[better22]

Hey i’m 23 years of age and currently live in Australia. I’ve always been fond of betting against friends since a kid really, I would bet my clothing, money and shoes with friends over video games and basketball shots etc. At about 17 I found myself and my friends sneaking into local TAB’s and betting on the horses, greyhounds and sports. $20-$100 maximum back then here and there.

When I turned 19 I set up a sports betting account and I’d bet on the football. I was winning some money and felt good with the wins. Realistically I wasn’t really a ‘problem gambler’ until last year when covid hit. Living in Melbourne being stuck inside has made it difficult to pass time and I found myself gambling all my savings away. I have lost around $100,000 in a year and have nothing to show to my name. I’m ashamed of myself and hide my problem from my family and friends.

I gamble to escape from reality, to numb my body and get lost in the chase of the wins or losses. Highs and lows it’s like taking a pill of ecstasy! It’s a quick fix but I always feel terrible after because I don’t know when to stop.

Earlier this year I won $100,000 I think I got up to $95,000 so I was up about $20,000 but I got greedy I didn’t realise the value behind that money because it was behind a computer screen and I lost it all!

Now I find myself losing my fortnightly pay checks online to sportsbetting accounts and I know I must stop now to turn my life around but yet it seems so hard to do so. I used to be suicidal at times but these days I don’t feel much to be honest. It’s like it has just become the ‘norm’ for me to not feel or think of the consequences i’ve caused which is concerning.

I feel better getting this off my chest. If anyone is reading this I wish you all the best on your journey in life <3

[Autor]

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