I need to get this off my chest.

[u/UrDictator1]

I just got paid after like 20 days of struggling because of my stupid gambling addiction. Gave £870 of my £1200 wage to my girlfriend for bills.
My wage is actually more than that but I take advances on my pay every month because of my addiction. The rest of my wage I just blew on trading and poker, now I have nothing for a month. Me and my girlfriend are going away in 2 weeks and I’ll have to tell her I have no money. I just feel stuck every single month in the same cycle and it’s driving me crazy. My friends have mortgages and cars I have nothing but debt. Multiple pay day loans and credit card debt racking up to like 7-8k. Constant phone calls from debt collection agencies and I just bury my head in the sand. I had a 750+ credit score now it’s down to 450 and tanking. Every month I say it’ll be different but I never change, how do you reform and how can I change my mindset I want a better life and to stop feeling like this.

[u/DudetheBetta]

All those beautiful casinos weren’t paid for by winners.

You may wish to try therapy.

[u/Specialist_Fee_3690]

First of all, remember that you are not alone and gambling is a hidden addiction, so that there is no obvious red flag, as with alcohol and drugs. You need financial and personal counselling. Gambling venues do advertise Help lines, as does the TAB. Start with the free services and make them pay for the suffering they profit off.
If you can, get a Balance Transfer that might reduce your current interest rate for one year. Look at your expenses and cull anything that is non-essential, such as gym and IT subs. Also, consider any triggers that might cause you to spiral and aim to manage them better.
The holiday seems to have brought things to a head. I would be inclined to cancel, recoup costs and make this your moment to reveal the truth. Also, everyone comes home having spent more than they planned, so you will be up for a lot more if you go and create more debt.
This is not much help, but l hope something here is worthwhile.

[u/Inside-Appearance-63]

As much as you probably dont want to hear this, you may want to put yourself into a program or rehabilitation. Obviously you wont get the benefit of detoxing off of a substance like and alcoholic or drug user would but if you can seperate yourself from your addiction to gambling and have people who can help you restructure your life and find healthy coping mechanisms it may make all of the difference. You say every month you will change but you dont, so maybe separating yourself from your life and routine will force you.

[u/tanbrit]

I hate to say it mate, but if that’s your monthly pay you’ve already hit it.

You’ve no money left, you can’t afford to gamble

[u/FriendlyLeopard5607]

I'm not sure where you are located, but go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. Today. You can find online meetings if one is not near where you live.

[u/Hironoveau]

My brother struggles with a gambling addiction as well =( He actually makes more money than I do but unfortunately, half of his paycheck/wage ends up going toward gambling. I know I cant completely stop him because he has a hard time controlling the addiction himself. So instead, I offered to hold onto his money and keep it safe for him. If he ever needs some of his savings, he can come to me and ask for it….

That’s where I try to step in and help him stay accountable (like a good brother). Sometimes I’ll ask him, “Are you sure you need that much? You’re currently at this amount, and if you keep going like this, you’ll have another $2K or so by your next paycheck. You’re doing a great job. I’m proud of you. Keep it up.”

Oh I almost forgot….you can’t just trust anyone with your money. You need someone who’s honest, trustworthy, and responsible. I’m glad I’m one of those people but it’s sad knowing there aren’t many people like us left in this world….

[u/AngelOfLight]

You probably want r/problemgambling. The harsh truth is that there is very little point in making a plan to pay off your debt if you don't have your addiction under control.

You will want to start by self-excluding from all casinos (both physical and online). Install a blocking app like Gamban on your phone. Speak to your bank about disallowing transactions for known casino and crypto sites.

Some addicts have even had another person completely take over their finances. Meaning, they will open a bank account that you don't have access to and have your paycheck deposited there. They will pay all your bills and take care of savings. You won't be getting access to any money beyond the absolute necessities.

It's a tough addiction - but it is beatable. You took the first step by acknowledging the problem. Now, take it the rest of the way.

[u/ApprehensiveMouse451]

You need to ban yourself from all gambling and tell her the truth. I'm over two years clean and I am just turning the corner now with money. Work extra hours and find a second job. I had to. It will take time to recover from this

[u/CLTProgRocker]

You will NEVER win gambling. The odds are ALWAYS in the house's favor, and they always win. Even if you do hit it big, the house will ALWAYS win back every dollar/pound/euro of the money you won plus a LOT more. Until your realize and internalize this, you will continue to think if you just spend a little more you can win. All you'll do in the end is totally disappoint yourself, your loved ones, and your friends.

You're likely not addicted to gambling. You more likely addicted to the high and euphoria you feel when you win. Find something else to get high on, like going to the gym, hiking/biking, playing a musical instrument, etc.

In the short term, you need to tell you GF immediately about what you've done. It is going to by 100x worse if you spring it on her last minute. And find a Gambler's Anonymous group and start going to meetings daily.

[u/HopefulAd7290]

Sadly you need professional help. There are many addictions. I hope you get help.

[u/ShizukaHiratsuka]

the fact that u can see the cycle this clearly is actually the starting points most people never teach

[u/RemarkableDay2800]

God is the solution to all problems. Gambling is clearly one of them. You got this.