The Best Gambling Blockers in 2024
Problem gambling behaviours are a growing problem in all demographics. A point well-proven by the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, high-performance athletes are showing signs of compulsive gaming and using it as a negative outlet. There have also been many recent studies that show compulsive gambling is more common than many think.
This article examines how gambling blockers can be used as an effective tool to combat problem behaviours. It’ll also evaluate the best software options, with thorough evaluations, benefits, and key features users should know. This way, you can find the one that suits your needs.
What They Are & Ones to Know
Gambling blockers are tools that offer practical solutions to excessive playing at games of chance. They’re useful if you’re trying to regulate or stop your playing habits.
Essentially, blockers act as digital barriers by excluding the chosen websites and apps. They force you to curb your tendencies, making them highly effective for breaking habits and cycles.
We also advise learning alternative ways to successfully deal with gambling addiction and compulsive behaviours.
To help you find high-quality software, our team has extensively researched and compared the best site blockers.
The main qualities we’ve looked for include accessibility, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. We’ve also included information about device accessibility so that you can find the best gambling blocker for iPhone and Android devices.
| Blocker Software | What it Blocks | Desktop Availability | App Availability & Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamban | Gambling websites and apps | Yes | Google Play (4.6) & App Store (4.7) | £2.49 per month |
| GamStop | Gambling websites and apps | N/A | Not an app. Blocks you from creating accounts as your details enter a database. | Free |
| BetBlocker | Gambling websites and apps | Yes | Google Play (4.2) & App Store (4.5) | Free |
| Net Nanny | Gambling websites and adult content (e.g. pornography, tobacco, and weapons) | Yes | Google Play (4.4) & App Store (4.6) | £39.99 per year |
| BlockSite | Gambling, adult content, and social media platforms | Yes | Google Play (4.5) & App Store (4.6) | Free (with the option for paid premium) |
| GamBlock | Gambling websites, apps, phone calls, and texts | Yes | N/A – Only available via website | £79.99 per year |
Gamblizard table of the top online gambling blockers.
Gamban
Gamban is probably one of the best-known and widely used blockers. It’s available on all the major platforms, and once installed runs in the background to refuse access to online casino websites.
The nice thing about Gamban is that it’s very minimal and you won’t even notice it’s running until you try to access a website. If you do, it will be blocked with a notification from Gamban telling you so. Similarly, it will not only block all gambling sites, but also any transaction, even if you do somehow figure out a way to get around the casino/betting site block.
If you think this might help you, Gamban offers a 7-day trial, after which you can subscribe for £2.49/month or £24.99 if you go for their yearly plan.
The GamBan team explains the main points of the software in this short video:
GamStop
If you’re looking for free software, GamStop is an excellent option. The setup is relatively painless and only takes a few minutes. Once installed, you can choose whether you want the block to be active for six months, one year, or five years. It does take about 24 hours to take effect, so after setting it up, you might want to take a day’s break from accessing stuff online until the protection kicks in.
One thing to note is that GamStop is only available in the UK, and only really blocks UK-based sites. So if you’re gambling on offshore or international websites, this might not be the best solution. Similarly, it doesn’t really stop casino operators’ emails or messages from reaching you, which other software do. So, if you’re searching for a solution to how to ban a casino website in case it is licensed outside of the United Kingdom, we recommend you to consider other alternatives.
Learn how GamStop has helped former players self-exclude and take control of their playing habits in the short video below.
BetBlocker
Another great free tool is BetBlocker. It bans a large registry of 13,613 websites. Even better, it’s available for all the major platforms, including Linux, which not all gambling blockers support.
Much like GamStop, BetBlocker also offers a variety of self-restriction periods, starting at 24 hours and ending at 5 years. This can be a great alternative for people who are too hesitant to commit to the longer periods of GamStop when first starting their treatment.
We should also mention that BetBlocker acts as parental control, a feature some other software lacks. So, essentially, it can function as an internet-blocking app altogether.
Net Nanny
Initially designed as parental control software, Net Nanny is used by a wide range of people because of its efficiency.
Unlike the other options on this list, Net Nanny blocks all adult content, including that on online casinos. If you add this to your life, pornography, weapons, drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and any other adult topics will be prohibited. This is helpful if you want to take a blanket approach to your addiction. However, it might prove frustrating if you still want to see some of these topics.
Net Nanny is available for iOS devices, Android smartphones, and Windows desktop computers for Chrome users.
BlockSite
BlockSite is another versatile tool that blocks adult content, social media, and gambling websites. It’s free to use, meaning you can try it out to see if a blocker works for you. It’s also a more cost-effective solution than some of the competitors. Plus, you can swap to a paid premium account if you want more features.
This is a good catch-all solution if you’re ready to block gambling sites while also reducing social media or adult content.
GambBlock
GamBlock is a more advanced blocking system that’s difficult to bypass through VPN or Tor. It’s a good option if you want extra-tight blocking services that completely wipe out your access to gambling websites.
This software blocks apps and websites, as well as phone calls and texts to and from vendors. This not only reduces betting but triggers, too.
GamBlock has a higher subscription cost of £79.99 per year. This may not be ideal if you want a cost-effective solution. Still, this offer includes discounts for multiple devices and does offer one of the strongest protections.
Making a choice that works for you
Gambling websites and app blockers are powerful tools that help players take control of their habits. However, like any other app, they have advantages and limitations.
- Pros
- Easy to use and set up. Most site blockers are simple to install, and they can be used by those who aren’t tech-savvy.
- Block gambling sites and apps effectively. The top site blockers provide immediate and efficient blocking, so you can place a powerful barrier between yourself and the online casinos.
- Options for all needs. You can find both blockers that hide gambling sites and tools that obscure all adult content. It’s up to you to choose.
- A long-term solution. You can leave blockers installed as long as you need them, meaning you can use them as a long-term recovery tool.
- Free versions available. While a few og them require payment, free and low-cost blockers are available, too.
- Generally high reviews. The most reputable blockers have high reviews across the Google Play and App Stores.
- Cons
- Can be bypassed. Blockers aren’t completely foolproof. Some can be bypassed, meaning you’re not 100% protected.
- Subscription costs. Not all picks are free. A few require monthly or annual subscriptions to access more robust protection.
- Neglecting other treatment methods. Gambling blockers aren’t the only treatment for gambling addictions, yet some people rely on them as a one-stop-shop to manage their habits. They should be used in conjunction with therapy and self-exclusion.
Whether you want the best gambling blocker for Android or iOS, always take time to weigh-up the pros and cons of a blocker software. These are valuable tools for most, but the drawbacks might be deal-breakers for your own needs.
To Sum Up
In the face of rising concerns around problem gambling in the UK, particularly among the younger generation, gambling blockers present a practical solution. They offer a digital obstruction, stopping users from playing or being triggered to play. This usually comes without high cost or complex installation strategies, making them an accessible option for most players.
However, you must explore the few downsides of gambling blockers before you install one. This will make sure you’re informed and positioned to buy one that suits you. Likewise, you should explore all available blockers, starting with the ones on this page.
References
- “Blocking Software – GamCare.” GamCare, May 14, 2023, www.gamcare.org.uk/self-help/blocking-software/. Accessed September 9, 2024.
- “Gambling Blocking Software – Block Gambling Sites – Gamblock.” Www.gamblock.com, www.gamblock.com/. Accessed September 10, 2024.
- Ionescu, Stefan. “What Are Parental Controls and Do They Work?” TechRadar, June 22, 2023, www.techradar.com/features/what-are-parental-controls-and-do-they-work. Accessed September 11, 2024.
- Tucker, Mick. “Gambling Addiction: Flaws Exposed in Online Self-Exclusion Scheme.” BBC News, 13 Jan. 2019, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46830810. Accessed September 11, 2024.
