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[stripeyfox]

 

 

Bolton 'doing right thing' by cutting betting links, says chief executive

By Alistair MagowanBBC Sport

Last updated on27 September 202127 September 2021.From the sectionBolton

Bolton's University of Bolton Stadium will no longer have betting kiosks

Bolton Wanderers cut links to betting because the club "didn't need to be part" of a market where adverts are "rammed down our throats", says chief executive Neil Hart.

The League One club, which almost went bust two years ago, said it would no longer seek gambling cash and is removing betting kiosks at its stadium.

Hart believes other clubs could also survive without betting sponsors.

"Bolton want to win on the pitch, but alongside that is doing the right thing," said chief executive Hart.

"We just felt, with the saturation of betting advertising around football, we didn't need to be part of that.

"We are not saying to supporters don't bet, but we aren't going to provide you with that opportunity within the stadium and it's something we believed in.

"The early indication is its been received very positively and our supporters are very much aligned with us."

When the club initially made its announcement on Thursday, chairwoman Sharon Brittan said "problem gambling ruins lives" and "we as an industry must do more", citing research which says there are between 340,000 and 1.4m gambling addicts in the United Kingdom.

But the English Football League, which is sponsored by Sky Bet and whose advertising remains on the Bolton Wanderers website, has said it is operating within current laws and promotes responsible gambling.

The Betting and Gaming Council has also said that fewer children were seeing betting adverts during live sport because of the whistle-to-whistle ban, and that 20% of its members' advertising includes safer gambling messages.

EFL chairman Rick Parry has said that a potential gambling sponsorship ban - which is being considered by government as part of the Gambling Act review - could leave a £40m shortfall for its clubs each year and could force some to go out of business.

Hart, who was previously chief executive at Burnley, says Bolton will respect the EFL's existing relationships with betting firms.

He also supports a potential ban on gambling advertising in football and believes that club's the decision - inspired by Brittan - would put the Bolton "ahead of the curve" if there were any changes to the law.

"It's almost having a lighter touch with it," he told BBC Sport. "No one can disagree that betting adverts are rammed down our throats and there is a heavy saturation of it, particularly with the broadcasting of football matches. I think it's over the top."

He added: "I believe clubs could [survive without gambling advertising], others will tell me differently, but I do.

"Bolton was in a desperate state two years ago, Sharon and Football Ventures saved it from extinction and have guided it though the pandemic on the back of trying to exit administration.

"Now there is a new approach where we are trying to do things a bit differently, with transparency, honesty and openness.

"I know what is out there for Bolton Wanderers in that commercial space and we are going to work very hard to bring in the right partners for us that provide longevity and good levels of revenue as well.

"We don't need to talk to betting companies to do that."

[steflcfc]

If it hasn’t been said on here, Just seen tonight on BBC Paul Merson programme about his gambling addiction on tonight at 9pm, if anyone is interested in watching. 

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0010l43

[Ric Flair]

On 11/10/2021 at 13:36, steflcfc said:

If it hasn’t been said on here, Just seen tonight on BBC Paul Merson programme about his gambling addiction on tonight at 9pm, if anyone is interested in watching. 

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0010l43

Just watched it on my own and ended up in tears. Absolutely horrible but a very powerful and important programme this is. Good exposure to further put pressure on the powers that be, even though we saw the laughable dog shit responses from betting companies and supposed regulators at the end.

 

@Lukeslaw Annie was on it, which made it even more poignant and thought provoking for me. Her story she shared and the others torn apart by a family member gambling was extremely sad but I really hope this is another step to enforcing change.

 

I'm a bit emotionally drained after that. I'm at a point in my recovery right now where I've gotten my life back and can function quite healthily and positively without being reminded regularly about the horrors of my past and the dangers all around me. It's important to have those reminders and to continue the recovery programme that us compulsive gamblers have managed to put in place by it doesn't make it any easier or much comfort when you have to acknowledge just how serious this all is and that there's no quick fix, you cannot put it behind you and crack on with ignorance and carefree abandon because if we do that then we will likely relapse and cause our families and loved ones so much more pain, not to mention ourselves. I will never ever do that again, I have a fury and desire inside of me that will never relent in my pursuit of abstaining from gambling but complacency knows no bounds either and I remain vigil.

 

Thoughts are with all those who have been effected in the past and future with gambling. As always, if anyone is suffering themselves both directly or indirectly with gambling and have no outlet to talk about it, I'm always available to offer an ear or some of my own experience and advice. We will never let these bastards control us.

 

 

[Lukeslaw]

Thanks Ric. It was hard for me to watch back to be honest. Still doesn't feel like it is me talking about those things. It us all very raw and the group of us, who were all sat around the table, were in tears for most of the time. 

 

Well done on your recovery btw. 👏 

 

Thank you everyone on here who keep bumping it for me, I really appreciate it. 💙 

[stripeyfox]

4 hours ago, Ric Flair said:

Just watched it on my own and ended up in tears. Absolutely horrible but a very powerful and important programme this is. Good exposure to further put pressure on the powers that be, even though we saw the laughable dog shit responses from betting companies and supposed regulators at the end.

 

@Lukeslaw Annie was on it, which made it even more poignant and thought provoking for me. Her story she shared and the others torn apart by a family member gambling was extremely sad but I really hope this is another step to enforcing change.

 

I'm a bit emotionally drained after that. I'm at a point in my recovery right now where I've gotten my life back and can function quite healthily and positively without being reminded regularly about the horrors of my past and the dangers all around me. It's important to have those reminders and to continue the recovery programme that us compulsive gamblers have managed to put in place by it doesn't make it any easier or much comfort when you have to acknowledge just how serious this all is and that there's no quick fix, you cannot put it behind you and crack on with ignorance and carefree abandon because if we do that then we will likely relapse and cause our families and loved ones so much more pain, not to mention ourselves. I will never ever do that again, I have a fury and desire inside of me that will never relent in my pursuit of abstaining from gambling but complacency knows no bounds either and I remain vigil.

 

Thoughts are with all those who have been effected in the past and future with gambling. As always, if anyone is suffering themselves both directly or indirectly with gambling and have no outlet to talk about it, I'm always available to offer an ear or some of my own experience and advice. We will never let these bastards control us.

 

 

I've not watched it yet, but I will do.

 

Fair play to you mate on your recovery and the offer of help to others. Fortunately for me I am not a gambler but I can see how it would be so easy to fall into the trap. It just sickens me how prevelent gambling advertising is these days. When I was growing up bookies were smokey little shops without even windows on the street and not particularly appealing to anyone to be honest. Now the enticements are everywhere - it's all wrong!
 

[davieG]

2 hours ago, Lukeslaw said:

Thanks Ric. It was hard for me to watch back to be honest. Still doesn't feel like it is me talking about those things. It us all very raw and the group of us, who were all sat around the table, were in tears for most of the time. 

 

Well done on your recovery btw. 👏 

 

Thank you everyone on here who keep bumping it for me, I really appreciate it. 💙 

It's a shame all the TV coverage hasn't included details of your petition but continued good luck with your campaign.

[Ric Flair]

16 hours ago, davieG said:

It's a shame all the TV coverage hasn't included details of your petition but continued good luck with your campaign.

That's the thing that has disappointed me, it feels like it could have been the perfect exposure to get further momentum on it and put the government in a position where they have to respond.

[Royston.]

On 08/12/2020 at 09:24, davieG said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55215778

 

The age limit for playing the National Lottery is set to be raised from 16 to 18 from next October as the government moves to crack down on gambling.

The government has pledged a "major and wide-ranging review" of the sector, which may include limits on online stakes and restrictions on advertising.

Betting firms could also be banned from sponsoring football shirts.

 

Ticket prices to rise to cover the shortfall?

I'd think lottery players aged 16-18 were probably in the minority.

[davieG]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-60152759

 

Women who gamble: Winning £127,000 'worst day of my life'

 

 

 

 

[chrishlcfc]

Struggling big style with my gambling again. After going 8 months without a bet I’m now betting regularly again and I hate it. Betting to excess as addicts do and it’s effecting me so much mentally.

 

Cant cope with it. It makes me want to cry all the time, I did so much hard work but I threw it all away.

[davieG]

On 17/02/2022 at 23:36, chrishlcfc said:

Struggling big style with my gambling again. After going 8 months without a bet I’m now betting regularly again and I hate it. Betting to excess as addicts do and it’s effecting me so much mentally.

 

Cant cope with it. It makes me want to cry all the time, I did so much hard work but I threw it all away.

How are you doing Chris, I can't offer any advice as I've never been in this situation but I hope you're getting help from someone somewhere, Good Luck with getting it under control.

[purpleronnie]

On 17/02/2022 at 23:36, chrishlcfc said:

Struggling big style with my gambling again. After going 8 months without a bet I’m now betting regularly again and I hate it. Betting to excess as addicts do and it’s effecting me so much mentally.

 

Cant cope with it. It makes me want to cry all the time, I did so much hard work but I threw it all away.

Try and focus on the positives.  The fact you had the strength to stop for 8 months shows you can do this.  You did it before you can do it again starting today.  Good luck to you and remember your not alone.

[chrishlcfc]

Thanks both. It’s really really hard right now. But that’s what addiction is. That’s why it ruins lives and it’s ruined mine but I still have a chance to turn it around and as difficult as it is and as low as I feel with it all right now, I’m hopeful I can get there in the end.

 

Speaking to a gambling counsellor on Wednesday so hopefully I will get some extra help and support because I sure need it at the moment.

[Wymsey]

What's happened to the proposed 'Luke's Law'?

[Ric Flair]

On 17/02/2022 at 23:36, chrishlcfc said:

Struggling big style with my gambling again. After going 8 months without a bet I’m now betting regularly again and I hate it. Betting to excess as addicts do and it’s effecting me so much mentally.

 

Cant cope with it. It makes me want to cry all the time, I did so much hard work but I threw it all away.

Pal, there's no quick fix to this hideous disease. It's not easy, everyone is different in the battle they face but that's what it is its a battle. Yes, we all want it to just go away, we don't want to have to work hard at not doing something as it's tiresome and feels like it's impossible to abstain and therefore we feel a failure.

 

Unfortunately we have to fight because the alternative is this, this feeling right here and now. Feeling like you want the world to swallow you whole, feeling like you want to just be smashed in to a million pieces. That's what gambling is doing to you, imagine it as a big fat horrible bastard that keeps coming round your house, breaking in, chinning you and your family and nicking everything. Would you stand for that? Never give up and in to this bastards mate, pick yourself up however hard it is. I am here for you if you need an ear to chew, don't suffer in silence.

 

You've gone 8 months without a bet which is such an achievement mate, harness that. A year ago you'd never have believed you could break the cycle and do that, well you did it. There's a relapse and it's hard to stomach them as with every slip it feels like there's no coming back but there is, everyone's path is different. Some of the most amazing people that have ever stepped foot on this earth's story is about overcoming tragedy and setbacks time and time again. Us gamblers are stronger than we think we are, we have to be to have kept up such a relentless addiction and although it's not a positive in how we did it, the mental resilience can be rerouted and channeled in to something healthier and better.

 

Sit down and write down your thoughts. What did you do during the 8 months you abstained from gambling. What was the recovery plan you had and the blockers in place you had. We're you attending G.A? If so, then get back there. It's saved my life and I see this time and time again that we relapse when we stop doing the thing that gave us our lives back and why would we want to jeopardise that? If you haven't yet been to G.A, then A) immense work to go 8 months battling your recovery on your own and B) consider trying G.A as it can be so powerful and does make it a little easier to break down the feeling of enormity in dealing with the prospect of the rest of your life away from gambling.

 

That last point is very important. Even as a recovering compulsive gambler we will still have shit thrown at us in life, everyone does. How we deal with that is what shapes our present and future, if we have no mechanism to deal with it then we'll do what we know which is escape the pain by gambling. No thank you.

 

At G.A you get the benefit of not just dealing with gambling itself but all the day to day mundane shit that has an impact on the way we are as well. In some ways we're fortunate to have that, where as non compulsive gamblers might be everything we are that makes us liars, cheats, thieves and not always there for our friends and families when distracted by gambling but they won't ever have the environment and platform to change and become better people. Well I'll take being a compulsive gambler trying to be a better person and trying to be there for my friends and family that a non gambler who's a selfish piece of shit who will never change.

 

Keep fighting Chris, and please reach out if you ever need a chat mate. You can do this! Never give in to these fcukers. HATE it with a passion and use that fire within to find some love and peace with yourself and the world you live in. 💪💪💪

[chrishlcfc]

On 23/02/2022 at 09:38, Ric Flair said:

Pal, there's no quick fix to this hideous disease. It's not easy, everyone is different in the battle they face but that's what it is its a battle. Yes, we all want it to just go away, we don't want to have to work hard at not doing something as it's tiresome and feels like it's impossible to abstain and therefore we feel a failure.

 

Unfortunately we have to fight because the alternative is this, this feeling right here and now. Feeling like you want the world to swallow you whole, feeling like you want to just be smashed in to a million pieces. That's what gambling is doing to you, imagine it as a big fat horrible bastard that keeps coming round your house, breaking in, chinning you and your family and nicking everything. Would you stand for that? Never give up and in to this bastards mate, pick yourself up however hard it is. I am here for you if you need an ear to chew, don't suffer in silence.

 

You've gone 8 months without a bet which is such an achievement mate, harness that. A year ago you'd never have believed you could break the cycle and do that, well you did it. There's a relapse and it's hard to stomach them as with every slip it feels like there's no coming back but there is, everyone's path is different. Some of the most amazing people that have ever stepped foot on this earth's story is about overcoming tragedy and setbacks time and time again. Us gamblers are stronger than we think we are, we have to be to have kept up such a relentless addiction and although it's not a positive in how we did it, the mental resilience can be rerouted and channeled in to something healthier and better.

 

Sit down and write down your thoughts. What did you do during the 8 months you abstained from gambling. What was the recovery plan you had and the blockers in place you had. We're you attending G.A? If so, then get back there. It's saved my life and I see this time and time again that we relapse when we stop doing the thing that gave us our lives back and why would we want to jeopardise that? If you haven't yet been to G.A, then A) immense work to go 8 months battling your recovery on your own and B) consider trying G.A as it can be so powerful and does make it a little easier to break down the feeling of enormity in dealing with the prospect of the rest of your life away from gambling.

 

That last point is very important. Even as a recovering compulsive gambler we will still have shit thrown at us in life, everyone does. How we deal with that is what shapes our present and future, if we have no mechanism to deal with it then we'll do what we know which is escape the pain by gambling. No thank you.

 

At G.A you get the benefit of not just dealing with gambling itself but all the day to day mundane shit that has an impact on the way we are as well. In some ways we're fortunate to have that, where as non compulsive gamblers might be everything we are that makes us liars, cheats, thieves and not always there for our friends and families when distracted by gambling but they won't ever have the environment and platform to change and become better people. Well I'll take being a compulsive gambler trying to be a better person and trying to be there for my friends and family that a non gambler who's a selfish piece of shit who will never change.

 

Keep fighting Chris, and please reach out if you ever need a chat mate. You can do this! Never give in to these fcukers. HATE it with a passion and use that fire within to find some love and peace with yourself and the world you live in. 💪💪💪

Thanks so much for this post again. As always means a lot, especially coming from yourself knowing that you have been through all this.

 

 not gambled since last Friday which is a start again and I’m determined to get more help this time.

 

Unfortunately it really is difficult for me to get to G.A. sessions as I work about 15 miles from home and have to use public transport every single day and don’t get home till late.

 

I was having private counselling, that was very much more just for my mental health though as I wasn’t gambling at that time and felt pretty in control,  but that became unsustainable because at the time I didn’t really have a proper job and ran out of funds basically.

 

Getting self exclusions sorted, already sorted bookies out for 12 months again, going to do casinos tomorrow as that’s a simple one and then unfortunately the tough one is arcades, because I have to actually go in to one of them to start the ball rolling on self exclusion which I’m not really looking forward to obviously.

 

Appreciate your kind and helpful words. 

[Ric Flair]

Whilst this is often seen as Christmas week for gamblers when Cheltenham is on, it most certainly isn't for recovering compulsive gamblers or those who have sadly succumbed and may well find this week too much to deal with.

 

As always, if anyone is struggling and needs to talk just message me. Never give in to these bastards again.

 

The onslaught the gambling companies have embarked on in the last week or so has been staggering, and it's nearly on every on demand TV platform where there is adverts that you cannot fast forward or get away from. ITV being the worst and I find that an absolute disgrace. There's one thing putting this shit on, but when you cannot get past it then it's scandalous. I'm boycotting ITV now.

[davieG]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60994728

 

New rules on gambling adverts ban celebrities and sports stars
Published6 hours agocommentsComments

Footballers, celebrities and social media influencers will be banned from gambling adverts under new rules.

From October, gambling companies will not be allowed to use stars to target under-18s, The Committee for Advertising Practice said.

Anyone with a "strong appeal" for young people, such as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Love Island star Chris Hughes, must not appear in the adverts.

The body representing betting firms said it welcomed the new rules.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) said the changes built on industry-led measures designed to "drive up standards and ensure further protections in advertising."

The Committee for Advertising Practice (CAP) said the "tough" new rules were part of its commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable audiences.

The new rules state that gambling and lottery ads must not "be likely to be of strong appeal to children or young persons, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture."

References to video game content and gameplay popular with under-18s are also against the new rules.

There is opposition to gambling advertising amongst some politicians, parents and groups that campaign for awareness around gambling addiction.

Former England and Arsenal footballer Paul Merson, who became addicted to gambling himself, last month told BBC Sport it "sickens" him to see former players and managers in gambling adverts.

Earlier this year, Paddy Power launched a tongue-in-cheek ad featuring former Arsenal and West Ham player Jack Wilshere.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager and I'm a Celebrity winner Harry Redknapp has previously appeared in ads for Betvictor.

And former Love Island contestant Chris Hughes is a brand ambassador for Coral Racing.

Shahriar Coupal, director of CAP, said: "By ending these practices, our new rules invite a new era for gambling ads, more particular to the adult audience they can target and more befitting of the age-restricted product they're promoting."

Lord Don Foster, chairman of Peers for Gambling Reform welcomed the CAP's step but warned it would not block all advertising reaching young audiences.

"It won't stop gambling advertisements appearing on the shirts of children's sporting heroes nor many of the other concerning actions of gambling companies who spend over £1.5bn a year promoting their products," he said.

"The government should ban all links between sport and gambling, all inducements, such as so-called "free" bets, and direct marketing to individual customers and take steps to reduce all forms of gambling advertising," said Lord Foster.

The industry body, the BGC said previously introduced measures were already helping to tackle the problem. A "whistle-to-whistle" ban on TV commercials during live sport before the 9pm watershed introduced in 2019 had reduced the ads seen by young people at that time by 97%, Mr Dugher said.

"Our members also introduced new age gating rules on advertising on social platforms, restricting the ads to those aged 25 and over for most sites," he added.

Playing cards, scratchcards, fruit machines and betting between friends were more popular platforms among young people for gambling than BGC member firms, Mr Dugher said

"The BGC take a zero tolerance approach to gambling by those under the age of 18 and we enforce the toughest possible action," he said.

The Conservative's 2019 election manifesto promised to overhaul gambling laws, following growing concerns over gambling's impact, especially on the young. After a series of delays a white paper, outlining new regulations, is now expected in May.

[davieG]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60667575

 

Paul Merson: Former players in gambling ads 'sicken me'
By Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport
Last updated on8 March 20228 March 2022.

Merson played for Arsenal, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa in his career
Former England and Arsenal footballer Paul Merson says it "sickens" him when he sees former players and managers in gambling adverts.

Merson is campaigning for betting laws to be changed as part of an upcoming government review.

Last year he made a BBC documentary about his gambling addiction and the industry, saying adverts are a "major trigger".

"I see people in adverts and they are rich," Merson said.

The 53-year-old Merson, who had a 21-year league career, added: "I could understand it if they were a League One or League Two player and had not earned much from the game, but the people doing the adverts are multi-millionaires.

"Do they need the money? Do you need that extra £50,000? It sickens me.

Merson on gambling addiction: 'I wouldn't wish this on anybody'
"If they knew a family member who was addicted, I don't think they would do it. They don't really understand the addiction and the compulsion and what it does to lives.

"Then you have podcasts sponsored by betting companies. Do you need to make that buck as well? It does my head in."

Betting advertising in football is one of the issues being debated as part of the 2005 Gambling Act review which is set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Campaigners want a ban on football shirt sponsorships, adverts around the pitch and in club marketing.

Merson says he cannot watch adverts on TV during football matches and walks out of the room to avoid being triggered, but has struggled when adverts appear on radio stations and during breaks for comedy programmes.

Speaking at a Gambling Reform Rally he added clubs are "lazy" when they say they cannot find alternative sponsors and could go out of business.

"Most companies would want to be in the Premier League," said Merson. "Why not offer your players less wages?"

English Football League chairman Rick Parry says a ban on gambling sponsorship could cause some of its 72 clubs "to go under" and would cost the EFL £40m a year in lost revenue.

Following his documentary, where the two-time First Division title winner explained his losses and how he had been addicted for his whole adult life, Merson expected to be contacted by clubs in order to offer younger players education.

But he said he had little response.

Merson told BBC Sport: "When I did my documentary, I thought I'd be inundated with clubs ringing up asking me to talk to the youngsters, but I don't think clubs see gambling as a problem. If it was drinking or drugs they'd be all over it like a rash."

Asked if young players could be offered more education, he added: "One hundred percent.

"It doesn't matter how much you earn, it'll soon go. You can't drink 30 grand a week, but you can gamble it in a week. Gambling is a hidden problem and it's hard.

"That's why so many people commit suicide because it's always too late. When I was drinking it was visible, but this is an invisible problem so I was surprised [no clubs contacted me]."

Asked about the response to his documentary from his peers, Merson added: "Nothing.

"There is still a stigma about gambling. Everybody in their head is like 'just have a bit of willpower'.

"The compulsion can be overwhelming. Many people don't have a choice and don't know they are problem gamblers. Advertising is a major trigger."

A spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council, added: "During the pandemic, the regulated betting and gaming industry provided some of the country's most popular sport with vital funding through sponsorship. Horse racing received £350m, the English Football League received £40m, and snooker, darts and rugby league received more than £12.5m.

"Betting advertising and sponsorship must comply with strict guidelines and safer gambling messaging is regularly and prominently displayed. Operators' logos cannot be used on children's clothing - including replica football kits - while the whistle to whistle ban has reduced the number of TV betting commercials viewed by children during live sports before the watershed by 97 per cent.

"According to the Gambling Commission, the rate of problem gambling has fallen to 0.3 per cent [in the year to September 2021], down from 0.6 per cent 18 months ago."

 

[davieG]

2 minutes ago, davieG said:

A spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council, added: "During the pandemic, the regulated betting and gaming industry provided some of the country's most popular sport with vital funding through sponsorship. Horse racing received £350m, the English Football League received £40m, and snooker, darts and rugby league received more than £12.5m.

Perhaps they should think about where that money is coming from?

Not his/her pocket that's for sure.

[Vacamion]

 

The Times reporting this morning that online slots are to have maximum stakes imposed to bring them into line with the limits on FOBTs, and that Premier League clubs will have to remove Gambling Firms as main shirt sponsors.

 

Government plans to be announced "next month".

 

[Ric Flair]

I've just realised I've passed the 4 year mark since I last had a bet - 26th May 2018. I'm a bit surprised it's taken nearly a week for me to remember as it was certainly on my radar in recent weeks as it approached.

 

I don't know whether that's a good sign that I'm well on my way to a strong recovery and a world away from the person and life I had where gambling consumed my every waking moment or if I need to be mindful of getting complacent. I'll err on the side of caution and continue to take time to reflect on my life, ensure I'm being honest to myself and those around me and try and enhance my emotional intelligence to continue this path away from gambling.

 

There's no celebration for surpassing a milestone, just a careful and considered moment of joy and contentment for my life now. Long may that continue.

[Col city fan]

10 hours ago, Ric Flair said:

I've just realised I've passed the 4 year mark since I last had a bet - 26th May 2018. I'm a bit surprised it's taken nearly a week for me to remember as it was certainly on my radar in recent weeks as it approached.

 

I don't know whether that's a good sign that I'm well on my way to a strong recovery and a world away from the person and life I had where gambling consumed my every waking moment or if I need to be mindful of getting complacent. I'll err on the side of caution and continue to take time to reflect on my life, ensure I'm being honest to myself and those around me and try and enhance my emotional intelligence to continue this path away from gambling.

 

There's no celebration for surpassing a milestone, just a careful and considered moment of joy and contentment for my life now. Long may that continue.

You’ve done an amazing job there Ric. You should be proud of yourself lad

👍

[chrishlcfc]

11 hours ago, Ric Flair said:

I've just realised I've passed the 4 year mark since I last had a bet - 26th May 2018. I'm a bit surprised it's taken nearly a week for me to remember as it was certainly on my radar in recent weeks as it approached.

 

I don't know whether that's a good sign that I'm well on my way to a strong recovery and a world away from the person and life I had where gambling consumed my every waking moment or if I need to be mindful of getting complacent. I'll err on the side of caution and continue to take time to reflect on my life, ensure I'm being honest to myself and those around me and try and enhance my emotional intelligence to continue this path away from gambling.

 

There's no celebration for surpassing a milestone, just a careful and considered moment of joy and contentment for my life now. Long may that continue.

Excellent work and thanks for helping me out with words of wisdom as well. 
 

Im still in the early days again. After stopping for 8 months I relapsed for a good couple of months but now I’m back working hard at it and haven’t gambled for a couple of months.

 

Ive been in contact with gamcare and speaking to somebody from there team and am supposed to be getting counselling sessions but not being nasty as they’re a free service but the help I’ve received has been beyond useless. So still going at it on my own.

 

Need to listen to yourself and get down to some GA sessions. I was going to go once and then just backed out of it. Hopefully I can continue to sort myself out and beat this horrible addiction.

[maddog]

I've blown around £45,000 through gambling which I'm not proud of but I talk about it because bottling it up when I was in that whirlwind was perpetuating the problem, that secrecy factor with gambling online and nobody knows it's happening is such a curse but in your mind when in the midst of it it's like an orchard of poison apples, nobody knows what I'm up to, I have this secret life and this secret power and control - of course in reality being out of control. 

 

I used to bet pretty much 24/7, watching basketball all night not sleeping. Betting at 4am online before a 6am shift. I basically emptied my bank account twice through it, once when around 18-19 and then again around 25-26. 

 

Nowadays almost 31 it just doesn't enter my head really, I don't bet, I don't have the urge to, I did have £2.50 e/w on the grand national at the betting shop because I thought I'm in control and this is literally a bit of fun on the national. I've forgotten the name of the horse but it finished 1 place out of each way, I didn't get upset by this, I didn't get tempted to bet more. Maybe I'll do the same on next year's grand national will see! 

 

Also having bipolar means a certain addictive personality I guess, I was diagnosed around 2 months after the second gambling blow out, so I guess that helped me put things into context. I can't blame my silly actions on an illness but I can frame those whirlwinds in the context of the general traits of bipolar sufferers, to at least make sense to a certain extent. 

 

Anyway I think I'm trying to say I sympathize with everyone struggling in this topic, I hate the gambling firms and relentless advertising but I am through the other side, I can live with myself and thank myself lucky I'm still breathing. I sometimes think wow that 45 grand would have been a tidy house deposit and all that stuff but (and I don't mean this as a brag) I've got more cash to my name than I've ever had in my life, I've recently been promoted at work and things are good. 

 

And all these good things I would never have believed possible 5 years ago, and 12 years ago. Hell even 2 years ago to be fair.

 

So hang on in there everybody because if I can be hopeful for the day ahead and if good things can happen to me, then they sure as shit can happen to you too even if you don't believe it today 🙂

Edited 16 June 2022 by maddog