Self Ban

Hello. This is my first post. Ive always gambled here and there since I was 18, almost 30 years ago. But if I lost $300 that was a really big deal and I wouldnt go again for a year sometimes. Well the last year has been terrible. Ive spent close to 6 figures playing slot machines. Ive cut up all my credit cards, yet I still find a way to trick myself into getting money somewhere. Its like I have 2 different personalities. Ive never had an addiction like this in my whole life and its ruining me. I can go a week or so and not think about it and then all the sudden I have no control and im back. Spending up to $4000 at one time. Now Im thinking I need to try to save me from myself. Im sending in the 1 year ban from the casinos here in California. And Ill extend it later if I need to. Has anyone else done this? And what was your experience with it? Thanks for the feedback.

Welcome to the forum Jules!

I have banned myself from every casino within a 3 hours drive from me. The thought of being escorted out of a casino by law enforcement for trespassing frightens me so I found it a very effective deterrent for entering casinos. Our bans are also for 1 year, but stays in place unless we go to the site to remove it. Since that's too much trouble for me, I've never lifted my ban. Gambling addicts should not just depend on one tool to stop their gambling. The more tools we have at our disposal, the better. Support groups like GA can also be valuable to people struggling with a gambling addiction. Please also read our strategies thread for lots of great ideas.

i’ve banned myself for life , i can easily risk let’s say $100 and hit the casino, but since banning myself i won’t risk $100 than seeing jail . i gave up my financial freedom to my sister (as i know i have no control over money) its working for me . i will continue on the GA path for life most likely

stay strong