Winning £25,000 was the worst thing that ever happened to me – it should've been life-changing but l've lost everything
Gabby Walker, a mum-of-two from the UK, explained that her hefty prize should have been life-changing, but instead, it made her realise that she had a very serious issue to deal with.
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Now, the recovering gambling addict is on a mission to raise awareness, as she candidly shared her gambling story on social media.
Posting online, the brunette beauty acknowledged that her 'big win' was the 'worst thing' that has ever happened to her.
As she sat in her car, she said: 'Two years ago, on my birthday, I won £25,000 - it might not seem a lot to everyone, but to me, that was life-changing.
'I should have been able to do so much with that money but because of my gambling addiction, I couldn't.'
Gabby claimed that 'the urge to gamble is horrible' and described it as though something has 'taken over you.'
She voiced that during the height of her addiction, she was 'always' on her phone, 'constantly trying to get that next win.'
And rather than treating her family to a trip abroad after receiving her prize, Gabby instead put the money straight back onto betting, and even spent £1,000 on gambling in a single day.
She confessed: 'After winning that £25,000 I felt like I'd lost everything, I put it all straight back on [gambling sites], when I should have been spending it on a holiday or activities to do with the children, but I didn't.'
Opening up on her 'regrets', Gabby described her actions as 'selfish' and admitted that her 'gambling issue' has even put a 'wedge' in her relationship.
Getting candid on her partner's support, she recalled: 'He has to always fund for me to survive for the month and for the children to survive for the month and it's awful, it really is.'
MAFS star reveals 15-year gambling addiction and admits he's been through a 'dark time'
But looking to days free from gambling, the mother explained: 'I'm glad I've got to the stage now where I'm wanting to change and wanting to get better, and I know it's gonna be difficult at times.'
Gabby stressed that she has a 'long road ahead', but 'needs to stop gambling', as she acknowledged if she doesn't, she is 'gonna lose everything' and will have 'no family' to turn to for support.
Social media users react
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ gabbywalker360, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 72,900 views, 981 likes and 135 comments.
Social media users were stunned by Gabby's story and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their support.
I'm glad I've got to the stage now where I'm wanting to change and wanting to get better
Gabby Walker
One person said: 'I wish I could have that much money!! But good luck hun!!! Being honest with yourself is always the first step!!!'
Another added: 'You got this, this is so brave sharing with everyone. I wish you all the luck getting through this.'
A third commented: 'Honestly massive well done for reaching out it's not an easy thing to do! Massive love to you.'
At the same time, others bravely opened up on their own gambling addictions, as one man shared: 'I won £36,000 & in 6 days.. lost it all in 4.. years later I won £40,000 in 3 months, lost it all in 5 days.. when gambling you lose respect for money.'
How to get help for a gambling addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and their families. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for seeking timely help. Common indicators of a gambling problem include spending more money and time on gambling than intended, lying about gambling activities, and experiencing financial difficulties as a result. Emotional symptoms may include anxiety, stress, and depression, often exacerbated by the losses and the cycle of chasing them.
There are several avenues for support and treatment for those struggling with gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach that helps individuals change their gambling behaviors and thoughts. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide a community of individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual support and understanding. Additionally, various helplines and online resources are available to provide immediate assistance and guidance.
It is essential for friends and family members to be aware of these signs and encourage their loved ones to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of the problem and help individuals regain control over their lives. By addressing gambling addiction head-on and utilizing available resources, individuals can work towards recovery and a healthier, more balanced life.
A woman voiced: 'I won over £60k in the space of 6 weeks and still managed to get into £23k worth of debt, it literally ruined my life.'
Whilst someone else wrote: 'I had £34k in and out of my account last April.'
What to do if someone you know has a gambling addiction
As previously reported, some 2.5% of the population gamble in a 'severe and harmful way', Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, national clinical adviser on gambling harms at NHS England, said.
As well as this, a Public Health England (PHE) study in 2021 found the rough overall cost of health harms caused by gambling was around £960million.
That includes suicide, which costs £619.2million.
The study also found an estimated 409 suicides were linked to gambling in England every year.
There are a number of steps you can take if you believe someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction.
Is it possible to gamble safely?
IT is important to stay safe when you gamble and that you feel able to reach out if you are struggling.
Senior Consumer Reporter Olivia Marshall shares different ways you can keep yourself safe when gambling.
Certainly! Here is the information with bold text above the normal text:
Set a Budget
Determine how much money you can afford to lose before you start gambling and stick to that limit.
Never gamble with money that you need for essential expenses like rent, bills, or groceries.
Time Management
Set a time limit for your gambling activities.
It's easy to lose track of time when gambling, so decide in advance how long you will play and stick to it.
Know the Odds
Understand the odds of the games you are playing.
Remember that gambling is based on chance, so be realistic about your chances of winning.
Avoid Chasing Losses
If you lose money, do not try to win it back by gambling more.
This often leads to deeper losses and can create a cycle of chasing losses that is hard to break.
Stay Sober
Avoid gambling when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
These substances can impair your judgment and lead to risky behaviour.
Take Breaks
Regular breaks can help you stay in control and make more rational decisions.
Continuous play without breaks can lead to fatigue and poor decision-making.
Self-Exclusion and Limits
Many gambling platforms offer tools to help you control your gambling, such as self-exclusion programs or setting deposit limits.
Use these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.
Seek Support
If you think you may have a gambling problem, seek help.
There are many organisations that offer support and counselling for gambling addiction, such as GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, and the National Gambling Helpline in the UK.
Educate Yourself
Learn about responsible gambling practices and be aware of the signs of problem gambling.
Understanding these can help you maintain a healthy relationship with gambling.
Gamble for Fun, Not Profit
Treat gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
The primary goal should be to have fun, and any wins should be considered a bonus.
Be Gamble Aware's website suggests ways you can help someone who might need help and some of the steps include: understanding what an addict is going through, knowing how to talk to someone with a gambling addiction, and avoiding rewarding gambling behaviour.
If you personally are struggling with an addiction, the NHS has a useful webpage which offers a range of helpful tips.
Some include trying cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that can help change the way you think and behave.
There are also treatment and support groups available for people wanting to stop gambling.
Additionally, GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK.
It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.
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