Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others rather...

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i work in a casino

Dracona
Dracona
i am a dealer, you'd think i would get tired of it? but right when i get off work i go to a casino and spend my tips.
my finances are based on if i win or not.
ive been so close to losing so many of the things i love.
but the temptation is always there, and i often find myself driving around with plans in mind of what i had to do that day, and somehow i end up in a casino. i cant quit my job, or find a new one with the same amount of income any time soon, so i cant just ban myself from casinos. ive put off so many friends, and things i like doing, with all the time ive spent cutting chips i could have been almost done with school, in shape, you know ect... and i dont know how to stop!! im not a weak person, ive tried making a daily activity sheet, anything to keep me busy and away from those places when im not at work. but i always end up there, any advice?? any other dealers out there with this problem???
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi, I feel for you. I live in Las Vegas, worked in the Hotel/Casino Industry for 20+ yrs. I wasn't a dealer, I was behind the scenes, in the computer rooms. I know the insane feeling of trying to come up with ideas to keep myself away form gambling. I'll walk the dog, I won't leave the house. I'll start a another project I know I won't finish or enjoy. I'll leave with the pain of hating myself and try to hide it from everyone who loves me. Then I got to a GA meeting. Can you get to one? This site will help you, too. Keep visiting this site and try to get to a GA meeting. Hugs, Dracona
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey not in your position, it must be really tough with working in the industry you would be around triggers for your gambling all the time. I am day 24 gamble free, the thing that worked the best for me was and is not carying cards or cash at all that I can get cash out of but you have tips so thats not going to help. The other thing was the first few days I stayed in my pajamas, never went out when I didn't hveanyone with me. And this site and friends here, read everyones journals, I think your situation is pretty unique, hope someone else here has more for you. Glad you found this site, keep coming back there is a wealth of wisdom and support here hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
Wow, I don't know how to answer your question. You are around temptation everyday. Just read other's journals and get ideas (tools) to help you fight this addiction. Your life will be so much better once you stop wasting your money and emotions on gambling.
Good Luck,
Liz
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have only one little piece of advice take it or leave it. Is there any way for you to be in another job? Until you do the temptation is always there and you can't get away from it, It's like having an alcoholic working in a bar or a Junkie dealing drugs every day. i just don't think right now, with you wanted to recover from addiction being around the cause is going to help. Just my thoughts, hope they help.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi,
I am a bartender in a casino. I know the only thing for me is right after work I deposit my tips in the night deposit box at the bank. Having the extra cash is always the kiss of death for me. I understand changing jobs isn't always an option and the money in that industry is hard to walk away from. Have a plan. Either deposit the money right away or put it in an envelope and give it to a trusted friend until the next day. As far as people working in toxic environments.....I am a bartender and I have been sober for 3 years now. It can be done. It's just a job.
loosenomore
loosenomore
I don't have any advice, but I do have a question. Being in the casino environment all day or night and seeing the CG's like ourselves, doesn't it make you want to stay away from it? When I was gambling most of the people who worked there didn't gamble at all.
Bluesydeb
Bluesydeb
Hi, Dracona. Its not easy to be around "action" without being in action when you have a gambling problem. I would strongly suggest that you go to Gambler's Anonymous meetings and take it day at a time. The longer you stay gamble free, the stronger you become. Seek another job - even if its lower paying, you;ll probably save money in the long run. Connect with a good friend who does not gamble, tell them your problem and meet with them weekly (or daily, if necessary) to talk about things that interest you besides gambling. Also, try not to think about the could have's but instead think about what you really want for your future - and do it. You deserve better. You can do it.