My problems with online and offline gambling

[goatwack]

Reading some of these accounts makes me realize what a rookie I am to this industry. There are many members around that are on the brink, not forgetting the thousands that have passed through CM in the last 18 years. No doubt many are struggling in their lives and have fallen on harder times.

I may not be as street-smart just yet but I will always insist that I am so delighted to have only taken up slotting at 33/34. My life would have been completely different had I discovered this filthy vice in my late teens or twenties.

It would have ruined me without doubt

 

[Adriana B]

I just hate these sanctimonious people that think buying lottery tickets are any different (my husband particularly). Most times they spend way more then I ever have with nothing in return. Also, as mentioned previously it seems acceptable to bet on sports as well as horse racing. This is no different then what other people deem acceptable. At least I get some entertainment and at the end of the day, I sometimes even get a withdrawal. The most I have ever gotten from a lottery ticket is a free ticket. Bah humbug.

I don't know how many people watch Seinfeld from over the pond, but this is me being master of my domain (different connotation of course .... LOL). Like Jon -- I know when to stop for a while after having losing streaks. On a break right now as a matter of fact. Well, after I battle it out on Guns&Roses!

 

[EbeeDog]

Well my story is rather short and for me still quite painful.

Due to my gambling habit/addiction i went from an A+ student, already accepted to a special college for students with very high IQ only, from solving at the age of 15/16 the most complex mathematical calculations/equations in a group of scientists --> to being a sales man, a bloody rep

'nuff said!

Hi Harry,

While it is unfortunate the way things turned out for you, I sense that you don't let it keep you up at night or otherwise bedevil you too badly. I hope not, because I also sense that you have a very keen sense of right and wrong and are one of my favorite posters on here.

A favorite quote by author Kazuo Ishiguro:

There was another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.

GL to you.

Also, I agree with goatwack - awesome thread.

 

[Jono777]

Well my story is rather short and for me still quite painful.

Due to my gambling habit/addiction i went from an A+ student, already accepted to a special college for students with very high IQ only, from solving at the age of 15/16 the most complex mathematical calculations/equations in a group of scientists --> to being a sales man, a bloody rep

'nuff said!

If it makes you feel slightly better bud, similar story here.

When my fruit machine addiction was at its ugly peak, I quit my degree at Uni prior to finishing and pretty much all my student grant went on booze and gambling

I did return to complete once I'd sorted myself out, gambling under control but still loved my ale

Look back and think what a twat I was but at least I picked myself up and learnt from it, seeing people I know now, thinking 'That's me 25 years ago' - try and tell em but there are no so deaf than those who will not listen

Very, very rarely drink now and have £100 ish a week budget which I stick to but also think .....What If?....almost daily

 

[Harry_BKK]

Hi Harry,

While it is unfortunate the way things turned out for you, I sense that you don't let it keep you up at night or otherwise bedevil you too badly. I hope not, because I also sense that you have a very keen sense of right and wrong and are one of my favorite posters on here.

A favorite quote by author Kazuo Ishiguro:

There was another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.

GL to you.

No worries, i am in a happy place today.

The pain comes from the lost opportunity to understand much more of this universe and with that to maybe, just maybe use more than the usual 5% of the brain. You would be surprised how much maths can tell you about our world. The pain that i will never know, that will never go away.

 

[goatwack]

Apart from those that are new to this lark, who here doesn't wish that they could undo their gambling past. I'd say that the lows far outweigh the highs, even with that time I had two wildlines in one session!

I do regret having ever taken up this 'hobby' but I don't feel as though it's got the better of me. This is offset by my pursuit of other interests (thankfully) and I think it's crucial to have other things to divert your attention. I think you'd be in a dark place if gambling is your only leisure pursuit as it also drains you emotionally.

In fact, the reason why many of us gamble is to pay for a 'high'. Nothing worse than a straight bust out but getting a few bonus rounds is often enough for me to have had my fill for the day.

Although winning once in a f*cking while would be chipper

 

[Jono777]

^^ Total Agreement ^^

I have been trampolining most of the afternoon on and off with my kids.

Absolutely fooked right now but more more enjoyable than slotting

 

[Harry_BKK]

If it makes you feel slightly better bud, similar story here.

When my fruit machine addiction was at its ugly peak, I quit my degree at Uni prior to finishing and pretty much all my student grant went on booze and gambling

I did return to complete once I'd sorted myself out, gambling under control but still loved my ale

Look back and think what a twat I was but at least I picked myself up and learnt from it, seeing people I know now, thinking 'That's me 25 years ago' - try and tell em but there are no so deaf than those who will not listen

Very, very rarely drink now and have £100 ish a week budget which I stick to but also think .....What If?....almost daily

Really happy to read that mate.

I never returned to my full capacity, although i breezed through my uni time. Once you lose some years it becomes very difficult for the brain to reach the performance from a few years earlier, especially when it comes to advanced mathematics. No chance.

You know, i jumped from 1st to 3rd, from 4th to 6th grade, finishing secondary school 2 years early, then cut my high school years from 4 to 2, then college where after 1 year i got invited to take the test for that special college. Passed it and was just about to start when i discovered gambling and thought: "hey, that's easy money, you're smarter than those machines", which of course I am not since the house edge will always skew the results from natural/logical to programmed randomness.

Took me years to find my happiness, which was aided by the voluntary work i did for an organization helping addicts of all kinds.

From this experience, i can say today that addictions are all the same, no matter if drugs, booze, gambling.... all are looking for that "dopamine rush". And you would be surprised how many kinds of addictions exist and how many people are addicts. It's just that hardly anybody wants/dares/can talk about it.


LOL... my story is now not so short anymore

 

[EbeeDog]

No worries, i am in a happy place today.

The pain comes from the lost opportunity to understand much more of this universe and with that to maybe, just maybe use more than the usual 5% of the brain. You would be surprised how much maths can tell you about our world. The pain that i will never know, that will never go away.

Edging into philosophy of life here, but I have found (very late in life) that lost opportunities do not prevent us from attempting to be...well, good people. That is, helping others. Period.

Bringing it back around to the thread topic, gambling, for me goes against all that.

Give a bum a dollar
Have patience with old gal tottering in the grocery aisle ahead of you
Let somebody in front of you in traffic
Smile at somebody that is NOT a young female (....cough cough..goatwack...cough)

Seriously, stuff like that can give you a sense of well-being and peace more than any gambling win can.

Not condemning gambling, just saying it is not for me right now. I consider myself beyond fortunate that I can even make that distinction. There was a time that I couldn't.

 

[hedgehok]

I like the philosophical part of this thread - great read.

My story in short: I started sports betting with 14 with some pocket money but it wasn't a big deal. Picked up on playing Blackjack in my early 20's when I visited Vegas and played in some local casinos. I never gave much attention to slots during all this time. It was only 2 years ago that I seriously started online gambling but I can proudly say that I never went nuts and controlled my gambling so it did no financial harm.

To all of you that feel a little embittered about your lost opportunities. It's never too late to start improving your life, even if it's only small things like starting to eat more healthily or do more sports or spending more time with family and friends. You don't need money to do those things. And also gambling out of 'boredom' will not occur. I was very surprised to read that this is a motive for some of you.

 

[timmy19733]

Another good 'motto' I see (thinks its Ladbrokes slogan)

'When the fun stops, STOP!'

Good point but easier said than done for some

That goes for almost everything except maybe treading water...

 

[Jono777]

Things I CANNOT do

1) Stop Smoking (not that I want to)
2) Go a day without visiting CM at least once
3) Say 'No' to my kids when I get that angelic little look, followed by 'Daaaaaaad......'
4) Sit on my arse all day without doing something which at least gives me a small sense of achievement
5) Go a day without worrying about something, even if its trivial, until Its 100% sorted or 'put to bed'

Never been able to tread water either, in fact can just about swim, Other than this my life's pretty much in control.

 

[timmy19733]

Things I CANNOT do

3) Say 'No' to my kids when I get that angelic little look, followed by 'Daaaaaaad......'

That is so true. No kids myself but my nephew and nieces know exactly how to get things done with me, ha!

 

[Adriana B]

Things I CANNOT do

1) Stop Smoking (not that I want to)
2) Go a day without visiting CM at least once
3) Say 'No' to my kids when I get that angelic little look, followed by 'Daaaaaaad......'
4) Sit on my arse all day without doing something which at least gives me a small sense of achievement
5) Go a day without worrying about something, even if its trivial, until Its 100% sorted or 'put to bed'

Never been able to tread water either, in fact can just about swim, Other than this my life's pretty much in control.

Sounds to me like a pretty decent person! But I always knew that

 

[Jono777]

Sounds to me like a pretty decent person! But I always knew that

Aw Barb, your the best xx

(and that is the one and the only time I put 'x's' on here )

 

[Adriana B]

Really happy to read that mate.

I never returned to my full capacity, although i breezed through my uni time. Once you lose some years it becomes very difficult for the brain to reach the performance from a few years earlier, especially when it comes to advanced mathematics. No chance.

You know, i jumped from 1st to 3rd, from 4th to 6th grade, finishing secondary school 2 years early, then cut my high school years from 4 to 2, then college where after 1 year i got invited to take the test for that special college. Passed it and was just about to start when i discovered gambling and thought: "hey, that's easy money, you're smarter than those machines", which of course I am not since the house edge will always skew the results from natural/logical to programmed randomness.

Took me years to find my happiness, which was aided by the voluntary work i did for an organization helping addicts of all kinds.

From this experience, i can say today that addictions are all the same, no matter if drugs, booze, gambling.... all are looking for that "dopamine rush". And you would be surprised how many kinds of addictions exist and how many people are addicts. It's just that hardly anybody wants/dares/can talk about it.


LOL... my story is now not so short anymore

Harry you are probably one of the smartest, wisest person on here. Someone I have never met but someone that I know would enrich my life if I did. I totally respect you for your honesty, your willingness to help people and just your calmness, your mathematical skills, and above all your advice to a lot of us dumbasses! I salute you :notworthy

 

[timmy19733]

Really happy to read that mate.


Took me years to find my happiness, which was aided by the voluntary work i did for an organization helping addicts of all kinds.

I think it is good for any person to do voluntary work at some stage in his/her life. I must say it did a lot for me too. I was a lifeguard for disabled and handicapped kids when I was around 20. This was an awesome experience and a lot of fun and very rewarding.

 

[Mouche12]

Inspiring to read all your stories and thanks Jon for starting this thread!

Funnily enough, I haven't even thought about gambling the greater part of my life until the year 2006 (and I joined CM in 2007) when I started online gambling (roulette at first, then turning to video slots, much more fun). My heaviest addiction to date is tobacco and (like Jon) I am unwilling to quit.

I did (and still do) have episodes of uncontrolled gambling and the only way to deal with it is to reduce the size of my deposits. I've been making deposits from € 100 to € 10,000 a week until the beginning of 2015. Now I force myself to deposit small amounts, once or twice a week, never exceeding € 60. This helps a lot since it gives me some sense of control over my entertainment spending. Other than that, I devote time to reading study books for the blind twice a week, which to my mind "entitles" me to embark upon a few nightly gaming sessions every week.

All my friends and family know of my "attachment" to gambling, some call it a sickness, but they also see that I am doing reasonably well money-wise. But whatever their thoughts on the matter, I am unwilling to quit as I still enjoy every second of it!

Harry, what a moving experience you shared! Advanced math is not your everyday talent and with a brain like yours I can understand that you so much regret having spent all these years gambling while you could have become a leading math professor instead. BUT there are (plenty of) people who get their PhD late in life, some even in their eighties, so it is never too late to enroll (again) in an academic study (even if it's not advanced mathematics).

 

[geordiecolin]

31 years of gambling, off and online. Cumulatively, more than 1Mio EUR given to "charity", most of that in the first 20 years.

The last 13odd years i stopped offline, last proper visit to B&M was 2003 with another short one in 2007 when i had to go to Las Vegas for a 3-day conference.

So i am all ears Colin, plenty to talk about.

Wow Harry 1 million EUR is a lot of money to give to "charity"

My story started when I was about 8. There was a very dingy amusement arcade in town next to an ice cream shop that had 3 bandits and some pinball machines. Me and my mates used to hang out and watch folk stick money in them. I was fostered and I was not happy with being there. By the time I was about 10 I used to riffle through my foster mums purse that was full of notes then either play the machines in the dingy joint or skip school and go to the coast with a mate and play the machines there.

I was a bit of a shit really and by the time I was 13 I was back in care and hanging about with like minded gits. Me and another lad in care used to pinch lead from anywhere we could. Church roofs, along the side of houses phone cables where left swinging after we pinched the lead that kept them in place. We melted it down and sold it to scrap dealers. All that went on fruit machines and a packet of fags. I recall that the mate I mentioned and I used to go to a coffee shop that had a fruit machine in it and spend our money in that. A guy came in and asked us if we would like to do some work for him. We agreed,but while we were travelling in his van the guy started talking filth so I demanded to get out of the van. My mate then ended up doing other "work" with this guy to get money on a regular basis.!

By the time I was working I threw any pocket money into machines.By the end of payday I was skint.I never had trouble getting dates or girlfriends but as I got out of my teens women where no longer content to just hang about in doors or do things that didn't cost money so I missed out on dating quite a few girls because I never had any money to go on dates.

At 23 I moved down south to take up my first responsible job. But even though I had plenty of money I struggled to go even one day without feeding machines. Sometimes I would wake up and have fruit machines on my mind.
Luckily I had the sense to keep away from anywhere that had fruit machines as soon as my now ex wife became pregnant and we got married. I never touched a fruit machine from that time 20 years ago until now.
These days I like to think that I get my priorities right first then I carefully manage my budget for online gambling which I only started with early last year.But sometimes I blow that budget very quickly and it takes a lot to stop myself dipping into funds for other things.
I will have to do the maths to work out how much I wasted away over the years.
It also tested the patience of my friends because there can be nothing worse than standing next to a guy feeding a machine like a zombie and trying to have a decent conversation.

I am off to read everyone's posts now

 

[geordiecolin]

Much the same as you, Colin.

Started off on slot machines many many years back as a kid (I blame my nan, many static caravan holidays with grand parents ending up down the arcades!) and many stupid hours down pubs etc playing them later in life when I started work. Used to play Black Jack at Ladbrokes a few years back, but only logging on once every 6 months and ended up in profit over the time of doing this.

Now, all but given up on arcade/pub fruit machines and enjoy (yes, I do enjoy but also feel a little addicted to) online slots. This has really become a 'problem' over the last 3 years or so since I had to give up work for family/illness problems. Boredom sets in and end up playing online slots to pass the time.

I would like to think it is controlled as I have deposit limits in place and can happily make a withdrawal without having to play through until my balance is lost. However, if I win/withdraw, I normally find I log back in during the following couple of days and go daft, thinking I have spare cash to play with and blow a load more money which results in a take a break or SE being put in place as a knee jerk reaction. Certainly more controlled of late and have managed to pay off a fair bit off credit cards in last few months.

Do I have a problem? I honestly don't know! I can enjoy the games, make withdrawals and set deposit limits, but equally get frustrated if I want to play somewhere and can't because I'm up to the limit or on a TAB period, but that is probably because I am bored.

Certainly no plans to give up in near future, but would do if I ever felt it was seriously out of control. I think we all have moments of weakness and lose more than we should, just depends how we bounce back and deal with it I suppose.

I also used to do much bigger bets, but now am more than happy with 30p and 60p wagers.

I am in the same boat as you at the moment with time on my hands. Since early last year I have been off work awaiting a few operations and gambling seems to be my fall back occupation when I'm not occupied doing anything else constructive.

 

[geordiecolin]

To some extent we all have a gambling addiction, ignoring that fact is just being in denial. The difference being how we think we are managing this addiction and how succesful that method is. Colin's come up and stated he has no control left which is where the problems kick in and gambling has encroached into his personal life.

I shunned slots and only got onto them by accident myself. I had some spare funds from the National Lottery site and noticed this colourful array of games vying for my attention. So I played a couple, was doing all weird things like playing 15 lines (probably not such a bad idea in hindsight) and winning. I actually thought I had discovered some cash cow as these games were paying out pretty well.

Four years later I've yet to hit a 'big one' but do still spend more of my disposable income than I'd like. I've had some decent cashouts, sometimes from nothing, reversed to high heaven and still have a fondness for slots. I tend to share my wins with my partner more than my losses of course, but like I said it's always my disposable income. She thinks I'm really 'good' at slots which is amusing to me of course.

I do draw the line and don't venture into using utility bills and household money to satisfy my gambling lust. Thankfully the lines are still pretty clear and I hope it remains that way, but I don't kid myself into thinking that I'm not addicted in some form.

Just my £0.02 contribution

I am going to enlighten your mrs unless there is £200 in my account by tomorrow evening

 

[goatwack]

I am going to enlighten your mrs unless there is £200 in my account by tomorrow evening

You need to work on your blackmailing skills.....


I would have paid £500!!

 

[geordiecolin]

Could have some good, interesting and educational stories to share also

Been gambling of one form or another since I was 18 and am now 44, so either I will come across as very experienced or a total mug, your call (discuss the decision via PM please )

Started as many of us do on ye olde slots back in the arcades when jackpot was £2 cash and £4 tokens, enjoying the increase to £4.80, £6.00, £8.00 before they changed to £10.00 all cash JP's WOW!

Have worked and played in B&M casinos, bet of horse, footy, dogs etc.

Played Black Jack, roulette, poker and had mixed results of all.

When I first 'started out' (late teens, early 20's) I did almost lose control for a brief period, never doing anything illegal to get funds to gamble but sailing pretty darn close on the odd occasion.

Luckily for me I had strict(ish) parenting which helped get me back on the rails pretty sharpish and after going on the wagon for a while, returned to gambling with much better control.

These days I feel 90% in control, I have a weekly budget which never changes for any reason unless I hit a winning roll then I will have the odd extra session but still never change playing strategy (ie: bigger bets etc) never change deposit amounts or chase losses.

I love an online slotting session as much as the next man but also I like having money in my pocket so after my budget is shot, I won't go giving the bastards any more as bored as I get, that being said online slotting is really starting to bore me now which also helps with the self control side of things.

As I say some great stories to share for years of gambling experience, some humorous, some close shaves, including threats to physical safety and some mad crazy endeavours.

Maybe we could use this thread to share some and as well as having a trip down memory lane, learn from each other.

Your call

Oh I have some stories to tell about card schools.

Not long after splitting from my ex (8 years ago) I got back into socializing heavily. I used to have mates come round to play cards and have a few beers, nothing heavy. One night a mate persuaded me to go to a card school that started after the food finished at a lovely pub in the countryside close by. The three of us got there early so while we sat there waiting we kept perving at this beautiful young lass at the bar who seemed well known to the locals. She seemed very articulate and wore lovely cloths. She turned out to be an airline stewardess who was married to an utter prat so we soon learned.
Anyhoo. When the card school started there where two tables and probable 16 players. After closing time most of the guys including the pub manager started taking their various drugs( I stuck to my Guinness ). Then at various stages we would stop to top up drinks and whatever. This stunning girl hung about all evening and I notice that she kept disappearing with various guys from the school and each time she came back she was a little more out of it.
Eventually she was a total wreck. Then while she was utterly incapable she again was taken off by another guy who was away for quite some time. By this stage I was debating with my mates about going to seek her out because I was sure she was being taken advantage off.

I didn't in the end because I could not be sure about the situation and relationships with these guys as they where strangers to me.
Anyhoo I won quite a lot and we left at about 5am and I never went back

 

[geordiecolin]

You need to work on your blackmailing skills.....


I would have paid £500!!

Actually no. Once you paid the £200 I am going to bribe you into paying me £300 to stop me telling her that you said she was not attractive

 

[goatwack]

Actually no. Once you paid the £200 I am going to bribe you into paying me £300 to stop me telling her that you said she was not attractive

Oh yeah.

There's that.

This is getting expensive