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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

my husbands constant gambling

38 replies

bikkiemuncher · 17/08/2008 19:34

My husband although a fantastic dad and husband, has always had a problem with 'betting' he bets around £200 every saturday the same on a sunday and during the week more if its a festival. He was convinced he had fail safe stratergies. The problem came when I gave up work to have our children as his job brought in a fraction of what he gambled but he never told me. We are now four years down the line and after a massive bust up I found out how much he had lost (all of our savings £40,000 + the childrens savings of around £6000 and debts upto around £15000) I have gone back to work to try to help re pay these debt but neither of us bring in much money. I lent him £500 to pay our mortgage last week and have just found out he has been back on the gambling websites again, he hasnt confirmed or denied placing a bet or paying the mortgage and went to work a day early without saying anything (he works away for a week at a time)
My problem is that he swore to me on the name of our dead baby he would not go into a bookies or place a bet unless I was with him and now he's used my poor baby in such a sick way I dont think I ever want to look at him again. what do I do!?

OP posts:
mangochutney · 17/08/2008 21:02

Bikkie,

I really feel for you. I am also married to a compulsive gambler - and yes he is a fantastic dad and husband in so many ways.

My dh has gambled for the last 15 years and it cost him a house, friends, his first wife etc etc. I knew what he was when we married and had children which maybe helped but it has been sooo hard. I love him so much for all that he is which is good - considerate, caring, fantastic with the children, affectionate and funny and I can't imagine life without him however he has also sworn on children's lives, looked me in the face and sworn he loves me and then lied through his teeth etc etc (it's like living with two different people). I would trust him implicitly in many ways - eg not to be

notnowbernard · 17/08/2008 21:07

I think you need some support for you in order to understand his addiction and how it is affecting and your relationship with him

I know there are support groups for those who have drug/alcohol addicted relatives but I'm not sure about gamblers. But they tend to work on the same philosophy so might be of help to you

Try ringing Al-Anon or Families Anonymous, I'm sure they could offer some help (Google for lists of local groups)

Wishing you lots of luck, it sounds like things are at a really critical stage for you

mangochutney · 17/08/2008 21:09

(end of earlier post!)

......unfaithful,always love the kids etc etc. My advice to you would be to accept he will ALWAYS be like this and if you feel you can still love him and want to be with him then as others have said the most important thing is to protect yourself and the kids. Our marriage only works because he accepts he has a problem - I manage all the finances - dh does not even have a bank ac his salary goes into mine and he has to account for every penny he spends.

I know it is almost impossible not to take it personally but if your husband tells you he loves you and can show it in other ways, then you may still be able to make it work.

Best of luck whatever you decide

bikkiemuncher · 17/08/2008 21:14

I've just logged into his emails (I have never done this before but I'm desperate!) I thought maybe he'd gone onto the sites but not bet, he signed up for and paid about £100 for a tips service this morning and I cant believe he'd do that after he promised so much! I really dont know what to do as I love him dearly but I dont want this for me or my children I've always been cautious with money and saved hard for the kids future its now all gone and my trust and respect for him has too

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notnowbernard · 17/08/2008 21:18

He is clearly out of control

You've got to exert some and take charge of the situation

You've tried to set boundaries, he's broken them BIGTIME

bikkiemuncher · 18/08/2008 11:15

hi everyone,

I've just spoken to my mum and we're moving to hers, thanks for all of your supportive messages and advice it really helps to have outside opinions when you're stuck in a whirlwind situation and dont know what to do. Clean start for me and the kids x

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ThatBigGermanPrison · 18/08/2008 11:42

Bikkie, well done, you are braver than I was.

Aimsmum · 18/08/2008 12:30

Message withdrawn

notnowbernard · 18/08/2008 12:34

Great news. Wishing you all the best

You are being very strong, I think

GrapeJelly · 18/08/2008 13:37

Good luck Bikkie, you're doing the right thing. Years ago I had a bf who was a cg and he was such a good liar. He went to GA but couldn't ever stop for long. Have heard he's still doing the same and living a crap life in bedsits and on handouts. Don't go back to him or your life will always be full of secrets and lies. Addicts are too much hard work and usually destroy their families.

slightlycrumpled · 18/08/2008 15:42

Oh bikkie, you have been very courageous.

Good luck with your future and you are doing the right thing!

nkf · 18/08/2008 18:49

Good luck.

notasheep · 18/08/2008 18:59

Bikkie-my husband was a gambler,he is now my ex husband
I wish you well

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