What are Gambling Site Blocks?
Gambling site blocks, or gambling blocker software, are tools that help stop you from accessing gambling websites. These tools or software filter internet traffic and block any attempts to visit sites that feature gambling activities. These software options also allow you to customise your blocking preferences and specify which sites to restrict and when to enforce these blocks.
You can use gambling site blocks by installing the software, creating an account, and setting your desired restrictions. Some applications also offer features like password protection to ensure that access to blocked sites remains restricted. Additionally, many blockers allow activation during specific hours or days.
What are the Benefits of Blocking Gambling Sites?
The benefits of blocking gambling sites include less risk of gambling addiction, improved financial stability, enhanced mental health, better relationships, and increased focus and productivity.
These benefits of blocking gambling sites are listed below.
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1Less Risk of Gambling AddictionYou can significantly reduce the risk of gambling addiction by restricting access to gambling sites. The less you gamble, the more you stay away from problem gambling behaviours.
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2Improved Financial StabilityBlocking gambling sites can help you avoid unnecessary and frequent spending on gambling. This can further lead to financial stability and more going into savings.
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3Enhanced Mental HealthLimiting your exposure to gambling sites helps you avoid the feelings of stress and anxiety associated with betting. You will stay in a more stable emotional state with improved mental health.
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4Better RelationshipsThe financial and mental health problems associated with gambling are the key reasons for conflicts in relationships. Avoiding gambling sites will help you rebuild and strengthen your relationship with family and friends.
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5Increased Focus and ProductivityYou can concentrate better on daily tasks without the distraction of gambling sites. Whether it’s work, academics, or personal projects, you’ll have increased focus and productivity for everything.
How Does Self-Exclusion Help in Blocking Gambling Sites?
Signing up for self-exclusion programs like Gamstop is highly beneficial for blocking access to gambling sites and regaining control over your online activities. Self-exclusion from gambling helps you to voluntarily restrict yourself from participating in any form of online gambling for a set time, ranging from 6 months to 5 years. By registering with Gamstop program, your details are added to a national database that automatically prevents you from accessing participating gambling sites.
What are the Best Software Options to Block Gambling Sites?
The best software options to block gambling sites are Gamban, Betblocker, NetNanny, Gamblock, and BetFilter.
These website blockers are listed below.
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1GambanGamban is a well-known website blocker launched in 2015, specifically designed to prevent access to gambling sites. It works on multiple devices, including computers and smartphones, and offers an easy installation process. Gamban is highly customisable and allows you to set your preferences and adjust blocking features as needed. Its strong database ensures that a wide range of gambling sites are consistently blocked. The monthly subscription fee for Gamban is around £2.70.
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2BetblockerBetBlocker is a free and user-friendly app launched in 2019 that blocks access to gambling sites for a chosen duration. You can easily set your blocking period, which can range from 24 hours to several years. One of its key features is its huge list of gambling sites which is regularly updated. BetBlocker is available on both iOS and Android.
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3NetNannyNetNanny was launched in 1994 as a parental control tool. However, its website-blocking feature can be used to restrict access to gambling sites. It provides real-time monitoring and alerts and allows users to see attempts to access blocked sites. One of its main features is that it can filter content based on user-defined categories. You can protect one desktop (PC or Mac) with all NetNanny features for $39.99 for a year. For 5 devices, it’s $54.99, and for 20 devices it’s $89.99 a year.
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4GamblockGamblock was launched in 2004 specifically for individuals looking to block access to gambling sites. This software gives you the ability to block websites immediately after installation. It also offers a detailed reporting feature that shows users their blocked site attempts to promote awareness and accountability. Gamblock is compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS devices. The pricing of Gamblock varies, depending on the number of devices, type of devices, and the different packages they offer. You can visit the Gamblock website and check their “Download & Pricing” section. Enter your requirements there and they will quote you a price accordingly.
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5BetfilterBetfilter is a specialised gambling site blocker launched in 2008. It is designed for long-term use and requires a minimum one-year commitment to prevent users from uninstalling it impulsively. Betfilter offers high compatibility with all devices and operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The price range can be $69.95 – $139.90, depending on the number of devices and additional features. It works quietly in the background while providing continuous protection and peace of mind.
How to Block Gambling Sites on Different Devices?
The steps to block gambling sites on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iPhone are listed below.
How to block gambling sites on Windows?
Blocking gambling sites on Windows is easy and can be done through various methods. One effective way is to modify the host file. You can add the URLs of gambling sites to this file and redirect any attempts to access them to a different address. Additionally, you can use third-party software like Gamban or BetBlocker. They offer more blocking features and regularly update their lists of gambling sites. You can also use built-in parental controls in Windows to help restrict access.
How to block gambling sites on MacOS?
To block gambling sites on MacOS, you can use host files, similar to Windows. You can redirect traffic from gambling sites to a different IP address. You can also use third-party applications like NetNanny or Gamban and built-in parental controls that allow you to restrict access to specific websites.
How to block gambling sites on Android?
You can use various apps and settings to block gambling sites on Android. Apart from parental controls and site-blocking apps like Gamban and NetNanny, you can also use the built-in blocking features of your mobile browser (Chrome) on Android devices.
How to block gambling sites on iPhone?
One of the simplest ways to block gambling sites on iPhone is using the built-in parental controls by navigating to Settings, then Screen Time, and then Content & Privacy Restrictions. Here, you can restrict access to specific websites or categories. Additionally, you can install site-blocking apps like other devices. Another option is to use Safari’s restrictions that allow you to block adult content and customise website access directly through the browser settings.
FAQs
Can you permanently ban gambling sites?
Yes, you can permanently ban gambling sites by using self-exclusion programs like Gamstop. This program allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from online gambling platforms for a specified period that will have to be renewed.
Can you block gambling sites with online banking?
Yes, while online banking itself does not directly block gambling sites, many banks and financial institutions offer features that allow you to restrict transactions to gambling-related activities. This includes blocking payments to specific gambling websites or setting limits on your spending. Some banks also provide the option to set alerts for gambling transactions and help you monitor and manage your finances more effectively.
How to use parental controls for gambling sites?
To use parental controls for blocking gambling sites, you need to first access the settings on your device. Windows and Mac feature built-in parental controls. For mobile devices like iPhones or Android phones, go to the settings menu and look for Screen Time (iPhone) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to set website restrictions. Many routers also offer parental controls, allowing you to block gambling sites for all devices connected to your home network.
What is the average cost of blocking gambling sites?
The average cost of blocking gambling sites depends on the method or software you are using. Some software options like Betblocker are completely free to use, while some like Gamban may charge around $2 - $7 per month, or $30 - $120 per year. The charges can also increase or decrease with additional features like reporting or multi-device compatibility.
