Hi Coaster,
Well done on your four days gamble free time.
How many excuses can you find for your friend? The best answer would be none, just tell them you have deciided to stop gambling. Up to you how much detail you go into but “I got fed up with losing” works for me. Make en excuse and they will ask again, why wouldn’t they? Tell them you have decided to stop gambling and it draws the line. If they are a friend then there will be other activities, other places to go.
If not, well maybe they and so much of a friend as a gambling acquaintance?
Vera suggested GA, check out their website, they have 20 questions there which you might find interesting. Why can’t you just enjoy a bet? Because you aren’t a gambler, I think you will find when you look at those questions that you are a compulsive gambler.
Talking to your wife would help, show her this site. If you make yourself accountable for your finances then you will find it harder to place a bet.
Keep posting and let us know which positive steps you are taking.