Anonymous

I started gambling at the age of 8 as a bit of fun when my mum and dad used to take me to blackpool with my sisters. 19 years on and I still gamble, at first it was a bit of fun in school playing 21 on the way to school and on the way back from school. even playing quids against the wall in school, anything to earn a bit more money in school. this year I haven't gambled yet which I am proud of but i'm still scared as each day goes by. the past 5 years have been great with my ex partner but ended in being the worst time of my life. I was totally addicted to the roulette machines in the bookies even though I always knew they were fixed. Since my gambling come out I have lost my girlfriend, never really go and see my daughter and also have lost friends. [....]since I lost my family and friends I have been trying really hard to stay out the bookies and at the minute it is working but it is still hard. The only thing I have to keep me going is the picture of my daughter which I carry everywhere i go especially when I walk past a bookies. [....] now I just think of my daughter and look at her beautiful face every time im out. It is working but it's still early days and I just want everyone else who has the same problem to know were not alone in this [....] maybe we can help each other because sometimes it's best to talk with someone with the same problem and try to solve them together

 
These are real stories posted by people who visit our site. You are welcome to post your own.