I've been addicted to gambling for a couple of years. In that time I've lost over £20k. I've been chronically anxious, stressed and socially withdrawn at times.
Last night I came clean and told my girlfriend everything. Already it feels as though a weight has been lifted. Today I called Gamcare for the first time and am taking the first genuine positive steps to recovery, including counselling.
I want to install an effective blocker on my phone. Yes, I've self-excluded from the betting exchanges, but it's possible that I'll attempt to open new accounts. Is there any effective software for IOS? All I can find is K9 which doesn't seem like the solution. I need to be able to block apps too.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Hi,
Others can answer about the software but one possibility is to get your girlfriend to look on the sites and find the addresses of their offices to write to. Write each of them a letter quoting your name, address, email, date of birth and any passwords and tell them that you're in recovery from a gambling addiction, that you want to permanently self exclude and apart from confirming the exclusion to you they should not contact you again. This is just another layer but everything helps.
CW
Hi OG83
There is a blocker called Net Nanny which works on iOS. You can find out more at http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software#.VaUUUflViko.
You may also be able to get your mobile provider and your home internet provider to turn on parental filtering. Sometimes this is quite a blunt instrument - they may only be able to block all 18+ sites, or they may be able to let you specific gambling. Worth asking anyway.
If you have any questions about blocking software and methods to stop internet gambling, you are welcome to call our Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or chat to us on the Netline. both are open 8am to midnight every day.
Best wishes
Deirdre
Forum Admin.
Thanks both. Netnanny also lacks the app-blocking functionality I'd like. It seems as though the best approach is to block access at source as you've suggested CW. I've already done this for the exchanges.
We searched on line for the blocking software and I paid for chose a paid version - cheaper than his gambling losses. Worked for desktop, don't know about mobiles but if all else fails go back to a "brick" ie a mobile without internet.
CW
Not going to happen for me I'm afraid! Excluding seems like the way forward, thanks.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
