23-09-2011, 05:28 AM
I am 29 years old and started gambling when I was about 13. I started gambling on fruit machines in fairground arcades, playing cards with friends and pitch-n-toss. At 18 I began spending most of my time after work in bandit palaces on the high street, spending every penny I had and borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. This cycle began to effect my mental/emotional state and I lost my job at the time because of the gambling and the stress it was placing on me day to day. I also stole items of value from my family's home for which I was discovered and lost a huge amount of trust and respect from my father. My father took control of my finances and settled all of my pressing debts for me.
I then found new employment and took back control of my finances. Within a year I was at it again but now in the bookmakers playing the crack cocaine of gambling Roulette Machines. I wish I was never introduced to these demons as it is they which have destroyed the good things which I had in my life. I would spend every penny I had in each visit to play these machines, back and forth to the cash point with current account card and credit cards. I have racked up personal debt of tens of thousands on these machines, a bit online and a bit in casinos.
I lost relationships with a 6 yr partner with whom I lived with, my father who I have not spoken to properly for years and my friends who I am afraid to contact.
I am a part qualified accountant - or was before I stole money from my employers. I did this twice with two different employers. I am due in court next week for the second offence and looking at a high possibility of going to jail.
I am currently on job seekers allowance and living with my mam. My self esteem/confidence is at an all time low due to the position I have put myself in through gambling. I rarely see my friends as I have nothing good to talk about with them as they are settled with families and have everything that I should have now.
I sit hear now thinking about how much of a confident and bright young lad I used to be....now look at me!
I realise that I have plenty of time to turn things around and this is what I intend to do whether it be before/during or after prison.
I just want people to read my story and realise the ugly road that gambling can take you down....Forget what you have lost and move on with your life...spend your money on good happy memories rather than 10 second rushes which leave you with an empty pocket and a need to re-fill it.
I'd like to hear from anyone who has been down a very similar road to me and turned their life around and now has everything they want in life.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
I then found new employment and took back control of my finances. Within a year I was at it again but now in the bookmakers playing the crack cocaine of gambling Roulette Machines. I wish I was never introduced to these demons as it is they which have destroyed the good things which I had in my life. I would spend every penny I had in each visit to play these machines, back and forth to the cash point with current account card and credit cards. I have racked up personal debt of tens of thousands on these machines, a bit online and a bit in casinos.
I lost relationships with a 6 yr partner with whom I lived with, my father who I have not spoken to properly for years and my friends who I am afraid to contact.
I am a part qualified accountant - or was before I stole money from my employers. I did this twice with two different employers. I am due in court next week for the second offence and looking at a high possibility of going to jail.
I am currently on job seekers allowance and living with my mam. My self esteem/confidence is at an all time low due to the position I have put myself in through gambling. I rarely see my friends as I have nothing good to talk about with them as they are settled with families and have everything that I should have now.
I sit hear now thinking about how much of a confident and bright young lad I used to be....now look at me!
I realise that I have plenty of time to turn things around and this is what I intend to do whether it be before/during or after prison.
I just want people to read my story and realise the ugly road that gambling can take you down....Forget what you have lost and move on with your life...spend your money on good happy memories rather than 10 second rushes which leave you with an empty pocket and a need to re-fill it.
I'd like to hear from anyone who has been down a very similar road to me and turned their life around and now has everything they want in life.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story.