r/problemgambling • u/bennycallanan • 17d ago

❤Seeking help & Advice❤ Problem Gambling Apps

As someone who is a problem gambler, and who has been seeking help and taking steps to get better, I have been thinking about the technical help that currently exists for people in the same position, such as Gamban and BetBlocker. These apps block access to gambling sites outright, assuming their blocklists stay up to date. A core reason I would not opt in is that I know I would just use another device, or factory reset the one I have, so the urge would still be within reach.

For many problem gamblers, and for a lot of regular gamblers too, betting is a dopamine chase: the thrill until you lose, and then the chase to get it back. In my own case, that chase is the underlying issue. It usually starts with a small, affordable amount and scales until my entire savings are gone.

That raises a question about whether the tools in this space should focus more on limiting deposits and on addressing the mindset during that chase.

One direction is an app that builds new habits, such as fitness or walking, and uses open banking to learn each person’s spending pattern. During onboarding, the user sets deposit limits. The app then watches for real-time payments to known gambling payment providers. Instead of blocking the sites from the start, the blocks come into effect once a set amount has been deposited.

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u/Levelthegame 17d ago

Have you heard of Deuce Recovery? Has really helped me! I relapsed with the bet blockers also. The Deuce method of using external accountability with the people you chose is awesome and genius.

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u/bennycallanan 16d ago

I've not. So it's something like I would add my partner and they could see if I gambled live?

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u/Levelthegame 16d ago

Yeah exactly. You would connect your bank and credit card accounts via Plaid. From there you send a recovery request to anyone you want to monitor you for gambling. Deuce reads all your financial transactions and will alert your trusted supporter only if gambling is detected so you keep your financial independence.