Latest news with #GabbyWalker
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mother-of-two says winning £25,000 was the worst thing that ever happened to her
A British mother who won £25,000 on a gambling website said it ended in 'disaster' with her losing everything. Gabby Walker, a mum-of-two from the UK, hit the jackpot while gambling and said the big win only exacerbated her gambling addiction. After the win, Gabby spent £1,000 in one day on gambling websites and afterwards lied to her family, friends and partner to get them to give her more money so she could use it on betting sites. Gabby has vowed to stop before she loses 'everything' and said she 'regrets' the time she has lost with her kids while glued to her phone placing bets. 'That's why now I'm trying to keep myself busy so I don't have time to sit down and think about gambling,' she said. 'Whether or not people understand it, the urge to gamble is horrible.' In a TikTok clip, the mother revealed she won the £25,000 on her birthday two years ago while with her partner on a £10 bet. 'It might not seem a lot to everyone but to me, that was life-changing,' she said. 'I should have been able to do so much with that money but because of my gambling addiction, I couldn't - I spent most of it being put back on to the gambling websites.' In one day, Gabby gambled away £1,000 and said the urge to bet every day is all-consuming. 'It's like something's taken over you and you have to gamble, you have to do it, you have to do it there and then,' she said. 'You might not have any money, you don't care where you're getting the money from, you'll lie to your friends and your family just to put it on [gambling websites].' Recalling the weeks after her big win, Gabby said she regrets the time she spent away from her children gambling and then trying to recoup her losses. 'Looking back now, I regret it because I was spending less time with my children because I was always on my phone. I was constantly trying to get that next win - trying to win it all back so I didn't lose everything,' she said. 'After winning that £25,000, I felt like I'd lost everything because I put it all straight back on when I should have been spending it on a holiday or activities to do with the children but I didn't. I was selfish and I spent it.' Gabby has maxed out credit cards and would live month-to-month waiting for her next pay cheque, asking her partner to pay for necessities to get by. 'I don't think about what's around me and my surroundings at the time, it's just gamble, gamble, gamble,' she said. 'It's put a wedge in my relationship because I have that gambling issue. 'I never have any money, I lie to my partner and say, "Yeah, I've got money", whereas I don't because I spent it all on gambling. 'He has to always fund for me to survive for the month and for the children to survive for the month. It's awful, it really is.' Gabby has come to terms with her addiction and is trying to keep herself busy and distracted so she's not tempted to pick up her phone and get back on the gambling sites. 'I'm glad I've got the stage now where I'm wanting to change and wanting to get better, although it might be difficult and I know it's going to be difficult,' she said. 'There are going to be days where I'm not going to be able to get through it but with the support of my partner and my children just being there and keeping me busy and just distraction from being on my phone.' She added she will also start a budgeting plan where she will outline all the money she has going into her account every month, then put aside cash for essentials and give the rest of her funds to someone close so she can't access it. 'I'm going to work out what I've got left at the end of the month...I might send it to my partner, put it in a pot, send it to my mum or my dad, I don't know, anyone, just to keep it safe until I need it,' she explained. 'If I feel the need to gamble or want to gamble then I'll have to be open and explain the urges.' Gabby said she knows quitting gambling won't be an 'easy road' but she's determined to stop. 'I know it's not going to be easy and I've got a long road ahead of me but I need to do it, I need to stop gambling because if I don't, I am going to lose everything,' she said. 'I'm going to have no family to support me or anyone because I'd have lied to them to get money. 'I'll lose my partner because that's not fair on him and I'll lose everything. I can't continue gambling all my money, I can't.' Thousands online applauded Gabby's vulnerability, offered their support and shared their own struggles with gambling. 'What I did was lock myself out of all my accounts, contacted customer support and got them to block my accounts, contacted my bank to decline transactions made to gambling sites. This helped massively' one viewer suggested. 'It's the big wins and the max wins that hook you. Also, these streamers gambling fake money, that's hooking people. Stay strong! You've got this!' a second wrote. 'The way I stopped is by making my identity associated with being a non-gambler. Should I gamble? No, because I'm not a gambler. I've got money should I gamble it? No, because I'm not a gambler,' a third explained. 'I won over 60k in the space of six weeks and still managed to get into 23k worth of debt, it literally ruined my life. I can totally relate,' a fourth replied. 'I won 20k. 24 hours later took it to 30k and lost the lot in about two minutes. Gambling is no joke, I'm off it now and I'll never do it again. All the best to you and whoever is going through hell,' someone added. 'From someone who has been in a relationship with a gambler. It's hard but the first step is admitting you have a problem. You have to do this for your family. It breaks people,' a mother said. Where can you find support in the UK for gambling addiction? GamCare's National Gambling Helpline - Call 0808 8020 133 for free 24/7. GambleAware - National Gambling Support Network service and the leading independent charity and strategic commissioner of gambling harms. education, prevention, early intervention, and treatment across Great Britain Primary Care Gambling Service - a free, confidential NHS service for over 18s who experience harms from gambling. GamLearn - A lived-experience network for people that have been impacted directly or indirectly from gambling related harm. Gamblers Anonymous - a local support group service of people who share their experiences that uses the 12-step approach to recovery Citizens Advice Bureau - a charity that can advise you on a range of issues, including finances and gambling. ChapterOne - a place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
I won $34K in the lottery — it ruined my life, I'm now a broke gambling addict
You win some, you lose some — but after winning a lump sum, this mom lost everything. Gabby Walker, a mother of two, from the UK, says scoring a $34,000 (£25k) jackpot was the 'worst thing' that's ever happened to her. 'I should have been able to do so much with that money,' said the Brit. 'But, because of my gambling addiction, I couldn't.' 4 Walker claims winning a $34,000 jackpot ruined her life. pathdoc – 'After winning that [$34k], I felt like I lost everything,' she said. Walker secured the windfall on her birthday two years ago. But after pocketing the dough, rather than investing it in her children, she reinvested the funds in online betting. 'I spent most of it back on gambling websites,' she confessed to over 73,000 TikTok viewers. 'I probably spent about £1,000 ($1,360) in a day.' Unfortunately, Walker isn't alone in her affinity for playing the odds. 4 Gambling addition has become increasingly common in recent year. Tomasz Zajda – Gambling addiction is on the rise worldwide — especially in the US, owing to the legalization of sports betting, according to recent data. Researchers have found that Americans now gamble roughly $1 billion a day on state-sanctioned apps like DraftKings and FanDuel. And in the UK, where online gambling has been legal for longer and better data exist, 5% of users account for 86% of the betting industry's profits, and gamblers from the poorest areas are overrepresented among the biggest losers. Walker, although a winner on the games, says the losses weren't worth the risk. 'I regret it,' she lamented online. 'I was spending less time with my children because I was always on my phone.' 4 People like Walker can easily become addicted to gambling, and find themselves in major debt, Prostock-studio – 'I was constantly just trying to get that next win, trying to win it all back so that I didn't lose everything,' said Walker, adding that she should have used her winnings to take her brood on vacation. 'But I didn't,' she groaned. 'I was selfish and I spent it. And I will always reverse that, and I will already regret the time that I lost being able to take part in my kids playing and stuff because I'm too busy gambling.' The addiction hasn't just destroyed her connection with the kiddos. 'It's put a wedge in my relationship,' Walker admitted of the now-troubled romance with her boyfriend. 'I never have any money.' 'He has to always [pay] for me and the children to survive for the month,' she continued. 'And it's awful.' 4 Walker admits to lying to everyone in her life in order to support her gambling addiction. Stock image. Dmitrijs Dmitrijevs – Walker describes the allure of winning as nearly inescapable. 'The urge to gamble is horrible. It's like something taken over you and you have to gamble,' she explained. 'You might not have any money, you don't care where you're getting the money from.' 'You'll lie to your family and friends just to get that money.' Thankfully, she's on the road to recovery. 'I've gotten to the stage now where I'm wanting to change and wanting to get better,' the addict declared. 'Although it might be really difficult at times, and there are going to be days where I'm not going to be able to get through it.' She plans to rely on her family for support, and has resolved to commit to a strict budget that will be meticulously overseen by her partner and parents. 'If I feel like I need to gamble, then I'll have to be open and explain the urges,' Walker said. 'I need to do it. I need to stop gambling,' she insisted. 'If I don't I lose everything — I'll have no family because I would have lied to the to get money, I'll lose my partner because [this is] not fair to him,' Walker crowed. 'I'll lose everything.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Winning £25,000 was the worst thing that ever happened to me – it should've been life-changing but l've lost everything
A BRAVE mother has opened up on how she won £25,000 on her birthday, but before long had lost everything. Gabby Walker, a mum-of-two from the UK, explained that her hefty prize should have been life-changing, but instead, it made her realise that she had a very serious issue to deal with. 2 2 Now, the recovering gambling addict is on a mission to raise awareness, as she candidly shared her gambling story on social media. Posting online, the brunette beauty acknowledged that her 'big win' was the 'worst thing' that has ever happened to her. As she sat in her car, she said: 'Two years ago, on my birthday, I won £25,000 - it might not seem a lot to everyone, but to me, that was life-changing. 'I should have been able to do so much with that money but because of my gambling addiction, I couldn't.' Gabby claimed that 'the urge to gamble is horrible' and described it as though something has 'taken over you.' She voiced that during the height of her addiction, she was 'always' on her phone, 'constantly trying to get that next win.' And rather than treating her family to a trip abroad after receiving her prize, Gabby instead put the money straight back onto betting, and even spent £1,000 on gambling in a single day. She confessed: 'After winning that £25,000 I felt like I'd lost everything, I put it all straight back on [gambling sites], when I should have been spending it on a holiday or activities to do with the children, but I didn't.' Opening up on her 'regrets', Gabby described her actions as 'selfish' and admitted that her 'gambling issue' has even put a 'wedge' in her relationship. Getting candid on her partner's support, she recalled: 'He has to always fund for me to survive for the month and for the children to survive for the month and it's awful, it really is.' MAFS star reveals 15-year gambling addiction and admits he's been through a 'dark time' But looking to days free from gambling, the mother explained: 'I'm glad I've got to the stage now where I'm wanting to change and wanting to get better, and I know it's gonna be difficult at times.' Gabby stressed that she has a 'long road ahead', but 'needs to stop gambling', as she acknowledged if she doesn't, she is 'gonna lose everything' and will have 'no family' to turn to for support. Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ gabbywalker360, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 72,900 views, 981 likes and 135 comments. Social media users were stunned by Gabby's story and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their support. I'm glad I've got to the stage now where I'm wanting to change and wanting to get better Gabby Walker One person said: 'I wish I could have that much money!! But good luck hun!!! Being honest with yourself is always the first step!!!' Another added: 'You got this, this is so brave sharing with everyone. I wish you all the luck getting through this.' A third commented: 'Honestly massive well done for reaching out it's not an easy thing to do! Massive love to you.' At the same time, others bravely opened up on their own gambling addictions, as one man shared: 'I won £36,000 & in 6 days.. lost it all in 4.. years later I won £40,000 in 3 months, lost it all in 5 days.. when gambling you lose respect for money.' How to get help for a gambling addiction Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and their families. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for seeking timely help. Common indicators of a gambling problem include spending more money and time on gambling than intended, lying about gambling activities, and experiencing financial difficulties as a result. Emotional symptoms may include anxiety, stress, and depression, often exacerbated by the losses and the cycle of chasing them. There are several avenues for support and treatment for those struggling with gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach that helps individuals change their gambling behaviors and thoughts. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide a community of individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual support and understanding. Additionally, various helplines and online resources are available to provide immediate assistance and guidance. It is essential for friends and family members to be aware of these signs and encourage their loved ones to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of the problem and help individuals regain control over their lives. By addressing gambling addiction head-on and utilizing available resources, individuals can work towards recovery and a healthier, more balanced life. A woman voiced: 'I won over £60k in the space of 6 weeks and still managed to get into £23k worth of debt, it literally ruined my life.' Whilst someone else wrote: 'I had £34k in and out of my account last April.' What to do if someone you know has a gambling addiction As previously reported, some 2.5% of the population gamble in a 'severe and harmful way', Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, national clinical adviser on gambling harms at NHS England, said. As well as this, a Public Health England (PHE) study in 2021 found the rough overall cost of health harms caused by gambling was around £960million. That includes suicide, which costs £619.2million. The study also found an estimated 409 suicides were linked to gambling in England every year. There are a number of steps you can take if you believe someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction. Is it possible to gamble safely? IT is important to stay safe when you gamble and that you feel able to reach out if you are struggling. Senior Consumer Reporter Olivia Marshall shares different ways you can keep yourself safe when gambling. Certainly! Here is the information with bold text above the normal text: Set a Budget Determine how much money you can afford to lose before you start gambling and stick to that limit. Never gamble with money that you need for essential expenses like rent, bills, or groceries. Time Management Set a time limit for your gambling activities. It's easy to lose track of time when gambling, so decide in advance how long you will play and stick to it. Know the Odds Understand the odds of the games you are playing. Remember that gambling is based on chance, so be realistic about your chances of winning. Avoid Chasing Losses If you lose money, do not try to win it back by gambling more. This often leads to deeper losses and can create a cycle of chasing losses that is hard to break. Stay Sober Avoid gambling when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These substances can impair your judgment and lead to risky behaviour. Take Breaks Regular breaks can help you stay in control and make more rational decisions. Continuous play without breaks can lead to fatigue and poor decision-making. Self-Exclusion and Limits Many gambling platforms offer tools to help you control your gambling, such as self-exclusion programs or setting deposit limits. Use these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic. Seek Support If you think you may have a gambling problem, seek help. There are many organisations that offer support and counselling for gambling addiction, such as GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, and the National Gambling Helpline in the UK. Educate Yourself Learn about responsible gambling practices and be aware of the signs of problem gambling. Understanding these can help you maintain a healthy relationship with gambling. Gamble for Fun, Not Profit Treat gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money. The primary goal should be to have fun, and any wins should be considered a bonus. Be Gamble Aware's website suggests ways you can help someone who might need help and some of the steps include: understanding what an addict is going through, knowing how to talk to someone with a gambling addiction, and avoiding rewarding gambling behaviour. If you personally are struggling with an addiction, the NHS has a useful webpage which offers a range of helpful tips. Some include trying cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that can help change the way you think and behave. There are also treatment and support groups available for people wanting to stop gambling. Additionally, GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK. It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.
