Facebook Raffles

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(@timetochange76)
Posts: 8
Topic starter
 

Hello all I hope someone can understand where I'm coming from with regards to my gambling issues. 

Firstly I have gambled off and on for as long as I can remember. Horses, football betting etc.. I've never had a problem until I decided to play raffles that I seen on Facebook. 

The companies are:

Botb (Best of the best), Dream Car Giveaways, 7 Days Performance and Elite Competitions. All these raffles are based on winning cash prizes and performance vehicles. 

I can't see to stop playing these competitions and there's no way of self exclusion. All I can do is ask them to close my account but I am free to reopen at any moment so is not really a permanent solution. 

Furthermore I downloaded a blocking app called GAMBAN which worked perfectly at first but after a recent phone update, has flaws and now I can bypass the block and gamble. I have been in touch with GAMBAN and they have told me they're working on resolving the issue with Huawei phones.. That was 3 months ago.. 

I can't be the only person where this vice is impacting my wellbeing.. 

Any advice, especially from anyone who gambled on these sites is welcome.. 

I'm at my wits end having a battle.. 

Thank you for reading this. 

Hope someone can help. 

Thanks

 

 

 

This topic was modified 2 years ago by TimeToChange76
 
Posted : 8th October 2021 1:58 pm
Forum admin
(@forum-admin)
Posts: 5946
Admin
 

Dear @timetochange76,

Welcome to the Forum.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and struggles you have faced with trying to stop playing raffles on Facebook.

I understand you would like some feedback and advise from others who may have experienced similar issues to yourself. I'm sure you will receive the support, encouragement and hope that you are looking for here. 

We have a section on the Forum under  'Overcoming Problem Gambling' that discusses concerns raised about Facebook lotteries and Raffles. It might be helpful for you to read that thread.

Please feel free to contact the GamCare Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Livechat to explore the additional support available to you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you would like to talk to one of the GamCare HelpLine advisers.

Warm wishes,

Vanessa

Forum Admin

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 3:26 pm
(@timetochange76)
Posts: 8
Topic starter
 

Thank you for your reply. 

I should have mentioned I have seen and read that thread about Facebook raffles. I took some positive information away from it but it just seems I'm the only one who has these problems with these particular sites, which is staggering when you think about it.

My bank can't help as the gambling exclusion doesn't recognise these companies as gambling. Basically goes through as a normal transaction. 

Furthermore GAMSTOP doesn't stop these sites like it would for b****5 and such like. 

It feels like I'm doomed, no support and not even anyone I can talk to who can relate to what I'm going through. 

 

Thank you 

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 3:34 pm
(@bladesman)
Posts: 328
 

Hi, if gamban doesn't work try betblocker, I have and it works fie. Not got a Huawei phone but worth giving it a try ?

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 4:08 pm
(@timetochange76)
Posts: 8
Topic starter
 

Hi there, 

Thank you I'll try it now and report back. 

Thank you 

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 6:48 pm
(@timetochange76)
Posts: 8
Topic starter
 

Hi

Do you have a link, there seems to be more than one. Or can you describe their logo?

 

Thank you 

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 6:50 pm
(@adam123)
Posts: 2795
 

I used to get gambling adverts all the time on Facebook, tbh Facebook I found is more of a hinderence to life than a benefit so six months ago I deleted all my data and closed my Facebook account....  I still use WhatsApp for communication but not Facebook........ Do u need it?

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 8:04 pm
(@adam123)
Posts: 2795
 

Plus apparently only old people use Facebook nowadays......be hip and use Instagram lol

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 8:05 pm
(@adam123)
Posts: 2795
 

I don't use Instagram either tho I think social media is the devil lol

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 8:06 pm
(@adam123)
Posts: 2795
 

Ooo Look my life is perfect, ooo look I just cooked this, ooo look I'm on holiday,. Oooo look at this advert, look at this product ...  Buy this buy this buy this ...  Bored of it

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 8:08 pm
(@bladesman)
Posts: 328
 

Hi, if you go on the menu and look at the recovery toolkit tab then blocking software there is a link to the betblocker website

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 9:37 pm
(@timetochange76)
Posts: 8
Topic starter
 

Hi, 

I tried bet blocker and unfortunately it doesn't work for the sites mentioned. Also it can be bypassed like I managed to do with GAMBAN.. 

It's so frustrating, thanks though. 

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 10:51 pm
(@timetochange76)
Posts: 8
Topic starter
 

Hi there, I don't use FB much at all. Unfortunately these sites have their own websites so uninstalling FB isn't going to work for me. 

 
Posted : 8th October 2021 10:52 pm
(@mrlyndhurst)
Posts: 57
 

Unfortunately, these raffles aren't legally seen as gambling. They are competitions. That's how they avoid being regulated by the UKGC.

Could you look into setting up some kind of parental control on your device which blocks those particular sites? Maybe have your partner or a friend set the password, to make it harder to bypass. I don't have a Huawei, so not sure how their devices work.

Ultimately, these blocks act as a deterrent but if you truly want to gamble, you'll find a way. You need to use willpower as your most powerful tool.

 
Posted : 9th October 2021 8:05 am
(@timetochange76)
Posts: 8
Topic starter
 

Thank you for your reply. 

It's crazy to think these competitions aren't looked at as gambling, because it is most definitely gambling.

What's even crazier is because of this, I can't even exclude so what am I supposed to do. It's wrong on so many levels.

I don't know much about the parental lock you mentioned but will definitely look into it. It might be my only hope. Willpower isn't enough at the minute. 

 
Posted : 9th October 2021 10:49 pm
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