Access to online gambling sites is just a click away, making it increasingly important for individuals seeking to manage their gambling habits to find effective ways to block these platforms. Whether for personal reasons, to protect loved ones, or as part of a broader strategy to combat gambling addiction, blocking access to gambling websites can be an essential step.
Why Use a Gambling Site Blocker?
Understanding responsible gambling and why you need to block gambling sites is the first step to tackling online gambling addiction. Blocking gambling sites and apps can work for several reasons. It removes temptation by taking away easy access to gambling platforms and thus removes triggers that can lead to impulse betting. Consider blocking gambling sites if you:
- Can’t control or limit your online gambling
- Gambling in secret or lying about your gambling
- Carrying on gambling despite the consequences
- Feeling compelled to chase losses by betting more
- Gambling interfering with work, relationships or finances
Blocking makes it harder to gamble online. For those trying to overcome a gambling addiction, blocking sites is part of the recovery process and helps them on their journey to a gambling free life. Even for recovered gamblers, having blocks in place is protection against future relapses.
Top 10 Gambling Site Blockers
1. GamBlock
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, France, Australia, New Zealand.
- Excluded Countries: None explicitly listed.
- Description: GamBlock has been around since 2000 and offers solid blocking across multiple devices. It’s particularly suited for those in countries with a strong focus on gambling prevention.
2. BetBlocker
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Romania, Switzerland, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, India.
- Excluded Countries: BetBlocker does not specify exclusions, but availability of the app store download may depend on local restrictions.
- Description: BetBlocker is a popular free tool offering customizable gambling blocks across over 1500 sites worldwide, with self-exclusion periods that users can set.
3. Gamban
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico.
- Excluded Countries: Certain countries in Asia and the Middle East may experience restrictions.
- Description: Widely used, Gamban’s simplicity and user-friendly design make it a favored option, particularly among UK players looking to self-exclude.
4. Net Nanny
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
- Excluded Countries: Certain Middle Eastern countries and some regions in Asia may have restricted access.
- Description: Net Nanny, primarily a parental control tool, includes gambling site blocking, making it a good option for families across various regions.
5. Cold Turkey Blocker
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Australia, New Zealand.
- Excluded Countries: Specific exclusions are not listed, but availability may vary depending on app store policies.
- Description: Known for productivity, Cold Turkey Blocker allows gambling site restrictions and is compatible with multiple operating systems for flexibility.
6. Freedom
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa.
- Excluded Countries: Generally available worldwide, although local app store restrictions may apply.
- Description: Freedom is a popular choice for multi-device and cross-platform blocking, letting users avoid gambling sites and distractions.
7. Famisafe
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea.
- Excluded Countries: May have limitations in certain Middle Eastern and some Asian countries.
- Description: As a parental control tool, Famisafe can block specific sites, including gambling ones, making it ideal for use across family settings.
8. SelfControl (Mac Only)
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland.
- Excluded Countries: Not officially restricted, but available only for Mac OS.
- Description: SelfControl, exclusive to Mac users, is an app designed to block specified sites, including gambling, for set times, ensuring no early access.
9. K9 Web Protection (Discontinued, but still used)
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand.
- Excluded Countries: Official support is no longer available as it’s discontinued, limiting new users.
- Description: K9 remains popular among previous users, especially those who seek a lightweight, free option to block gambling sites.
10. RescueTime
- Availability: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland.
- Excluded Countries: May have limited access in some countries in the Middle East and parts of Asia.
- Description: RescueTime offers time-tracking and website-blocking features, with “focus” sessions that can prevent access to gambling sites and other distractions.
Browser Based
Browser based methods fall into two main categories: browser extensions and built-in browser features.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions are add-ons that you can install to your browser. Many extensions are specifically designed to block gambling sites and have customisable features. These tools allow you to create a list of blocked sites, set time limits and often have password protection to prevent easy removal. Popular gambling blocking extensions are Gamban, Betblocker and GamBlock. They are easy to install and set up even for those with no technical knowledge.
Built-in Browser Features
Built-in browser features are native tools that come with your web browser. Not as specific as dedicated gambling blocking extensions but can still work to limit access to gambling sites. For example Google Chrome has content filtering in its settings where you can block specific sites or entire categories of sites. Firefox and Safari have parental control features that can be used to block gambling sites. These built-in options give you basic control and are a good starting point if you want to restrict access to gambling sites without installing extra software.
Operating System
Operating system solutions provide a more comprehensive way to block gambling sites across all applications and browsers on a device. These methods are often stronger and harder to get around than browser based solutions.
Windows
Windows users can use the built-in Hosts file to block gambling sites system wide. This involves editing a text file to redirect gambling site URLs to a non-existent IP address. Windows also has parental controls that can be used to block gambling sites. For more advanced users third-party software like Cold Turkey or FocusMe can provide extra features and customisation options.
macOS
macOS has several built-in tools to block gambling sites. The Parental Controls in System Preferences allow you to block specific sites or entire categories of sites. Screen Time can be used to set app limits and website access. For a more robust solution macOS users can also edit the Hosts file or use third-party software like Self Control.
Mobile Devices
Mobile devices (iOS and Android) have several options to block gambling sites. On iOS Screen Time allows you to set content restrictions and limit access to specific sites. Android devices have similar functionality through Google’s Family Link app or built-in parental controls on some devices. Both platforms have app stores with many third-party apps designed to block gambling sites.
Router-Level
Router-level blocking is a way to block gambling sites across all devices on a home network. This involves setting up the router to block specific URLs or IP addresses of gambling sites. It requires some technical knowledge to set up but router-level blocking gives you full protection for all devices on the network.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer the option to block gambling sites at network level. These services are often part of parental control packages or available as add-ons. ISP level blocking is an easy and convenient solution as it applies to all devices using the internet connection without needing to configure each device.
Specialised Software
Specialised software like Gamban or Betfilter are designed to block gambling sites and apps across multiple devices and platforms. These programs are often stronger than built-in operating system tools and harder to get around. They require a subscription but get regular updates to their blocklists and have extra features for people struggling with gambling addiction.
Extra Measures
In addition to technical solutions to block gambling sites there are several other measures that can be taken to support recovery from gambling addiction and prevent relapse. These extra steps can be used in conjunction with the blocking methods and provide a more holistic approach to problem gambling.
- Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to block gambling sites and hide your IP
- Join support groups or therapy for gambling addiction
- Use accountability partners or apps to monitor your online activity
- Use browser based filtering in conjunction with operating system solutions for more coverage
- Update your blocking software regularly to stay ahead of new gambling sites
Educate yourself and others about gambling and addiction Involve family and friends in the blocking process for extra support and accountability
One way is to use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to block gambling sites and hide your IP. This adds an extra layer of protection when you’re traveling or using public networks. Consider using DNS filtering services that block gambling content at network level so you get broader coverage across multiple devices and apps.
Joining support groups or therapy for gambling addiction is key to addressing the underlying issues that contribute to problem gambling. These resources provide emotional support, coping mechanisms and accountability. Using accountability partners or apps to monitor your online activity can also be helpful as they give you an external check on your activities and help you stay committed to recovery.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve covered blocking gambling sites, remember that this is just one part of a bigger picture to address problem gambling. Technical solutions can be powerful barriers to access but should be seen as tools to support your recovery and prevention. Overcoming gambling addiction is a journey that requires a multi-faceted approach of technology, personal commitment, support systems and professional help.
Stay vigilant and adaptable as the online gambling landscape is constantly changing and new challenges will arise. Remember seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness and there are many resources available for those struggling with gambling addiction.
By combining technical measures with personal growth strategies, education and support networks you can build a solid foundation for lasting change. With persistence, support and the right tools you can overcome gambling addiction and build a more fulfilling life free from the shackles of compulsive betting.