me too! i have 4 kids and i feel so crappy all the time because of gambling. Time to quit

Wow, you are in a tough spot. Would it benefit you to take out student loans and then get a different, lower paying job just to get away from the culture of the casino? I know it would be terrible to take out a loan but you really may save in the end because you wouldn't be as likely to gamble. Just a thought. And yes, please try to deal with the gambling issue for the sake of your daughter. She needs a happy mother. I know I have nieces and they give me much inspiration to get well.

keep in touch and let us know what you decide to do about changing jobs and what your plan is to fight your gambling addiction. Have you joined a GA? or looked for counseling? or at least looked for a sponsor to monitor you daily activities? What about limiting your access to cash? if you get tips on a regular basis, that must be a difficult trigger to go gambling. cash in my hands is awful/I almost always want to gamble. just a few things to think about. We're pulling for you, and hoping you succeed in your efforts to stop gambling. you have a wonderful reason to stop: a beautiful daughter looking up to you. wow!

oh ive done it all LOL. GA... well just not for me. Banned myself. whole nine yards. i always have cash because of the tips. not as much as i used to... but i do. and im on my own, there really isnt anyone in my life right now that i would trust with my stuff. very dysfuntional family. im on my own. getting a different job, even with the problem... would be the worst thing i could do. i practically make my own schedule. it allows me the flexibility i need to be a full time student, and the ability to work 15 hours a week and pay my rent and bills... even with my gambling problem.
the problem has changed.... i once filed bankruptcy because of it.
now... i pay all my bills, and end up playing with what is left over, which when i really think about it, is alot that could be put in savings. but having trouble saving. since my bankruptcy in 05... i now have a great credit score and things are back on track. except that i still gamble. i would really like to be done with it. i banned myself from the big casino.. which scares me because if something were to happen with my job where i am, its the only place to go nearby that i could work, and since i banned myself, i cant step foot on the property for a year, which is fine, except the job part. but i dont want to work there anyway, they dont make as much. My daughter's 3rd birthday is this month, i want to get her an entire outdoor playground set. slide. swing. sandbox. fort. balls. the whole shibang. ill be pissed at myself if i gamble and dont do that for her.

well, if banning yourself won't work, you can't/won't go to GA, nor counseling, you always have cash on you, and you still can pay your bills,you have no one to trust the cash with, and you want to continue working at the casino< nothing is going to change for you until you make some conscious changes..... I know: how about going to buy a money order with your tips when you get off work. most convience stores sell them and they are open all night.... get rid of your debit card. just some suggestions since you seem serious about quitting gambling. You have to start some where........ keep coming back and sharing with us.

Maybe you can pay towards the play ground set as the cash comes your way..like a lay away program.

Its kinda a rock and a hard place.... i know that if im not working in a casino... i dont gamble. but i cant afford another job... and need the cards... its really a pain in the ass. yah... been here before. know the steps... but am also not willing to sacrifice any of my free time to get a babysitter to go to GA... i hardly get to spend time with my baby girl as it is. ill figure it out again. just figured id start writing about it while i have a little time to get on the computer lately. i just know that school is number one priority right now, and i just have to finish school to get out of the business, then it wont always be in my face.

Dracona,

I read through all of the responses before I decided to reply. You say that you can't trust anyone with your money, you don't want to pay for a babysitter, aren't those excuses? If you are truly wanting to be free from the gambling, you have to be honest with yourself. Do you have to pay for babysitting when you gamble? To recover, you have to look to yourself, admit that you have a problem, that will only get worse, and that you need to ask for help. Yes, you can bills, as I have, but at the same time, the money going to the casino, could be going to doing things with your child, or better, treating yourself to something that you've wanted. Be honest...with yourself, and anyone else that you're close to. You will be surprised with the response you may receive.

And, you will because you must.