Hi Jules,
well done on looking for support here.
Who is going to speak to a manger to get banned? Someone who wants to stop gambling. I would recommend it.
If your counsellor thinks you should try AA then I would go there as well, what have you to lose? Have you tried GA?
If you do decide to carry on drinking then there are still a few thigns you can do to protect yourself. If you are gamblign the sort of figures you are talking about then you clearly go out with access to far more money then you need. if you only intend to buy a few drinks then just take enough money to cover those drinks. Then you can’t gamble no matter how tempted you get.
Put your money in an account that isn’t as easily accessible – then you can’t instantly act on an urge.
It is important to use support – if seeing your counsellor enable you to remain gamble free for a monththen see themmore often! Keep posting here between counselling sessions, get to GA meetings etc.
Keep posting, you can stop gambling.