Another day. Another cry for advice. This time from an *apparent* newbie to gambling, so lost a small amount (good for him) and posted his frustration on Reddit. I will try to steer him towards a path that makes sense to everyone.
Losing money from gambling can feel really tough, especially when it’s all you can think about. That £250 loss stings, and it’s normal to feel low or frustrated, even if it’s not a huge amount. The emotional rollercoaster of being up, then down again, can make it feel even worse. Since you’re new to gambling and you’re already taking steps like deleting the app and unsubscribing from emails, you’re on the right track to regain control. Here’s some advice to help you feel better and move forward, written in a supportive and simple way:
How do I feel better about losing? It’s all I can think about
Essentially I’m making this post asking for some sort of advice on how to make myself feel a bit better. I’m around £250 down in a week from sports betting and roulette. I was very close to doubling down in an attempt to make it back but have now decided against it. I just feel extremely low with the fact that £250 is just gone forever. I know it’s not a crazy amount of money, but it’s the awful feeling it’s giving me if you get what i’m saying 😂. The annoying thing is that I was around £200 a few days ago, was in the exact same position, then made it back and said I’d completely stopped, and then only a few days later I’ve managed to do it all over again. I’m now deleting the app and unsubscribing to all e-mails etc, but I really just wanted some sort of advice on how to stop feeling so shitty about the situation, since it’s all that’s been on my mind recently. Thanks!
- Accept the Loss and Let Go of Guilt: It’s hard, but try to see the £250 as a lesson rather than a failure. Gambling is designed to be unpredictable, and losses happen to everyone. Be proud that you didn’t double down to chase the loss—that’s a smart choice. Instead of beating yourself up, remind yourself that you’re learning and taking action to stop.
- Shift Your Focus to Something Positive: When the loss is stuck in your head, distract yourself with activities you enjoy. Maybe watch a favorite movie, play a game, or go for a walk. If you’re into cricket (like some of the stuff you’ve talked about before), maybe catch up on a match or read about a player’s comeback story to lift your mood. Doing something fun can help break the cycle of negative thoughts.
- Set a Clear Boundary with Gambling: You’re already deleting the app, which is great! To make it stick, block gambling sites on your phone or computer, and maybe tell a friend or family member about your decision for extra accountability. If you feel tempted later, remind yourself how this loss made you feel. Writing down why you’re stopping can also help you stay firm.
- Reframe the Money as a Learning Cost: Think of the £250 as the price of a valuable lesson. It’s shown you how gambling can pull you in and how quickly losses can add up. That awareness is powerful and can save you from bigger losses in the future. You’re smarter about it now than when you started.
- Talk It Out or Write It Down: If the loss is still weighing on you, try talking to a trusted friend or writing down your thoughts. Just getting it out can make you feel lighter. You could write something like, “I lost £250, it sucks, but I’m done with gambling and focusing on better things.” It’s a way to process the feelings and move on.
- Practice Self-Care: Do small things to boost your mood—eat something you love, listen to music, or get some rest. Feeling low can make everything seem worse, so taking care of yourself can help you feel more balanced. Even something simple like watching a funny video can shift your mindset.
- Learn About Gambling Risks: Since you’re new to gambling, it’s good to know that the odds are always stacked against you, especially in things like roulette. Understanding this can help you feel less like it was your fault.
- Plan Something to Look Forward To: Use the energy you put into gambling to plan something exciting, like saving for a small treat or a fun outing. It could be tickets to a cricket match or something else you enjoy. Having a goal can replace the thrill of gambling with something more rewarding.
If the low feelings don’t go away or you’re struggling to stop thinking about gambling, consider reaching out to a support service like GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) or BeGambleAware (begambleaware.org). They offer free, confidential advice and can help you feel more in control.
You’re already making strong moves by stepping away from gambling, so give yourself credit for that. Losses hurt, but they don’t define you. Focus on the things that make you happy, and with time, this will feel like a bump in the road rather than a roadblock.
You’ve got this.