Hi Grover! Been there, done that, several times over in a lifetime. I stoped counting my losses when they hit 2 million and that was years ago do I can only imagine. 2 Years ago , like you , I had no debt than sundenly had 20,000 in debt not mentioning all the money I could have saved. Borrowed, paid debt off, paid it back only to do it all again…. What I am trying to say is wether you claim bankruptcy or not make sure you get the support you need or it will just be a never ending cycle. Many years ago I claimed bankruptcy… clean slate??? Not so much just room to dig another hole to dig back out of. You will get a ton of advice here. I hope you take and use what works for you. I wish you well.

Well done for taking the first step. That is that you have admitted to yourself and to your father that you have a problem – and that you are talking about it on here. I cannot give you any financial advice. I am still paying off debts years after my last bet. They are a reminder of who I am and that I have this illness called compulsive gambling. It is not an easy option – but I really feel that you will need to do a complete life change if you want to beat this. One of your triggers is sport and I guess you eat, drink and sleep sport – it is part of who you are – and you NEED to let go of it. If it is possible for you – try and get a complete change of your life – even if just for a short time – a sort of rehab or time away from your norm. See if there is anything available through addiction help organisations in your area. If not I suggest you put the time you would spend on watching (and betting) on sports into your recovery. Speak to people – attend meetings on-line and in real time. Watch recovery videos etc. Get support and good advice within your local area. Get a complete inventory together of what you owe and make plans as to how you can pay back, but NOT by chasing losses. Extra work will not only produce more income – it will give you less time to gamble with. I wish you well.

Welcome! Keep posting and reading others threads! If you don’t treat the addiction, you will stay in the same rut! 6 years ago, I was debt free, money in the bank. Now I am in credit card debt and pay a hefty amount monthly to a debt consolidation company. I don’t know if you are opened to GA? You need support. It’s good that you’ve talked to your Dad. Try to put barriers in place, limit cash on hand, and gind a support group. We can turn this around. Recovery is hard but you are worth it!