Well done on finding this forum.
It is a great big step to reach out and ask for help, acknowledging that you have a real problem and that it is “taking over” your life.
By admitting gambling is taking over your life you are admitting that you are powerless over gambling. This fact and admission is seen by many as the first step in a successful recovery.
I too am a compulsive gambler I had gambled for over thirty years to the most perverse excesses and thought it was impossible to stop. It’s not impossible and dosn’t even have to be hard, after all its as simple as saying “no,” isn’t it.
I’m sure you’ve tried to stop it before or limit yourself without too much success, again this emphasises that you are powerless against gambling. For me I have had to change my whole lifestyle and over many years gradually retrain my head to think differently.
If I had of taken on board all the advice given to me “at the time” over the years I would have said no and stopped a long time ago, but I always left a chink in my armour against gambling, thankfully I don’t now.
In addition to self exclusion there is software available that can block all gambling on your pc and other devices, most offer a free trial giving you thirty days to try it, so even if you cant afford it now you can use the free trial then pay for the full version when you have the money. K9 blocking software is completely free and works very very well. One word of caution though the software can be turned on or off with a password so it is wise to get somebody else to install it for you.
I wish you well on your journey of recovery, believe me you can change, you can stop.
All the best.
Geordie.