Gambling - help, turn into something else

Video games are a hobby, much like wood working, or 3D printing. There is nothing wrong with sinking a day (or 3 lol) into something like Skyrim or Fallout. The problem with video game addiction isn't actually gaming itself; it's the micro-transactions that have turned the hobby into legalized underage gambling. Just ask the guys who made candy crush. Watch the "Freemium Isn't Free" episode of South Park; explains it all perfectly!

I'm trying to get my dad into video games. Especially a PS1 emulator on a raspberry pi single board computer. He gambles every single day. Video games work well for my son and I, but my dad is too old to be into them (all 3 of us are on the spectrum, but my dad is in denial because he refuses to get diagnosed like my son and I). I'd rather him sink time into playing the old Resident Evil games than to sink another million dollars over the next 10 years. That's literally how much he has spent gambling. I maybe spent $300k on drugs, but at least I sold them to get my money back and then some! I almost wish he was addicted to heroin like I used to be, at least it's something I can understand. There's literally no such thing as gambling withdrawal. There's no medication to help him with this like there was for me. He thinks (because he's a retired cop) that his addiction is ok because it's legal, but it's costing him way more money and is going to ruin his life.

Who cares? It can still help someone.

He could look at the investment world as maybe focusing on more responsible use of money could help.

I would also suggest he will need to get help from a support group as addicts need a lot of help to stop 

Once again Irish

This post is over 8 years old.

Because this is such a serious issue, your first port of call must be to speak to your local police - do you have any police officers at your local police station that you can speak to? Getting police involvement is vital to put a stop to this once and for all 

I hear you're looking for a way to switch things up from gambling. It's awesome that you're thinking about making a change! Slot77 can be a fun way to pass the time, but when it starts feeling like it's taking over, it might be a good idea to try something new. Have you thought about maybe trying out a different hobby or activity? It could be a great way to fill the gap and keep things interesting. I know change can be a bit daunting, but it can also lead to some really exciting opportunities. Who knows, you might discover a new passion or interest that you never knew you had! Plus, it's always nice to shake things up now and then.

Golly.....what a helpful sounding interjection....NAS93431.

Would I be right to suspect that you have a specific online strategy game or puzzle-solving challenge to recommend?

in casinos?

yeppers mister man! you called it. I'm beginning to get it! Its a bit like train spotting, yes?

Gamblers anonymous. Perfect fit.

SPAM Link at the word "go".

HOUNDS - PLEASE.

Try investing

I'm not a gambler. I don't even do the lottery. But some years ago i had a go at Matched Betting. It's not betting in the way that you know it, 'cos if you do it properly, you can't lose, you're betting with the free bets that the bookies offer. I read about it on 'The Money Shed' which is a sort of money saving ideas website.

That's not just spam, that's harmful spam, on a historic post about the harm caused by things like your spam

What's all this for? Take the data as a basis and use it as a starting point. 

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