problems caused by gambling
After many years and spending every last cent I have; not to mention what I have borrowed, I realized that I have a gambling problem…
I can no longer pay my bills and am afraid to go bankrupt because of the shame of where the money went and the stigma that both going bankrupt and having a gambling problem can have…
I’m even more worried that saying I blew the money at the VLT’s and on scratch tickets is not valid and that I will be literally left out in the cold.
Please advise me as to my rights 🙁
Recognizing that you have a gambling problem (or any other kind of addiction/obsessive behaviour) is the first step to correcting the problem. I also think it is the most difficult step so at least give yourself credit for “stepping up” to the plate and taking a swing at it.
The next step is to find a counsellor to help you beat the problem. If you’re addicted then you have to teach yourself to never gamble again. It will take an effort of will power and self-discipiline, but it can be done.
Once you’ve begun a counseling/treatment progam you should contact a trustee to review you options. Depending on your income and financial situation, you may have alternatives other than bankruptcy to consider.
If you do decide to file bankruptcy, you need to know that you will likely have to appear in Court and demonstrate to the Court that you have the problem under control before they will alow you to be discharged (released from bankruptcy).
Good luck sorting this out – it can be done. The next step is to make sure you’ve got your problem under control.