Also well done on coming on here when you are facing urges, rather than just giving into them.
I’m someone who is around 10 years gamble free, so you asked to hear from someone with lots of clean time.
Someone on here once wrote that the relapse doesn’t happen with the bet – it starts sometime before that – and there were a couple of things in your post that made me concerned. One was, “I am meaning to start going back (to GA) in order to make sure that I don’t relapse.” Meaning to – is not doing it. If you get benefit from being at GA then get back there!
The other was, “I have banned myself from all the casinos in my area, the nearest one I can go to is a 4 hour drive away.” That made me smile. Only a person with gambling problems would know exactly how far the nearest casino is!
I think in your post you have nailed what your issue is. Gambling is a very lonely occupation and it suits those of us who are “socially awkward.” There is a school of thought that says gambling is a means of not dealing with people – and that connecting with a community can be the most helpful thing we can do.
I agree with I-did-it that counselling would be helpful – and try and use this to look at ways in which you can connect to a community of people who have similar interests and where you can feel safe and held. I tried lots of things from classes, to dancing to joining forums on-line (which led to some face-to-face meetings.) Everyone has their own way about doing things but I think connecting with people is the key. I wish you well.