Online casinos have been on of the most popular searches on the internet last year. 

The girl named Stacey was introduced to the world of gambling at the age of 18 while working part-time in a betting shop to earn money for nights out. Despite seeing people losing every day, one day she decided to put a pound in a machine and “unfortunately” won £36. “It wasn’t a lot but it gave me a high and then it played on my mind more and more. That’s when it started.” As we know, that is the way how most of the people start it. 

At her worst point, she was doing £20 a spin. “That’s the only thing I could do to get the high my brain needed.”

Soon she started to gamble online as well. 

It was very huge addiction and went very bad. 

“Previously I’d try to hide I was gambling so much by going from shop to shop, whereas online, people don’t know who you are.” There were very few limits to how much she could gamble so she felt anonymous and free of judgement – unlike in the betting shops, where she was a rarity as a young woman. 

And thats the online gambling advantage and also disadvantage as well. 

And for instance, when you are siting in front of the computer, no one can help you get up and go away. 

In hindsight, Stacey recognises the impact of her addiction on her mental health and quality of life. “I can’t remember a time when I felt happy in that eight-year period,” she admits. “It was like every part of my brain other than the addiction was unplugged. I walked about in unwashed clothes, I didn’t look after myself, I couldn’t think about anything other than gambling and money. I was sad all the time because nothing in my life mattered other than gambling. I hated myself – I was so ashamed, so guilty. The depression and anxiety were horrific.”

Stacey now gives advice to other women via TikTok and Facebook, and has written a book about her experience,The Girl Gambler.“I give them tips, point them to services in their area or services that I’ve used. There’s been such a huge response, I’m messaging people all the time.” She is also campaigning for “triggering”scratch cards to be removed from the front counters of shops. 

We might not speak about it enough but so many women are going through this, and there are tools out there to help