[Closed] New Wednesday Gambling Support Forum

I have had other people struggling say the same thing about pay day, its a massive trigger.  waking in the early hours, and thinking i will just gamble a little bit, then the time goes by and yes you may win, but ultimately it seems to be gambled again, then your chasing your losses, is it the same for you? 

Yes I’ve gambled so much recently thinking I will just round up to 2500 or play down to 2000 then collect then so on and on then I’m like I need to chase in like oh I only started with 200 

We will end tonights session with another tool to help with urge's called: "urge surfing" 

See an urge like a wave, it rises but eventually has to break. An urge to gamble is just like this.

"An urge is wave, strong, but temporary. Let is rise, let it fall, and you'll still be standing."

thanks so much for your participation tonight. please come back next week or if you need support before then, contact us through our website contact form, or call us on freephone; 08081624627

Sounds like its very stressful for you and once you are hooked into this cycle hard to break it. another thing you could try is to Build a No gambling environment. So, unsubscribing to all accounts, not being part of any sporting events, watching particularly and  giving your socials a miss for a bit as the algorithm will show you ad's you dont want to see. Please come back next week for more chat, take care of yourself and keep doing what you are doing. You've made some great strides. 

Live tonight - Wednesday 3rd December - join us for live chat

Ever thought:

• “One more go and I’ll win,”
• “I’ve won big before, so it will happen again,” or
• “I need to keep gambling because I know I’ll win big one day”?

These are examples of cognitive distortions — unhelpful patterns of thinking that can keep problematic gambling going.

Tonight in our gambling forum, we’ll be talking about these distortions and how to manage them. We’re live from 6:15pm to 7:45pm. Join us for a supportive, anonymous chat.

The chatroom is live, does anyone want to chat? 

Did you know that every game is random, so past losses or wins don’t make a win more likely. Winning is never guaranteed. 

Here are 3 more simple ways to challenge the thought “I will win”:

1. Look at the facts: “I’ve played this many times and mostly lost—luck doesn’t always change.”

2. Ask yourself: “Do I really have control, or is this just chance?”

3. Think about the odds: “The game is made so the house wins most of the time, not me.”

These keep it short, clear, and easy to remember.

Thats all for this week, if you are impacted by gambling harm get in touch with us by clicking on the the 'talk to someone' link. 

Tonight’s online gambling support group will focus on preparing for Christmas. If you struggle with gambling, this time of year can be especially tough, and the pressure to find extra money can trigger strong urges to gamble.
We’ll be sharing practical tips to help you avoid gambling in the run-up to Christmas and during the holidays.
Press pause on gambling — a safer Christmas starts here. Click on the link search for gambling support forum and register today. Chat opens at 6.15pm Wednesdays. https://motiv8.im/chatrooms/

Group is live now, does anyone want to chat. see tonights topic starter in the post above

Number 1 tip to help in the run up to Christmas is:

🎄 1. Plan Your Money Before the Holidays

Create a simple budget for gifts, food, and events.

Separate essential funds (rent, bills, food) from optional spending.

Keep gambling access out of that budget entirely.

Number 2 Tip 

 2. Limit Access to Gambling

Temporarily self-exclude from online gambling sites over the holiday period.

Use blocking tools (e.g.GamStop) on devices.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash if casinos or betting venues like local pubs are triggers.

Number 3 Tip

3. Stay Connected With Supportive People

Plan time with friends or family who don’t gamble.

Let at least one trusted person know you're trying to avoid gambling—they can help you stay focussed

Loneliness and boredom can trigger gambling urges, so schedule social activities where you can be occupied and distracted.

Tip Number 4. 

4. Reduce Gambling Advertising Exposure

Unfollow gambling pages.

Hide betting ads on social platforms.

Turn off marketing texts/emails from gambling companies.

Tip number 5 

5. Look Out for Emotional Triggers

Christmas can bring:

Stress

Family conflict

Grief

Financial pressure

Alcohol use

Recognising these early can help you take a break, reach out to someone, or step away from triggering situations.