Gambling addiction left me with out money for food

[Justmeeeindie]

I’ve messed up majorly I’ve been in a deep depression for the last few months , gambling has been my only thrill and joy , but my addiction is overwhelming I’m spending money I can’t afford and chasing my loses , I have 4 kids and today alone gambled away £50 that should have went on food shop in some vain hope that I would win and have more .
i can’t think straight and don’t know what to do next I know I need to stop gambling , and now I also need to figure out what kids are going to eat tonight .
I feel like a complete failure I don’t know how or why I’ve let myself get into this situation or state,
has anyone else been in similar situation ?

I think you should call social services if you’ve gambled the money for your kids food and they’re going to go without or be given less than a decent meal. They may help with a food voucher.

Are they going to suffer all summer while you gamble money that could feed them or take them out during the holidays?

Can you call your bank and get them to block your cards from all gambling company’s.

I'd agree, you need to speak to Social Services for an emergency payment and see what support they can offer for. It might be a referral for early help but they can assist with things like addiction and debt support.
Are you in England, are your kids school age and in receipt of school meals, you could register them for HAF if you haven't already and you would then have a bit of head space to get support while they are at an activity and getting lunch over the summer
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/holiday-activities-and-food-programme/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-2025

Hi OP, have you even spoken to Gamblers Anonymous? I have a colleague who was addicted to gambling and it saved their life.

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Sign yourself up on all gambling blocking websites and like another PP said, maybe check with your bank if they can block activity on their end as well.

You have an addiction so you’ll have to reach out to the relevant support. Is it only online or in person gambling as well?

Get yourself to a food bank asap and if you can’t right now, there’s usually church run pantries that will surely sort you out. Don’t be embarrassed, it is what it is. Your children need to have at the very least their basic needs met.

Sorry for late reply on this got shopping sorted yesterday , my lovely friend took me after heart to heart, I was panicking yesterday and frazzled with this all , I have signed up for Gamstop and put a block on all cards for gambling sites with my bank .

kids are thankfully oblivious they have had great summer and still lots of fun planned before they go back .
im just struggling yesterday was a wake up call though.
thanks for any advice with this I have read it all.