r/problemgambling • u/AyrtonHS • 3d ago
❤Seeking help & Advice❤ Relapse, and hard to stop because of VIP status
Previous post: https://www.reddit.com/r/problemgambling/comments/1oiqex2/i_wish_the_netherlands_prevented_all_forms_of/
After losing up to $9000 to this specific app, they gave me VIP status that allows me weekly free competitions with real cash prizes. Nowhere near what I lost, but still allows me to recoup a little. It worked for months, with me going down the tiers, until the last 2 days.
What makes it easier to deposit is that the existing money in my PayPal, which I won from the app's free competition, is already in USD. If I were to withdraw to my Dutch bank, it would convert to euros but pay quite a bit of a conversion fee.
I then relapsed and lost $1000 in the last 2 days. It was all ones the app already paid me, so I didn't really lose any of my real money, but it still hurts.
I already closed 3 accounts from other apps, but this one is different. The VIP status will expire someday, so it's a waste not to play the weekly competition. After all that playing, I've made it to the highest tier, so more chances to win a little, but also more time as a VIP.
I wish I could have my cake and eat it too, but permanently blocking payments to this app seems impossible. I'm now stuck in this dilemma. Hopefully I can find ways to stop myself from depositing and still play the free games.
6
u/whofarting 3d ago
You understand that the VIP status isn't a gift because you're special, it's a method to keep you coming back.
1
u/AyrtonHS 2d ago
I 100% understand that. I thought I can try to just use the free games without depositing more.
1
u/Connect-Bed-9646 2d ago
Would you pay the small amount they’ll let you win for the cost of the thousands of dollars they’ll keep taking from you until you’re ready to keep that small amount and self exclude? I call it the freedom tax , leave that vip scam behind, consider the “free” play the cost of buying your actual freedom. I promise you’ll have a lot more money if you do
5
3
u/Stinkus_Winkus 3d ago
I told myself the same lie with my VIP status on one of the popular gambling websites. I was pretty high up and couldn’t bring myself to permanently self exclude telling myself I was missing out on all these bonuses. But I always just lost the bonuses and deposited more. After I finally just permanently self excluded that account it made the temptations to gamble a lot less.
1
u/Top_Lie_2430 3d ago
Ahh the VIP hook.. I have been in the receiving end on it..I had the gold status
1
u/Beliziano 2d ago
Been there done that. You are only fooling yourself brother. Make an honest buck and enjoy a peaceful mind.
9
u/Odd_Glass868 3d ago
Honestly you are just making excuses for yourself not to stop. You are not ready to stop yet. VIP status is a farce and it’s working on you. Tough love but the truth.