Don't be Me

It started nearly 30 years back when I had my first bet on Bush Telegraph in the July, I was 14 then. I won a little ,and was hooked for life thereafter.

It ended yesterday, when refusing to go out with the family for the millionth time, just so that I could sit at home and bet on the big day .

2 packs of smokes on hand, R2500 deposited in account, I was all set from early morning.
Took various P6s and multiples etc.

Come race 9, I got 8% of the P6 , R120 odd bucks back.My total winning/balance at the end of the day.


In between these years I spent countless hours and lost a small fortune, but hey it was worth the thrill and excitement ,right?. I tried every possible method of winning consistently, from studying the mathematical nature of random events/patterns etc to decoding horse names!!!....nothing worked.

Now , the money that I have lost over the years, while hard to swallow, is not half as bad as the time that I have wasted. Maybe its getting to middle age, Im 44, that scares me a bit. When Im lying on my death bed, I hardly expect to be wishing that I could watch one more episode of USO.

Yesterday , I realised that the more I try to win, the more I lose.

Seems almost like gambling, along with other "fun" activities that gives you an immediate high/thrill, is invariably followed by a low of even greater magnitude. Yet those activities that are difficult at first, like exercising,eating healthy, studying etc is invariably followed by a benefit of far greater magnitude than the initial "discomfort". Is this a cruel joke from above,maybe?

So I have decide to change my outlook and seek out" less pleasurable" activities, that will hopefully reward me in the future.

The thrill of racing , in my opinion, is unparalleled . If , however, like me, you lose focus in life, stop for a moment and think about things.

My apologies for all my negative recent comments.
Failure and frustration brings out the worst in people.

Good luck to everyone!!

I am sure many on the site could post the same
All the best for the future

Snap.

I'm a mad gambler , took me 30 years to lose the addiction, January 3rd 2016 my last losing bet!

Sea legs my story is 90% the same also started at the age of 15 won 3000 was like a million,and got roped into the game. I'm also 44 and behave the same way would rather sit in front of tv then go enjoy lunch,family functions with family.Over the years I've lost business etc,and in hope for a big win I actually can't account my loses it's unbearable. I've had the same thoughts of getting out of the game and also pray that I would be able to stop completely,it's very difficult after so many years of punting and my only form of enjoyment.
Good luck,all the best mate.

All the best Sealegs.... my 2c worth, is booze and punting DO NOT go hand in hand.... I dont punt after even a sip of booze. Sounds silly I know, but in order to draw the line, its the only way... after 12 beers you will always say I feel strong, truth is you alot braver, and WILL make alot more boulder decisions that you would have made without the dop. Hence I made the choice, lay my bets then open the dop. I was one if the boys that the more I won, the more pissed I got and would wake up in the morning wondering where the money went (although I knew I spent it)... so different now... and it actually is more enjoyable imo... I have also seen so many people throw their life away with the booze/punting combo... they do not go hand in hand.... not if you cannot control yourself... and after a few dops, I fall into that category (luckily I realised before I hurt myself badly), hence the enforced rules.

Sealegs take a look at www.gamcare.org.uk

united4ever wrote: Sealegs take a look at www.gamcare.org.uk

i just took the test on the above websit and my results said i am showing very clear signs of gambling problems, supose its true i cant find any winners

All the members who posted the above you have my Admiration and Thanks for your honesty.
I also fall into the above category and am a lot older than 44 years of age. One can NEVER bring back the lost Time and neglect we have shown to others. The lost money is secondary but does hurt as well when one looks around and sees what others have achieved!.
My advise to the youngsters (44) get out now, while you can still build a future

Do I still punt?.......Yes..........but after receiving an organ transplant..........realized that a bet of R10.00 gives me as much pleasure as my previous R10000.00 bets used to give me.... :huh: For me it was/is beating the system...........which happens very occasionally.

I will end off by saying "Don't be me ".........


P.S. If anyone wants to PM me feel free to do so............

Countrymember wrote: All the members who posted the above you have my Admiration and Thanks for your honesty.
I also fall into the above category and am a lot older than 44 years of age. One can NEVER bring back the lost Time and neglect we have shown to others. The lost money is secondary but does hurt as well when one looks around and sees what others have achieved!.
My advise to the youngsters (44) get out now, while you can still build a future

Do I still punt?.......Yes..........but after receiving an organ transplant..........realized that a bet of R10.00 gives me as much pleasure as my previous R10000.00 bets used to give me.... :huh: For me it was/is beating the system...........which happens very occasionally.

I will end off by saying "Don't be me ".........


P.S. If anyone wants to PM me feel free to do so............

Reading all these ....sounds like a dating site now

Good luck sealegs..always good to take a break and maybe come back wiser with smaller bets.

I can almost feel a Group Hug coming on... :whistle:

I really like this post, and thank you for sharing it. I think when someone is at this point of awareness, its really a strong place to be in. I wish you well mate, and while I can say I dont think I am at the point you are at, (I am 31), it is good to be consciously aware now to ensure I dont get to it. Only because I dont ever want to put anything before my family once the kids start to arrive.

Thank you for sharing, go well and enjoy your family time!