Gambling is a problem that can easily lead to the build up of debt, sometimes on an extreme scale where the gambler sees no way out of their situation. The more money you lose, the bigger the difficulty and then the more you are tempted to gamble further to try and get a break on your financial situation. But sadly, this doesn't always go to plan. Below are a few steps to try and tackle your gambling problem if it is causing difficulty financially.
- Have a clean break from Gambling. Stop it altogether. If you can't stop altogether, you need to be more responsible by keeping track of what you are spending. You could seek help from one of the gambling charities who provide counselling for anyone who is experiencing difficulties resulting from a gambling problem – including partners and family members.
- Take responsibility of the situation and face it.
- Share your problems. It is good to confide in someone you trust and they may be able to help you see a way out of the problem.
- Have a clean break from Gambling. Stop it altogether. If you can't stop altogether, you need to be more responsible by keeping track of what you are spending. You could seek help from one of the gambling charities who provide counselling for anyone who is experiencing difficulties resulting from a gambling problem – including partners and family members.
- Take responsibility of the situation and face it.
- Share your problems. It is good to confide in someone you trust and they may be able to help you see a way out of the problem.
DEAR DEIDRE: I GOT £12,000 into debt through my terrible five-year gambling addiction. I am desperate to clear it but can't see how. I am a man of 37 and have two sons with my ex, aged ten. Gambling to try and win money to pay off your debts. If any of these sound familiar, it's time to get help. If you're affected by problem gambling, you can call the free National Gambling helpline on 0808 8020 133. Advisers are available 24/7, offering information, advice and support. There might be local services that can help you. Your GP may be able to refer you to local services. Advice and support is available from Gamblers Anonymous Scotland and Gamcare. Getting Debt Advice. Even if you've gambled recently, get debt advice now. We've helped many people that have gambling debts. It may also help to talk to StepChange or other debt charities for more guidance. The future Prevent a recurrence by banning yourself from gambling sites (others will be able to help here - I'm not a gambler, sorry). Consider handing your credit cards/bank cards to your girlfriend or Mum, and only using a cash spending allowance each week. Post an SOA if you want to (it's all anonymous anyway); it will help the forum advise you, but unless you've other debts you're not going homeless or trashing your credit-worthiness between now and payday. Count yourself lucky that credit card deposit ban came in when it did or there'd be millions in the UK with much higher 'lockdown gambling.
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