Popular Post McSplooger Posted April 10, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 10, 2019 As some of you may know I've been gambling all my life, not recently of course but I wanted to share what was probably the craziest week of my life gambling and the lengths I went to just to get a fix. I'm not sure why I'm posting this, maybe to get it off my chest but also to highlight what others may be going through. Feel free to share similar experiences (if you have any) Around 10 years ago my gambling was out of control and I was at my very worst. I lost multiple jobs because of it, I was a loner and always skint a few days after payday. I was only young at this point (around 19/20) so was still at home with my mum who had just about had enough of my lies and bullshit lost my wallet stories. I became so used to lying I would lie about things I didn't need to lie about. I would meet random people on a night out or online and lie about my name, age, work. I would lie to my family constantly, gambling turned me in to a compulsive liar out of necessity. I found some stability at one point working in sales but I was bored out of my arse one day and just got paid so I made up some excuse to get out of work. I think I said my dad was in a car crash or some wildly bullshit story just to get out and have a gamble as I needed to scratch an itch. I had about £2000 in my bank and bought myself a few days off work in my head through my made up story so I went to the bookies and started putting £100s on the horses. I managed to get up to about £5000 and was told to leave by a few shops for winning I assume. As a young guy this was a lot of money to me so I thought I was the king. I was talking to lots of girls online at this point who were spread out across the country as I didn't really socialise with anyone other than people online as gambling had made me a creature of habit in that I would just sit on betfair pretty much all day and night reading until my money was gone and by that point I couldn't go out even if I wanted to. I decided with my winnings I would go see a girl in Birkenhead so I boarded a train with a huge wad in my pocket and met up. She was late though and of course I wandered straight to the bookies to pass time before she arrived. I lost around a grand within half an hour. No big deal I thought. Anyway, I couldn't really face going home at this point as I had missed calls from my mum and texts about working ringing up who were asking how my dad was and she was furious with my lies. She told me not to come home so I was in a bit of a shitter. I told the girl who found it hilarious and offered a place to stay for the night. Next morning I told her I was off home and would call her. I did neither. I was straight back to the bookies, although the winning streak had well and truly ended. I was down to maybe £400 within a day. Panic mode set in as I had no real home to go to. I had dozens of voicemails off family members, some of whom telling me that my clothes were spread out all over the lawn and my room emptied. I decided to message another girl I had been talking to in Warrington for a 'date' and boarded a train. I met the girl and she invited me back to hers and I made some bullshit excuse up why I couldn't go home and stayed the night there. The next day I felt like the only solution was to gamble to survive. I needed lots of money and quick as I couldn't keep relying on this girl as she had a child so I went to the bookies again. That £400 was soon down to about £40. I had lost it all and had no place to go and no family. I was stuck miles away from 'home' and had no friends. I was screwed. I spent that night on a bench by some river, couldn't give you the name but it was a long night. My phone was dead, I had no food and no clothes. Stupidly I walked right back in to the bookies as soon as they opened. The only thing on was virtual racing. I was putting £2 bets on for no reason whatsoever as the payout wouldn't of been enough to do anything with. Down to £12 I decided to go for longer odds. I put a tricast on for numbers 7-1-3 to come in. It won and I got 715 back. I had enough to get some clothes and get a hotel room. The next day I was feeling pretty good although I knew it wouldn't last forever. I charged my phone and messaged some girl I had been talking to on MySpace some years back. She lived in Peterborough so again, I got on a train and went to see her. When I arrived she was also keen on me to stay over so I ended up staying a week with her. I was doing pretty well, I had food and somewhere to stay and paid her money for that week. That week I lost the majority again by going to get some food and stopping by the bookies. I couldn't face her so decided to roll the dice again by gambling further. This time I lost the lot. I ended up being homeless for about a week this time, sleeping by a coca cola factory on an industrial estate and eating nothing but a box of hobnob flapjacks I had stolen from a local tesco (haha). I decided to man up and call the only family member who would bail me out who was my aunty. I was in tears on the phone, she sent me over some money to get back and I booked a train home. I had about £20 excess after buying the ticket so I went to the bookies again. I won big and ended up with around 800. Instead of getting the train home I figured I may as well go all out and see my last remaining girl contact who lived in Edinburgh. I stayed with her a month, she was looking after me and treated me pretty well but I caved in again to gambling and we had a fall out and kicked me out. It was nearly Christmas and I had blown it. I was homeless again and it didn't look like I would ever learn my lesson. I spent most of my days up there in a local library. I was searching for other girls I could charm/con in to letting me stay with them all day. However, one girl stood out in my quest for the idiot who would let me stay with them for free. One girl offered to pay for my ticket home which I took her up on. I was fed up and sick of being cold and wet so I had no choice actually but she seemed like she really cared even though I was a gambling addicted hobo. She lived close to where I was living with my mum too which was a plus because at this point I was wanting to reconcile and be honest about what I had done and the problems I had. She sent me the money and I actually got the train this time. I didn't pay for it though, I was riding the train for free dodging the ticket man in the view of gambling the money when I got near. About 2 stops away from home I decided to jump off the train and head to the bookies one last time. A horse was running called just for men in pink colours. It was 14/1 and its number was my birthday. I was long teased for being gay even though I actually wasn't but found it quite funny so I blindly put the £150 on she gave me for one last punt. In my head I was thinking if I lose then I go back to the street. If I win I would quit and be honest and have at least money to start rebuilding my life. The horse won and I finished the train journey and ended up having a child with that girl and was with her for 6 years. No one knows about this as I decided not to tell anyone in the end. The lengths I used to go to just to gamble were extreme and its just a warning on how your life can change in an instant if you get out of control. The above is probably not even the worst of it as I have had many more times like this in my life. Gambling made me homeless more times than this. Gambling turned me in to reckless idiot. Don't be like me. /pointless post 17 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1pstaker Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 Nothing pointless about this post at all. I have not experienced homelessness although the rest of what you wrote rings many memory bells for myself and im sure many others. All us gamblers live in a fantasy world where we dream of a big win to set everything right but in reality whether we have 50p or a million quid ultimately it is only betting funds. Appreciate you sharing this. Others have done this sharing too and one day I might even do so. I hope it has given some comfort to you just getting it down. Good luck for the future 1 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Solario333 Posted April 10, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 10, 2019 (edited) So what this thread tells me is that you have reached a point where honesty really matters. All Gamblers have lied,through guilt greed,anger,frustration , but mostly through fear of hurting those they truly love. So its no surprise that we end up living in a cardboard box under the arches somewhere in a big city. But its also only a stepping stone to a better life. You have become that better person,and thus knowing all the evil that exists out there ,can be best placed to counsel those who have little experience of disaster, as many gamblers do !! The only message I can give you is REGRET NOTHING. Never apply regret because it is a negative energy. You have made your mistakes, honestly, dishonestly and have endured real hardship emotionally and psychologically , so take credit form the fact that Truth now enters to help you Give, and not take. Those who give learn to take what is needed ,and are not prone to greed ,as opposed to those who Take take take, who are self absorbed and fixated . You have won the battle for integrity. Now live the same battle by relaxing , enjoying the company of those you love.....because at the end of the day , life is about people, about nature and about Love ..... You have the wisdom. Use it. Edited April 10, 2019 by Solario333 2 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Brownman24 Posted April 10, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 10, 2019 You might have been a lying piece of shit in the past but your a fucking hero for sharing that 4 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jok3st3r Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 Agree with the others, and some! You.are.amazing! Keep it up. 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev40 Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 When is the book out ? That's some story. You sound like me been a charmer with the ladies in the past ha ha. It's great to hear these stories and its a reality check of what could and probably has happened to many. Thanks for sharing the story. Would love to read more if you have the time to post anymore stories. 1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h0tsh0t87 Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 1 hour ago, Brownman24 said: You might have been a lying piece of shit in the past but your a fucking hero for sharing that Not to mention a bit of a player 1 1 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post david1111 Posted April 10, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted April 10, 2019 @McSplooger very sobering and honest post. If you are going to share your life experiences this is the place to do it as we understand and would never stand in judgement. It really is a tragic example of what affect gambling can have on someone when it really takes hold.We all know that in that moment not a lot else matters other than the next bet and the expectations you hold. There are a lot of people on here who have shared their experiences all at different levels of addiction. The main thing is that hopefully most have come through it and are still here to tell the tale as we know how destructive to your life gambling addiction can be. Credit to you for your post as it cant have been easy to share such experiences. Much love from us all 4 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markymark Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 Can't add to the great comments, but you should be really proud of yourself for such an honest and open post. I like to think we're a family in TGC and am sure we all send you much love mate. Brilliant post. 1 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chair Slots Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 I hope you learnt the most valuable lesson of all in that tale, which is that Warrington is a shithole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solario333 Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 6 hours ago, Brownman24 said: You might have been a lying piece of shit in the past but your a fucking hero for sharing that I knew someone would put it more succinctly !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crunchie Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 Fuck it..... I'm getting a lip ring if the chicks dig it that much @McSplooger 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crunchie Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 No seriously Ryan, again, if you give one person a second thought into the consequences of gambling, your story was well worth it. Also helps to understand why you were so anti-gambling when you first started trolling in chat. Just glad you have managed to turn your life around. £5K when you were 20...... I was living off beer, vodka and fray bentos pies as a student when i was 20 Right, what were those dating sites again? @McSplooger 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philinvicta Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 15 minutes ago, Crunchienut said: No seriously Ryan, again, if you give one person a second thought into the consequences of gambling, your story was well worth it. Also helps to understand why you were so anti-gambling when you first started trolling in chat. Just glad you have managed to turn your life around. £5K when you were 20...... I was living off beer, vodka and fray bentos pies as a student when i was 20 Right, what were those dating sites again? @McSplooger I think the username hunglikeadonkey might help Crunchie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brownman24 Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 3 hours ago, Solario333 said: I knew someone would put it more succinctly !!! You were much more insightful and interesting though! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solario333 Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 54 minutes ago, Brownman24 said: You were much more insightful and interesting though! Your insight was more evocative and colourful , and more emphatically made.... and was equally true, and thats why everyone here matters , because we all have a unique expression ,and see life just a little differently from others. This makes the whole much more fun, and very rewarding . 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hacko 1 Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 Cheers for sharing your story, I’m a lifelong gambling degenerate and one day I will share with you some of my stupid gambling stories, and I’m not really proud of any of them but gambling addictions are fierce and relentless with no consciences. When I’ve done my utter balls in on any specific day it always has what I like to call ‘the knock on effect’ later on long after I’ve lost the money. So early last week I blew a £1000 in the bookies when I really should of been working, my chimp called (the chimp paradox book great read)and I went a running. So because I did not work that specific day it has cost me not only the grand lost gambling but an additional £1150 and 4 days of unpaid work all because the weather changed and I made a stupid school boy error, if I hadn’t of gambled that day none of this would be happening, I would be getting paid tomorrow for the weeks work but not now, it’s mighty hard grafting my arse off for nothing, I’m getting too old for this. I am sick of living in the KNOCK ON EFFECT. p.s anybody not read the chimp paradox I highly recommend it, by Steve Peters 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacko Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 I never really paid much attention when gambling addiction was referred to as "an illness" I now realise exactly what is meant by that. I was the first in line kicking my heels up when the £2 maximum stake was introduced for the FOBts. After a long wait I visit the local bookies with a smile on my face double checking that I could only gamble a maximum of £2 a spin on roulette. Next thing I know i'm heading over to the slots chasing a bonus on King Kong Cash at 50p a throw. Long story short I walk out £30 down with a hollow feeling that I have to accept that the gambling commission can do all they can but maybe it's me that needs to sort myself out. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinkerbells Posted April 10, 2019 Share Posted April 10, 2019 @McSplooger my phone's playing up but I definitely wanna read all this. I just need good internet but I'll be definitely reading this xx 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McSplooger Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 Thanks to everyone for their kind responses to this. It was good to actually get it off my chest after not telling anyone for so long. There's some great people on here. I will reply in more detail to some of the comments when I have a minute as I'm currently snowed in with too many kids and a lot of work to do today. I have read them all though! I'm sure we most can relate to times like these though if you have ever suffered addiction whether that's gambling or something else. Much love! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blacckarat Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 That was intense, Wow 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solario333 Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 (edited) 16 hours ago, Blacko said: I never really paid much attention when gambling addiction was referred to as "an illness" I now realise exactly what is meant by that. I was the first in line kicking my heels up when the £2 maximum stake was introduced for the FOBts. After a long wait I visit the local bookies with a smile on my face double checking that I could only gamble a maximum of £2 a spin on roulette. Next thing I know i'm heading over to the slots chasing a bonus on King Kong Cash at 50p a throw. Long story short I walk out £30 down with a hollow feeling that I have to accept that the gambling commission can do all they can but maybe it's me that needs to sort myself out. Six of one ,and half a dozen of the other....when we are totally honest about it ,we know when to stop. exactly when to stop.....but then the next bet is imminent....and the price is right.....but it loses.... always. And on the day it wins the bets all win , but we end up losing , because we've lost control of value.... and our virtue has become greed. So , half a dozen reasons that the bookmakers and casinos know all this and just by being there to encourage your weakness ,can capitalise and ruin your future. It all begins and ends with you . You are the problem and you are the solution.....but of course the gambler will find a way to blame , the cat , the next door neighbour, the man who just came into the shop....or even the weather, or the going ......its endless...and its stupidity, because we are all really perfectly capable of control.... when we have to !!! So @Blacko Welcome to TGC where lots of people just like you have joined to share the reality of Gambling ,and to enjoy the company of those who apply risk ,as a way of life. Here we have plenty of banter,and just a few Rules. 1) No lies or Bullshit. 2) no personal attacks . 3) No advertising or commercial crap.... without administrative approval. So enjoy our company ,and speak your truth. We will listen and we will give you support , and both barrels if you need it. !!! Edited April 11, 2019 by Solario333 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighty45 Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Incredible story and thanks for sharing it with us. I take it you managed to rekindle it with the family afterwards ? I think most of us can probably relate to this in some manner, i have just this minute blown the last of my bank balance until middle of next week. I dont have overdrafts or credit cards purely because i know i would max them out. So yeah im on my arse for a few days but ill survive one way or another 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McSplooger Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 On 10/04/2019 at 03:53, 1pstaker said: Nothing pointless about this post at all. I have not experienced homelessness although the rest of what you wrote rings many memory bells for myself and im sure many others. All us gamblers live in a fantasy world where we dream of a big win to set everything right but in reality whether we have 50p or a million quid ultimately it is only betting funds. Appreciate you sharing this. Others have done this sharing too and one day I might even do so. I hope it has given some comfort to you just getting it down. Good luck for the future Indeed and it can quickly spiral out of control too as I have found out and I'm sure others have too. The amount of times I've 'just' fancied a punt of a tenner or so for it to run in to hundreds/thousands is laughable really. No self control, totally reckless and without thought for anyone but myself and my fix. Hope you share your story one day and thanks for the comment man. On 10/04/2019 at 09:25, Solario333 said: So what this thread tells me is that you have reached a point where honesty really matters. All Gamblers have lied,through guilt greed,anger,frustration , but mostly through fear of hurting those they truly love. So its no surprise that we end up living in a cardboard box under the arches somewhere in a big city. But its also only a stepping stone to a better life. You have become that better person,and thus knowing all the evil that exists out there ,can be best placed to counsel those who have little experience of disaster, as many gamblers do !! The only message I can give you is REGRET NOTHING. Never apply regret because it is a negative energy. You have made your mistakes, honestly, dishonestly and have endured real hardship emotionally and psychologically , so take credit form the fact that Truth now enters to help you Give, and not take. Those who give learn to take what is needed ,and are not prone to greed ,as opposed to those who Take take take, who are self absorbed and fixated . You have won the battle for integrity. Now live the same battle by relaxing , enjoying the company of those you love.....because at the end of the day , life is about people, about nature and about Love ..... You have the wisdom. Use it. You're always full of wise words. It's very true what you say though. With maturity I now value honesty above everything which is a far cry from what I used to be like. It is true these experiences have made me a better person but its taken a long time and I've hurt a lot of people along the way. I see the world like you now. Life is about people. It's not about what we have but who we have. Keep sharing positive vibes bro! On 10/04/2019 at 10:47, Brownman24 said: You might have been a lying piece of shit in the past but your a fucking hero for sharing that Haha. I'm pretty sure the women who have been featured in this post would not agree I used to do it all the time though, charm my way out of a shit situation from gambling. It only lasts so long though and you're left with bugger all. Thanks though! On 10/04/2019 at 11:01, Jok3st3r said: Agree with the others, and some! You.are.amazing! Keep it up. I literally just wrote a whole post about womanising, lying and being homeless and you think I'm amazing. Easily pleased eh? Thanks doe! On 10/04/2019 at 15:23, Chair Slots said: I hope you learnt the most valuable lesson of all in that tale, which is that Warrington is a shithole. I give it a solid 3/10. Smelt like depression and misery when I got off the train. Probably my armpits from not having a wash though on the plus side the girl worked in a bowling alley and had been stealing capsule toys from a machine for some unknown reason which I then stole off her. I had fuck all but I did have some pretty sweet sonic the hedgehog/winnie the pooh phone charms from my stay there. 21 hours ago, Crunchienut said: No seriously Ryan, again, if you give one person a second thought into the consequences of gambling, your story was well worth it. Also helps to understand why you were so anti-gambling when you first started trolling in chat. Just glad you have managed to turn your life around. £5K when you were 20...... I was living off beer, vodka and fray bentos pies as a student when i was 20 Right, what were those dating sites again? @McSplooger Yeah, gambling has affected me quite badly so I took it personal that people were baiting others to join casinos hence the trolling if you like. Especially when I seen some of the horror stories in the chat which I could relate to. Hey man you were living like a king compared to me sometimes. I would of killed for a god damn frey bentos during my hungry days on the street ha. Hell I would of give my right testicle for a slurp of pot noodle juice. No dating sites my man. Just good old Facebook stalking is your friend. Get filtered up and use a lip ring to filter out chavs. Change your name, use different profiles to keep females apart and you will be balls deep before you know it. Good luck good sir. 17 hours ago, Hacko 1 said: Cheers for sharing your story, I’m a lifelong gambling degenerate and one day I will share with you some of my stupid gambling stories, and I’m not really proud of any of them but gambling addictions are fierce and relentless with no consciences. When I’ve done my utter balls in on any specific day it always has what I like to call ‘the knock on effect’ later on long after I’ve lost the money. So early last week I blew a £1000 in the bookies when I really should of been working, my chimp called (the chimp paradox book great read)and I went a running. So because I did not work that specific day it has cost me not only the grand lost gambling but an additional £1150 and 4 days of unpaid work all because the weather changed and I made a stupid school boy error, if I hadn’t of gambled that day none of this would be happening, I would be getting paid tomorrow for the weeks work but not now, it’s mighty hard grafting my arse off for nothing, I’m getting too old for this. I am sick of living in the KNOCK ON EFFECT. p.s anybody not read the chimp paradox I highly recommend it, by Steve Peters I suppose many of us have gone through this as well. Payday loans and borrowing money usually leave us in that situation. However in your case I assume you get paid weekly? So the damage may not be as severe. Still it's a horrible gut churning moment to watch all your funds disappear. If we are down we chase the losses and even if we get in to a healthy profit we keep gambling because you can never have enough money right? How bad is your gambling? I take it you do this often? Its hard to break the cycle if its all you've known. Some day you will stop, I think everyone becomes fed up of constantly being poor and having nothing to show for their efforts. Do you want to stop? Not read that book, will take a look. Is it gambling related? Wishing you well anyway! Let me know if you need any advice on how to stop or just someone to talk to mate. 17 hours ago, Blacko said: I never really paid much attention when gambling addiction was referred to as "an illness" I now realise exactly what is meant by that. I was the first in line kicking my heels up when the £2 maximum stake was introduced for the FOBts. After a long wait I visit the local bookies with a smile on my face double checking that I could only gamble a maximum of £2 a spin on roulette. Next thing I know i'm heading over to the slots chasing a bonus on King Kong Cash at 50p a throw. Long story short I walk out £30 down with a hollow feeling that I have to accept that the gambling commission can do all they can but maybe it's me that needs to sort myself out. This is exactly it, no matter how many restrictions are in play we will find a way to gamble if we really want to. I came to this realisation a while ago, the problem doesn't lie with casinos, bookies or the regulatory bodies it lies with us. Want to play roulette now the bookies are restricted then go online. Can't play online cause of gamstop then sign up to a dodgy site to play. At some point we must accept blame and accept the problem is us as the addicts. Hope things work out mate and you can keep away if it's a problem. 1 hour ago, Lighty45 said: Incredible story and thanks for sharing it with us. I take it you managed to rekindle it with the family afterwards ? I think most of us can probably relate to this in some manner, i have just this minute blown the last of my bank balance until middle of next week. I dont have overdrafts or credit cards purely because i know i would max them out. So yeah im on my arse for a few days but ill survive one way or another Yeah it took some time but we are fine now although i guess I will never have their full trust no matter how much I've changed now. Some things stick unfortunately. That being said it's much better now. I can't ever legit lose my wallet though as they think I'm talking a load of rubbish ha. Sorry to hear this mate. Hopefully you don't have any debt to go along with the loss? Hopefully you can find some inspiration in that I've done without food and a roof over my head for weeks if not months on end and I'm still here and now don't gamble. When you find yourself at rock bottom maybe then you will make a change yourself. Hope things works out for you. Sorry for the massive comment. Just thought I would reply as people have took their time to reply to me. On 10/04/2019 at 14:54, Markymark said: Can't add to the great comments, but you should be really proud of yourself for such an honest and open post. I like to think we're a family in TGC and am sure we all send you much love mate. Brilliant post. Forgot this one ha. I'm not proud at all my man. I have been a worthless human being for long periods of my life. That being said I think it's good to share the reality of gambling every now and again. Gambling is fun but if you get someone like me who is using it to escape life problems then it's hell. Thanks a lot anyway mate! 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jok3st3r Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 My words were for the amazing person you are now, not the person you were! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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