Stacey's story
Stacey spent 8 years addicted to gambling and is now committed to raising awareness amongst women like herself who have struggled with gambling in silence. She has written a memoir called The Girl Gambler and works as the Women's Lead and Recovery Coach at Epic Restart Foundation.
Recovery is the greatest accomplishment of my life so far – I finally feel free again.
Isolation and debt
I started gambling when I was 18, while working part-time in a bookmaker. Being so close to gambling every day resulted in me starting to gamble and eventually became a full-blown addiction. I don’t know for sure how much I lost but I know it’s in the hundreds of thousands. I lost every penny of my wages for 8 years and got myself into huge debt. Even when I did win, I’d just gamble it away immediately.
Along with the debt, I became so lonely and isolated. Eventually, I felt like I didn’t want to live anymore and made multiple attempts to take my own life.
Getting help
I started to realise that my addiction wasn’t just about money. No matter how much I won, the urge to gamble never went away. I knew the problem was in my own mind.
I tried a few ways to get better but eventually I found the Gordon Moody clinic and also registered with Gamstop and finally was able to receive the help that I needed.
Reflecting on recovery
Recovery is the greatest accomplishment of my life so far – I finally feel free again. It’s important that people know that there is support out there. I believed that my addiction had gone too far, and nothing could help me. I was wrong. Whether it's clinics like Gordon Moody, counselling, or self-exclusion services like Gamstop, there are people ready and willing to help you.
Take control of your gambling
"Gamstop helped me recover."
Adam had a gambling addiction between the ages of 18-23 and registered with Gamstop to get his life back on track.
"I found out my partner had relapsed."
Hannah struggled with her partner's gambling addiction for years until together, they sought help.
"Total lifesaver."
Matt began gambling when he was just 11 years old and describes signing up for Gamstop as a "total lifesaver".
More ways to control your gambling
Gamstop Online is just the start. Many people who use Gamstop Online also use the Multi Operator Self Exclusion Scheme (MOSES) to block themselves from betting shops, install gambling blocking software on their devices, or receive advice and support from specialist organisations that support those struggling with gambling.