well sparrow ...I have many of my friends that gamble and tell me all about their winnings.... it used to bother me ..but now I just ignore it ...because you know this person will eventually give it all back plus some...you see one thing about gamblers is they love to tell you what they have won...but they very seldum tell you how much they have lost on the way to that win...which most of the time it usually twice as much if not more...and all in reality is that if you go ..more than likely you would not win that 3000 as she did and than you would be mad at yourself for giving in...and to be honest ...if you won would you leave?....I know I wouldnt and I could almost gaurantee that your friend didnt leave either....I know its hard but try to stay strong ...1 day at a time...take care
Roxxxy

Did you ever cash out a large amount, even a jackpot, and the cashier looks at you and says "now get out of here with some money". I bet they aren't supposed to say that but I had that happen many times in some way or another. I was always like "don't worry I'm going" and then 3 hours later I'd be at the ATM getting more money out. It got to the point where the only way I would leave the casino is if I was completely broke or the sun was coming up and I had to be at work. That is NO FUN!

Thank you, thank you, Roxxxy and II2live!! When I read your posts I had to re-live the ugliness in hindsight....You've stopped me in my tracks..In my heart I know what to do and what usually happens but as I have said something kicks in and I have to deal with the saddness. One day at a time, gratitude, focusing on things that last, my children, my family, wanting to retire!!!

ahh yes the friend who always tells you about their winnings. i have about half dozen or more co workers that always seem to tell me about their winnings, yet they are always flat broke even after a 'supposed win'. i think they like to brag to me cause i am always honest about losing most of the time i go. even if i do win i just tell people its a temporary loan since i always lose it back. people definitely like to brag about their winnings and not tell you about their losing. i have since quit even listening to the people who 'always' win . i know better that no one can always win . that is what i love about the ds family we are all completely honest about losing. im done listening to the people who never lose! the casino always wins. take care everyone and stay gamble free

My best friend is a gambler too. My new thing for 2013 is to ingnor her gambling banter completely and politely decline all invitations to gamble with her. I am the same way. Even if I do win any money or a jackpot, I never or rarely did take it home! I just throw it all back and I have no idea why I did that! I always wondered what the heck was wrong with me, but finding out that you all do the same thing is actually a relief to me. I'm not crazy..I am addicted. I have done it over and over again. It makes me sick to think about it but now I'm done. I just don't want that anymore! What is the point? Where is the benefit for me?There is none! I need to find better healthier source of entertainment! This is not for me anymore! It's over!

Thank you Johnny and Cherbear....I guess I am still sort of in the reactive stage and it ticks me off especially when I have told her that I have a problem and I cannot go anymore. I have to control the urges myself and I know that...there will be situations like this when its in-my-face and I will have to walk away...I really appreciate all of your replys and it sure helps in keeping me stay on track when I can easily fall.

I tried to get my friend to not talk about gambling. She is a good person but she could not stop talking about it. I finally realized I can't expect that from her. It's part of her life and I need to realize that and accept that. I did get angry with her a few times at first for even mentioning the casino but it's just not possible for her to do that. It's still a big part of her life. I'm just going to let her know it is no longer a part of mine. I am not a gambler anymore. It's as simple as that. If people talk about it, thats ok, I will walk away and find someone else to talk to if it bothers me. I need to protect myself and that's all. I successfully quit drinking 22 years ago. I am going to quit this too! I have found this is much harder for me. I don't know why it's so hard but it is. I will fight this fight with all my might!

Dear Sparrow,


Motion carries by unanimous consent! Seems to be an echo in this chamber, and everyone is saying the same thing through and through. We always hear more about the thrills of victories than we ever do about the agonies of defeat.

I was one of those people who was never quite straight up when it came to spouting off about the tons of money I blew. But just as sure as the sun rose every day, I would always find a way of mentioning my good fortune.

The only person I was straight up with about my losses, was the IRS and that was only because I benefitted from doing so...to offset the taxes I owed on my gambling winnings. Such an ugly reminder of just how sick my mind was entrenched in this wretched disease.

Well, Sparrow....you should be very proud of how you handled the gear shift that evening. You are doing a wonderful job taking it day by day...we are lucky to have you here on the board and sharing with us.

Please keep up the great work....be well, stay strong.

Love Tagg

Tagg and all my other friends, thank you so much for your kind words....this is where I will find my strength!
There will be weak times as we all know but it sure helps to know that others have your back!! Love you guys!

It does still bother me, even with friends and family who I have told about my gambling problem, they still like to talk about going to the casino - mostly my wifes family (funny enough my wifes family ALL gambles constantly (they live in the Vegas of the North - Niagara Falls) yet she doesn't gamble, and my family who doesn't gamble at all and yet where did I end up??)

Anyway, its the gamblers fallacy, its part of what made us addicted too! Were we honest with ourselves about our wins and losses? Not likely, its always easier to recall our own wins than the losses over time, so its hard to expect much different from others - but it would be nice if it wasn't talked about so much! If people only knew just how much pain it causes they might not be quite so quick to flap their tongues...

Ironically I never thought I would win a big one. I just wanted to gamble and gamble and gamble. However that being said I do feel juices starting to flow when people are talking about their trips to the casino. It just kick starts that switch inside. I usually try to stop them in their tracks, as they seem to get on a roll (no pun intended). Sometimes they continue and I will just excuse myself. I don't need those kind of triggers, I have enough to so already to stop from going. Sparrow -everybody here has something valuable to say. Stay strong, and remember there is no amount of money that can make you feel as good inside as how you feel knowing you don't have to sell your soul for a jackpot. Love ~atticus