Blocking Gambling on Your Phone and Computer

Blocking tools can make gambling websites and apps harder to reach. They are useful if you want another barrier between deciding not to gamble and opening a gambling site.

No block should be assumed to catch every website, app, device, payment method or new domain. Check what the tool actually covers before relying on it.

What gambling blocking software does

Dedicated blocking software usually works on a phone, tablet or computer and blocks access to a maintained list of gambling services. Coverage and removal rules differ between products.

Before installing a tool, check:

• which devices and operating systems it supports
• whether it covers websites, apps or both
• how long the block lasts
• whether you can remove or disable it during that period
• whether it covers unlicensed and overseas gambling sites as well as licensed operators

Built-in phone and computer controls can help too

Phones, tablets, computers and home routers may also have content filters, app-installation restrictions, screen-time controls or account permissions. These are not gambling-specific, but they can add another layer of restriction.

If you use several devices, check each one. A block on a phone does not automatically cover a laptop, games console or another internet connection.

Bank blocks stop payments, not websites

Many banks offer gambling payment blocks. A bank block and website blocking do different jobs. One can stop certain payments while the other can restrict access to gambling services.

Coverage differs between banks and payment methods, so check what your bank includes and whether there is a delay before a block can be switched off.

Blocking and self-exclusion are not the same thing

Self-exclusion tells participating gambling businesses not to provide gambling to you for the exclusion period. Blocking software works on your device or network.

Using both can close different gaps. In Great Britain, GAMSTOP covers gambling websites and apps licensed by the Gambling Commission. Separate schemes exist for some land-based gambling.

Use more than one barrier if you need to

NICE recommends discussing practical ways to prevent gambling, including blocking software, bank payment blocks and self-exclusion.

A practical setup might include:

• blocking software on the devices you use
• a gambling block with your bank
• self-exclusion from the gambling services or venues you use
• removing saved gambling bookmarks, apps and marketing emails
• asking someone you trust to help with device or account controls if that is safe and appropriate

If you keep trying to get around the block

Repeatedly disabling controls, using another device or looking for sites that are not blocked is useful information about how difficult it is to stop. Add stronger barriers rather than treating the bypass as a technical problem to solve.

Support services can help with the gambling itself and with related problems such as debt, stress or difficulties at home.

Sources

• NICE NG248: practical self-exclusion and blocking options
• Gambling Commission: safer gambling tools