them as well.

Thanks a lot for the feedback, I do realize you're here to help - And again, I'm just being as honest as I can about me and about what I read.

 

[P.V.]

As far as exclusion.. I've excluded myself from all the casinos I've went to, they are all accredited

If you're going into the devils advocate mode and would say that you cannot take me seriously because I'm not taking Every Step Possible to be barred. Then there is an infinite number of cop-out reasons to believe that I'm not taking every step possible (Such as 'throw away all my computers' or 'close and cancel my bank account and all forms of electronic payment' or 'let someone else hold ALL my money'). I'm just trying to say I'm not interested in debating with you on that front - Just believe what you want. And Previously I've mentioned I already had a talk with all of my online casinos for exclusion... It's not like I really just sat here and did nothing, I did take action.

If you look at some other previous user posts on this very thread there is much more junk to be found, perhaps you should have a word with them as well.

I'm in no way trying to provoke you as suggested, not my style. You asked for suggestions, said you needed to stop now so I merely made some suggestions.

Nor would I ever suggest for you to toss your computer, or close bank accounts or anything that drastic. Like you said this isn't a debate but rather a section for solutions.

I'm sure the closing of your accounts will help and hopefully when all the new ones come online in 2013 you won't get the urge to start all over again. Honestly, good luck to you.

derail// It's not my place to have a word with other posters and whatever junk you're referring too.

 

[Nifty29]

I'm in no way trying to provoke you as suggested, not my style. You asked for suggestions, said you needed to stop now so I merely made some suggestions.

Nor would I ever suggest for you to toss your computer, or close bank accounts or anything that drastic. Like you said this isn't a debate but rather a section for solutions.

I'm sure the closing of your accounts will help and hopefully when all the new ones come online in 2013 you won't get the urge to start all over again. Honestly, good luck to you.

derail// It's not my place to have a word with other posters and whatever junk you're referring too.

The majority of us know you're genuinely trying to help PV.

The OP is young and knows everything..we've all been there.

Compulsive gambling has to have a beginning, and we're seeing it unfold right here in this thread. It is a progressive illness. The symptoms and consequences will grow steadily worse until control is lost completely and every facet of your life revolves around gambling, and you lose the ability to enjoy anything else.

Baconsandwich.....I'm sad that you decided to describe other's opinions/suggestions in this thread (which were voluntary and to.ASSIST you) as "junk". If you want to write about your meanderings without input or with the ability to delete responses you don't like, then start your own blog. Otherwise, how about showing a little more respect for those taking the time to share their experiences?

You have a gambling problem. It may not be as serious as others, or be controlling your life, but you definitely have one. You can say it is only online, which at this point it might be, but you'll find that if you deny online access to yourself completely, which is extremely difficult given the choice available, you will find other ways to feed your addiction/compulsion.

You see, compulsive gambling is seldom about the money. It is almost always an escape....a place of solace where you don't need to think about reality or be anything to anyone...hell you don't even need to know the time.

Judging by your writings, and your "laziness" with friends, I'd say you're probably trying to escape from something. Only you know what that is.

Regardless, you should seriously consider talking to a counselor to find out why you gamble. It might be the only thing that stops you descending into the mire.

When you find yourself comparing your problem with others, which you will at some point, and say to yourself "well I'm not that bad" or "I've never done anything like that" etc.....just add the word "YET" at the end, because continuing to gamble when you know you have a problem is a tried and true course to doing all those things plus more.

I wish you well.

 

[secret2]

"She doesn't know I gamble online"



This is another sympton of one being embarrassed and feeling guilty of not being honest to own up to one of your closest people that you know.

If you didn't have a problem , then why not tell her?

Not on your case but I know how I am and I understand this mindset.

Secrets, just isolate you and does nothing but make you nervous and even more angry about the secret...and it goes on..

 

[just play]

Judging by your writings, and your "laziness" with friends, I'd say you're probably trying to escape from something. Only you know what that is.

Regardless, you should seriously consider talking to a counselor to find out why you gamble. It might be the only thing that stops you descending into the mire.

I'm glad someone else touched on this subject as well.

Like I said earlier, I do believe talking to a professional will be your best bet. You can block gambling places, get put on a list, etc...but you need to find out first what the problem is.

Also, please don't think anyone is ragging on you, there are a good bunch of people here, everyone is trying to help.

Keep us posted.

 

[dunover]

Carry on, you'll first turn into a liar, then a serial debtor, next stage a thief and last stage seriously alone - whether the lonely place has bars on or not...

 

[Baconsandwich]

Carry on, you'll first turn into a liar, then a serial debtor, next stage a thief and last stage seriously alone - whether the lonely place has bars on or not...

The following is only directed towards dunover:

It sounds like you're trying to curse me or something, You've just given me another reason, to prove you wrong that is... I'm nowhere near getting into thievery, and/or landing in jail. I'm owning up to my losses, my plan to pay off ALL MY DEBT AND GET OUT OF ONLINE GAMBLING IN JUST 2 MONTHS still stands, I've already explained the means to do so.

Yea, my username is Baconsandwich haha - You probably view me as an overweight person with a gambling problem who just jerks off in front of my computer while getting denied by credit card companies or something... NO, just no - I have a good job, people who care for me, attractive girlfriend, legitimate means to pay off debt. etc. You really talked out of your ass on this one.

Even if whatever I posted on this forum ticked you off, you shouldn't take some kind of offensive action against someone trying to express their problems in a forum topic like this, I would have felt bad if you said those words to ANYONE else besides me as well.

You scum.

----------------------

Anyways, thanks again everyone - I still have not gambled online and have not an ounce of urge to do so. I've been opening up to my friends and have started to hang out with them, going to a new years eve shindig tonight!

Happy new years everyone.

 

[dionysus]

One, I don't agree with his assessment either, two, don't rise to the bait. Just use the report button

 

[Baconsandwich]

Ah a report button... I'm a newb to this forum

 

[Nifty29]

Ah a report button... I'm a newb to this forum

If you keep calling other members scum, you won't be an anything to this forum for much longer.

What's with the "attractive girlfriend" thing....how's that relevant? Why would anyone go out with a woman who they considered unattractive? Weird.

FWIW, nobody is saying you ARE dodgy etc....just that you obviously have a gambling problem, which can lead to very bad things. IMO, based on your responses, you're not really listening....which is your perogative of course, but you shouldn't be surprised if some people call you out on it and tell it like it is. I don't see the point of starting a public thread if a) you don't really think you have a problem and b) you're not going to take stuff on board.