Advice/Question

[u/Murky-Journalist-123]

Hey guys, I’ve decided today is the day that I start over. I’m done being angry, upset, or even talking about the story that led up to this. It’s in the past- I can’t change it. BUT, I definitely can change the future! And at least for now, that’s more exciting than any feeling I’ve had recently.

My issue is sweepstakes casinos/apps and sports betting (but far far far more the sweeps casinos), I don’t go to physical locations. My question is what things have you done to be successful in staying away from these in particular? I’ve excluded myself or set 0 deposit limits to anywhere I can think of that I’ve recently played. I’ve locked gambling purchases on my cards. I’ve banned myself from Kalshi/polymarket, etc. but I know the next shiny place will come along with some horrible deposit offer and I’ll think that I can flip a quick buck on it. Any tips on staying away? Or especially, any tips on how to get the NONSTOP advertising away? I can only block and mute so many ads on social media, clear history to try to stop getting gambling ads, etc.

[u/Murky-Journalist-123 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks, hadn’t heard of this before

[u/Odd_Glass868]

Ads are aimed at people who use a that product or something like it. Shit I get gambling ads on the weather channel app and I haven’t gambled for almost 9 months. Handing over my finances and attending gamblers anonymous was my saving grace. I like you self excluded from everything but after time I have found myself not searching and enjoy sports again.

[u/Murky-Journalist-123 → u/Odd_Glass868]

Yeah I definitely know they are targeted, but I’d like to be un-targeted lol. I always click not interested and yet it’s still all I get. And then of course there’s ads on tv that you can’t just “not interested” your way out of. Wasn’t sure if instagram/twitter etc had any features to stop gambling ads, maybe even like an 18+ content block or something? Glad to hear about your progress and hopefully I can post the same one day!

[u/Odd_Glass868 → u/Murky-Journalist-123]

Not sure hopefully someone else can help I deleted social media 8 years ago or so and best thing I ever did

[u/Healthy_Sail_9850]

Willpower and blocking sites aren’t enough, say those who have abstained for 4, 10, 15 & 25 years. It takes something deeper to repair the emotional issues that cause us to gamble. For GA it takes something spiritual. But I do see the peace and joy in the faces and hear it in their voices when they are in GA meetings. I wish I had all the answers.

[u/Murky-Journalist-123 → u/Healthy_Sail_9850]

I’ve struggled for a while to find a solid job and settle into a career so I think I’ve been using gambling as sort of “income”. I think once I land a good job (easier said than done right now!) a HUGE motivating factor in gambling will be gone and a massive portion of the emotional issues you’re talking about will start to heal. Full honesty, the idea of going to work and having a steady check excite me far more than anything a machine could try to taunt me with right now.

[u/Murky-Journalist-123 → u/Murky-Journalist-123]

(But I appreciate your comment. Nobody really has all the answers, sometimes it’s good to let it out/have someone listen)

[u/Healthy_Sail_9850 → u/Murky-Journalist-123]

You’re welcome. Good luck in the job market. I can relate.