The Pokies Were My Killer

Marie, 53, Christchurch (themes drawn from actual experiences, adapted for privacy)

The jackpot I won on my first night at the casino nearly killed my marriage. I was happily married with two teenage kids and a good job.

The bells, spinning wheels and music was captivating and the expectation of riches, seductive. This lured me into a wild world where the main objective of my life was that machine. My husband effectively became a solo parent, cook and taxi driver, taking my daughter to drama classes and son to rugby. After three years of this something had to give.

My husband’s ultimatum sent me searching for help, eventually arriving at The Salvation Army Oasis. For the first time I felt free to share my secret. Quietly and incisively I was helped to work through the mire of my life. 

After a few sessions I asked if my husband could join us. Tears flowed, a burden shared and a prospect of a future. There was much to be done, trust was needed and I handed control of household finances to my husband. My Case Worker helped me discover my trigger points for gambling and together we developed a plan to counter them. It was a start to a slow voyage to recovery.

For more information on Oasis and the services available click here or call 0800 50 00 00.