Gripped by Gambling.  

I have a new website with information about my book  www.grippedbygambling.com.   The site contains an autobiography with some photos of special times in my life.  The book is available on the online bookstore, Wheatmark.com/bookstore or call 1-888-934-0888 x3.  It is also available through: Amazon.com / Borders.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksAMillion.com and many more. It  can be ordered by the title, author or Isbn # 978-1-58736-770-0. Gifts Anon stores in Phoenix and Scottsdale are stocking  the book. Marilyn Lancelot , AZ    mslancelot@cox.net         

  I WAS HOOKED

Most of us aren't born compulsive gamblers. As a matter of fact, I had never even bought a lottery ticket. I used to say, "Those are gimmicks to make people spend money." I was always very responsible and tight with money, which is what made my story even more shocking to my family and friends. But then one day my husband and I began going to the bingo hall just for entertainment. Before long we were going every weekend, it just happened like that. I was hooked! My husband realized our finances were in bad shape, although we both had good jobs, a beautiful home, two wonderful children. The world was at our feet. My husband said one evening, "That's it! No more!" So I started going behind his back. He worked nights at his job and when he would go to work at night, I'd go hit the VLT's (Video lottery terminal).

You can imagine the insanity if you're a gambler; you already know about the arguments and the total destruction this disease brings with it. By the time my husband took all of my credit cards, access to the checking account, and all money privileges, I was desperately, completely and shamelessly an addicted gambler. Being faced with no money and no where to turn to, my sick mind decided to rob banks to support my addiction.  No weapons, no threats. I'd walk up to the teller and ask for the money, walk out and go directly to the bingo hall. I'd walk in to the hall with 18 to 21 thousand dollars and no matter how much money I walked in with, by the time I left, rarely did I have the quarter to pay the toll. Insane, isn't it?

No, not only did I do this once but I repeated it nine more times. My insanity finally ended on November 15, 2004 when I was arrested. I was released on bond and began attending Gamblers Anonymous (GA). I visited the GA rooms every Wednesday for a whole year before I was sentenced to five years in prison. The judge was lenient with me, because I had never even had a parking ticket. GA was a blessing for me. My husband and I divorced and I went through many trials that year but GA members helped me cope. My Wednesday night group was so supportive of me, they even came to my trial and spoke on my behalf. I receive mail from around the United States from GA members. I still have three years to serve on my sentence. When I am released, I plan to help other GA members, so hopefully, they won't have to go down the same destructive path. My family has been and still is, very supportive. I know today that the damage I created could have been avoided if I had sought help before I reached this painful time in my life. If you gamble, please, please seek help! You are not alone! You can live a normal life again, One Day at a Time! 

Marta P., Florida           
 

REALLY DESPERATE

I’m 31 years old and live in Guatemala City, Guatemala, married and mother of two little children (4 & 6) I am a full-time worker (where my income comes from). Last night my 4 year old was so sick that we took her to the hospital thank God it was just a virus and she was just dehydrated!!! But the serious problem was that I couldn’t pay for the hospital because all my credit cards where at their limit no extra limit at all. I told my husband so many excuses why I’m not paying my credit cards, that he finally used his¼ but that made me feel so bad and desperate that today I’m really seeking for help!!!! Today I admitted that I have a VERY SERIOUS and “SECRET” illness I’m a compulsive gambler!!!

I’m not sure how I get to this point it’s driving me crazy!!! After almost 5 years of daily “internet” gambling, I have realized that I lost the ability to control my gambling. I kept betting more and more money, until all of the sudden I have ALL my 5 credit cards with no funds available and for this first time I have no PLACE to get money from. All of them make around $20,000!!!!! And of course, my husband and NO ONE else knows about this. I have been eating like crazy. I have been lying to my husband about my personal financial issues and the worst of all, I have to pay the loans I took out in order to keep playing and pay my credit cards!!!!
I’m really desperate and I don’t know what to do or where to go, so I looked over the internet for some help, and that’s how I get your address. Please help me or send me an address of someone I can refer to.

(The above message was sent to me and I responded and here is the gals’ message to me.)

Hi Marilyn, 

Thanks for your message. It’s very helpful to hear someone else’s story and realize that this “secret addiction” can take me much further than the actual BIG problem I’m in right now. My husband has no idea at all of my gaming debts, since I’m a full-time employee and I’m fully responsible for my credit cards the one we share, I have used all the credit line ($10,000) and I told him one of my colleagues really needed it and they are paying for the interest every month. I’m so tired of living two different lives!!! And the worse thing is I don’t have ANY money left and for the first time I have no money to pay my Credit cards!!!!! And all of them are at the limits!!! I have not slept in about two weeks telling my husband I’m under too much pressure at the office and that is the cause of not sleeping he bought me some herbal tea and pills.

I REALLY want to quit doing all this I am an online player!! So that’s why I kept it as a secret and no one has noticed it. but I’m so afraid of not having the money to pay for my credit cards, that it’s driving me crazy¼ I have dreamt about hitting the jackpot!!! And the only thing I think of is having at least $200 to try to get the progressive pot.  I have in my account just $1500- but that could help me walk through this month!!!  I cannot tell anybody I know about this!!!!  It’s so embarrassing!!! I know I could never stand my children’s and family disrespect if they ever know.

Yes, you can publish my message, but PLEASE respect my privacy and don’t use my name!!
There are no “compulsive gamblers” or gamblers anonymous groups where I live!!! Guatemala is next to Mexico, in Central America!! We’re Spanish speakers (that’s why I’m not so fluent in English), so I have no help here!!! I’m by myself, and I know I am not as strong as I would like to be to quit!!! And basically, I really look forward winning some money back to pay for all the debts I have!!!!
 

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