Hi Peter,
This is a good place to receive some support and suggestions about how to stop gambling. It sounds like you have gotten some basic advice. Seeing a therapist is a very good idea. It sounds like you are really losing yourself and the sooner you tackle this the better. The only way I could stop when I was as bad was to be honest with a few people that I loved and trusted, and that I knew loved me. I needed them to help me stay accountable for my spending and my time. I gave one of them control of my money. I would only get a little as needed and I’d provide receipts showing what I bought and that I hadn’t returned anything. I attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings and group meetings here. I also went to counseling. If you want to beat this you need to tackle it hard with all the possible barriers and supports in place. You could look at a gambling blocker for your phone if you gamble on line. And never give up.
Laura