Gambling Addiction - Need Help, A Chat - Read This!

[Ric Flair]

On 22/06/2025 at 09:53, hebangsthedrums said:

I think I've hit rock bottom. If there is someone I can DM who has felt the same id appreciate it

Just messaged you pal

[em9999]

I went to Gamstop and stopped but its difficult I'm just glad I live far away from a bookie since I moved 

[StanSP]

Into my 3rd cooling off period with Skybet. 

 

Lots of big things coming up personally, and couldn't let the betting be a distraction to take my stress out on. Done two 7-day periods and now part way through a 30-day one. 

 

I've been able to focus on those big events, and still be able to enjoy the sport I've been watching recently - F1, cricket, women's euros, bit of the Lions rugby.

 

I hope things don't change when regular football comes back in Aug but I can see myself deleting my account with them to be honest. 

 

It's been far too long a time coming but realising gambling doesn't improve the enjoyment of the sport I watch is something I wish I found out sooner. 

[TJB-fox]

On 19/07/2025 at 20:22, StanSP said:

Into my 3rd cooling off period with Skybet. 

 

Lots of big things coming up personally, and couldn't let the betting be a distraction to take my stress out on. Done two 7-day periods and now part way through a 30-day one. 

 

I've been able to focus on those big events, and still be able to enjoy the sport I've been watching recently - F1, cricket, women's euros, bit of the Lions rugby.

 

I hope things don't change when regular football comes back in Aug but I can see myself deleting my account with them to be honest. 

 

It's been far too long a time coming but realising gambling doesn't improve the enjoyment of the sport I watch is something I wish I found out sooner. 

Gamstop. Get it done.

[davieG]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1j914rj64do

 

Bet365 boss pay package rises to £280m

Denise Coates, the founder of Bet365, is pictured standing against a grey wall wearing a wide-collared shirt beneath a black suit jacket. 
Image source,PA Media
ByArchie Mitchell
Business reporter

Denise Coates, the founder and chief executive of Bet365, received a pay package of at least £280m in 2025, marking another year as one of Britain's highest-paid bosses.

Her total earnings jumped by more than two thirds from almost £158m a year earlier, despite profits at the gambling firm tumbling.

Ms Coates was awarded £104m in salary in the year to March 2025, Companies House filings show.

In addition, as a majority shareholder in Bet365, she was entitled to at least half of the £354m dividend payment declared by the firm for the year.

The £280m package means she has earned more than £2bn from Bet365 over the past decade.

Campaign group the High Pay Centre condemned Ms Coates's pay as too high.

Director Andrew Speke said: "Denise Coates is well-liked in Stoke for being self-made and giving back to her community.

"But the eye-watering sums she earns go far beyond what anyone needs for a life of luxury - and her fortune comes from an industry that has caused real harm to too many people."

Bet365 has been approached for comment.

Her latest pay deal came as Bet365's pre-tax profit fell to £339m for the year, from £596m previously. Overall revenue rose by 9%, from £3.7bn a year earlier to £4bn.

Ms Coates founded Bet365 in a portable building in a Stoke-on-Trent car park more than 20 years ago. It is now the biggest private sector employer in the city and offers sports betting, poker, casino games and bingo online to millions of customers worldwide.

She is one of Britain's richest women and among the world's highest-paid executives.

After training as an accountant, Ms Coates helped build Bet365 into one of the biggest online gambling companies from her father's bookmaking business. Her brother, John Coates, is a co-chief executive of the company.

As well as being one of the UK's best-paid bosses, Ms Coates is reportedly among the country's biggest taxpayers, external. Her £104m salary would see her pay tens of millions in income tax and national insurance.

Bet365 also said the company paid £482m of tax in the year to March, up from £364m a year earlier, including tax on dividend payments.

During the year, Bet365 donated £130m to the Denise Coates Foundation, which donates to charities covering education, arts and culture and health.

[Ric Flair]

Went on a mates podcast about addiction to discuss my battle as a compulsive gambler.

 

It'll be 8 years next week since my last bet.

 

If anyone out there is struggling, my door is always open to lend an ear. You are not alone, you can turn your life around around very a life free from addiction.

 

 

[davieG]

1 hour ago, Ric Flair said:

Went on a mates podcast about addiction to discuss my battle as a compulsive gambler.

 

It'll be 8 years next week since my last bet.

 

If anyone out there is struggling, my door is always open to lend an ear. You are not alone, you can turn your life around around very a life free from addiction.

 

 

8 years well done Ric I'm sure it's not been easy. 

Keep going and best wishes.

[Ric Flair]

3 hours ago, davieG said:

8 years well done Ric I'm sure it's not been easy. 

Keep going and best wishes.

Thanks Davie. It's a funny one as i'm not going to underestimate the seriousness of addiction and how hard it is to change but I think i've been a mix of fortunate and so determined and ready to change than when I accepted that and welcomed abstinence that it's been an incredibly rewarding journey.

 

I will never let my guard slip, I know i'd be straight back where I ended up if I did and I am not doing that again, no way.

[Wymsey]

13 hours ago, Ric Flair said:

Went on a mates podcast about addiction to discuss my battle as a compulsive gambler.

 

It'll be 8 years next week since my last bet.

 

If anyone out there is struggling, my door is always open to lend an ear. You are not alone, you can turn your life around around very a life free from addiction.

 

 

Have forwarded.