The growth of online gambling platforms has made betting more accessible than ever before. With just a few clicks, anyone can access thousands of gambling websites and apps from their devices.
For individuals struggling with gambling addiction, parents concerned about their children’s online activities, or businesses aiming to maintain productivity, blocking access to gambling sites can be an essential step.
This guide provides detailed methods and tools to effectively block gambling websites across various devices and platforms.
Why Block Gambling Sites?
Online gambling encompasses various activities, including sports betting, casino gaming, and online lotteries. While it starts as entertainment, it can quickly develop into compulsive behavior, leading to serious financial, emotional, and social consequences.
The effects of online gambling can be severe and far-reaching:
- Financial Strain: Excessive gambling can lead to significant debt, unpaid bills, and potential bankruptcy, making it difficult to manage daily expenses.
- Emotional Impact: The highs and lows of gambling create anxiety, depression, and persistent worry about financial losses and the compulsion to continue gambling.
- Social Isolation: As gambling consumes more time, individuals may withdraw from friends and family, leading to loneliness and damaged relationships.
- Work/Academic Performance: The distraction of gambling can lead to poor performance, missed deadlines, or even job termination or academic failure.
- Health Issues: Stress from gambling can affect physical well-being, causing insomnia, headaches, and high blood pressure.
- Relationship Conflicts: Secrecy and deception associated with gambling can lead to disputes with partners, family, and friends.
Research by the ICRG (International Center for Responsible Gaming) indicates that approximately 3% of the U.S. population suffers from gambling addiction, with online platforms making it even more accessible and increasing the risk of developing a problem.
How to Block Gambling Sites? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Blocking gambling sites is possible on virtually any device, from personal computers to smartphones and tablets. The methods vary by platform, but all aim to create barriers between users and gambling content. Here’s how to implement these protective measures across different devices.
Blocking Gambling Sites on PC (Windows and Mac)
Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, there are built-in tools and manual methods to block access to gambling websites effectively.
For Windows
Windows devices offer multiple options like family settings and host file editing to help you restrict access to gambling sites.
Method 1: Using Windows Family Options
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and select “Settings” (gear icon).
Step 2: Select “Accounts” from the settings menu.
Step 3: Click on “Family & other users” in the left sidebar.
Step 4: Under “Your family,” click “Add a family member.”
Step 5: Choose to add a child or an adult and follow the prompts to set up the account.
Step 6: Once added, select “Manage family settings online.”
Step 7: Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.
Step 8: Select the account you want to manage.
Step 9: Go to “Content restrictions” and enable “Block inappropriate websites.”
Step 10: Add gambling websites to the blocked list or enable the gambling category filter.
Method 2: Editing the Hosts File
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type “notepad” and press Enter.
Step 3: In Notepad, click File > Open.
Step 4: Navigate to “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc”
Step 5: Change the file type dropdown to “All Files” and select the “hosts” file.
Step 6: At the bottom of the file, add lines in this format: “127.0.0.1 gamblingsite.com” (one site per line).
Step 7: Add each gambling site you want to block.
Step 8: Save the file (you may need administrator rights). Step 9: Restart your browser for changes to take effect.
For Mac
Mac users can rely on features like Screen Time and router-level controls to block gambling sites across browsers and apps.
Method 1: Using Screen Time
Step 1: Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
Step 2: Click on “Screen Time.”
Step 3: Select “Content & Privacy” in the sidebar.
Step 4: Enable “Content & Privacy Restrictions” by toggling the switch.
Step 5: Click on the “Content” tab.
Step 6: Under “Web Content,” select “Limit Adult Websites.”
Step 7: Click “Customize” to add specific gambling websites to the restricted list.
Step 8: Click “+” to add gambling site URLs.
Step 9: Click “OK” to save your changes.
Step 10: Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
Method 2: Using Router Settings
Step 1: Open your browser and enter your router’s IP address (typically 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Step 2: Log in with your router credentials.
Step 3: Navigate to “Parental Controls” or “Access Restrictions” (varies by router).
Step 4: Create a new rule or profile.
Step 5: Add gambling websites to the blocked sites list.
Step 6: Select which devices the rule applies to.
Step 7: Save your settings and restart the router if necessary.
Blocking Gambling Sites on Smartphone (iOS and Android)
Mobile devices are a common access point for gambling apps and websites. Here’s how to block them on iPhones and Android phones.
For iOS
iPhones and iPads include Screen Time settings that let you limit web access and block specific gambling apps and websites.
Method 1: Using Screen Time
Step 1: Open “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on “Screen Time.”
Step 3: Tap “Turn On Screen Time” if not already enabled.
Step 4: Tap “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
Step 5: Toggle on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
Step 6: Tap “Content Restrictions.”
Step 7: Tap “Web Content.”
Step 8: Select “Limit Adult Websites.”
Step 9: Tap “Add Website” under “NEVER ALLOW.”
Step 10: Enter the URLs of gambling websites you want to block.
Step 11: Tap “Done” to save your changes.
Method 2: Restricting Gambling Apps
Step 1: Open “Settings” on your iOS device.
Step 2: Tap “Screen Time” > “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
Step 3: Ensure restrictions are enabled.
Step 4: Tap “iTunes & App Store Purchases.”
Step 5: Select “Apps” under “ALLOWED STORE CONTENT.”
Step 6: Choose an age rating that’s below gambling apps (typically 17+).
Step 7: Return to Content Restrictions.
Step 8: Tap “Apps.”
Step 9: Select the appropriate age restriction to block gambling apps.
Step 10: Create a Screen Time passcode to prevent changes.
For Android
Android devices support app-based and DNS-based methods for blocking gambling content, suitable for both individual users and parents.
Method 1: Using Google Family Link
Step 1: Download and install Google Family Link on both your device and the device you want to monitor.
Step 2: Open the Family Link app on your device.
Step 3: Tap “+” to create a new account or link an existing one.
Step 4: Follow the setup instructions to link the child’s device.
Step 5: Once connected, select the child’s account.
Step 6: Tap “Manage settings” > “Content restrictions.”
Step 7: Toggle on “Filter” for Google Chrome.
Step 8: Select “Try to block mature sites” or “Only allow certain sites.”
Step 9: Add specific gambling websites to the blocked list.
Step 10: Tap “Save” to apply the restrictions.
Method 2: Using DNS Filtering
Step 1: Open “Settings” on your Android device.
Step 2: Tap “Network & Internet” or “Connections.”
Step 3: Tap “Advanced” > “Private DNS” (location may vary by device).
Step 4: Select “Private DNS provider hostname.”
Step 5: Enter the hostname of a filtering DNS service (e.g., family-filter-dns.cleanbrowsing.org).
Step 6: Tap “Save” or “Apply.”
Step 7: Restart your device for changes to take effect.
Top Blocking Tools for Gambling
Here are some blocking tools you can try to block gambling and other harmful websites:
1. GamStop
GamStop is a free service that enables individuals to self-exclude from all gambling websites licensed in the United Kingdom. It provides a comprehensive solution by blocking access to all UK-licensed gambling platforms simultaneously.
Once registered with GamStop, users are prevented from accessing gambling websites and applications operated by companies licensed in Great Britain for a period of their choosing.
Key Features:
- Blocks all UK-licensed gambling operators at once
- Free to use with no subscription fees
- Offers exclusion periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Cannot be removed until the selected exclusion period expires
- Covers both websites and mobile applications
- Works across all devices when signed in with registered details
- Requires identity verification to prevent circumvention
2. Zenarmor
Zenarmor is a next-generation firewall solution that can be installed on BSD-based or Linux-based routing platforms, including OPNsense, pfSense, and Ubuntu. It offers robust application control and web filtering to block gambling sites network-wide.
The platform provides:
- Category-based web controls with pre-configured profiles
- Custom blacklisting capabilities for specific gambling domains
- Real-time traffic monitoring through Live Sessions Explorer
- Advanced reporting to track blocked gambling attempts
- Protection against cyber threats like phishing and malware
Zenarmor is particularly effective for home networks and businesses as it blocks access at the network level, preventing circumvention by users.
3. Control D
Control D offers DNS-level blocking of gambling domains, making it one of the most effective and comprehensive solutions. Unlike browser extensions that can be easily bypassed, Control D works at the network infrastructure level by intercepting DNS queries before websites load.
Key features include:
- Works across all network-connected devices (computers, phones, smart TVs, game consoles)
- Easy profile creation with pre-configured gambling site filters
- Profile locking to prevent unauthorized changes
- Scheduled reports of blocked site attempts
- Additional filtering for related content (adult content, crypto, ads)
- Optional Safe Search integration with search engines
Control D offers both free and premium plans with straightforward setup options for individual devices or entire routers.
4. BetBlocker
BetBlocker is a free tool designed specifically to help control gambling behavior. BetBlocker is particularly valuable for those with gambling addiction as it provides a strong barrier with customizable restriction periods.
Its primary features include:
- Blocks access to over 15,000 gambling websites
- Can be installed on unlimited devices
- Allows users to set their own blocking duration
- Cannot be easily removed or disabled during the blocking period
- Works across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
- Completely free with no subscription fees
5. Gamban
Gamban is a specialized software solution focused exclusively on blocking gambling websites and applications. Gamban is recognized for its comprehensive database of gambling sites and continuous updates to stay ahead of new platforms.
Its key advantages include:
- Blocks thousands of gambling websites and apps
- Quick and simple installation process
- Supports up to 15 devices per license
- Available for free through the GamCare Helpline
- Regular updates to block new gambling platforms
- Works on computers, smartphones, and tablets
- Advanced algorithms to detect and block emerging gambling sites
6. GamBlock
GamBlock was originally created to prevent underage gambling and workplace gambling, but has evolved into a comprehensive solution for those with gambling problems. GamBlock uses advanced pattern recognition to identify and block gambling content even when sites attempt to evade detection.
Key features include:
- Sophisticated detection of gambling-related content
- Blocks not just websites, but applications with gambling components
- Difficult to disable once installed
- Works even when sites change their URLs or domains
- Operates on Windows and Android platforms
- Real-time protection against new gambling sites
- Periodic updates to maintain blocking effectiveness
Facts Gamblers Should Know:
Conclusion: Block online gambling websites from your devices with External Apps
Blocking gambling websites is an effective strategy for those looking to control gambling impulses or protect others from potential harm.
While technical solutions provide barriers to access, they work best as part of a comprehensive approach that might include professional support, financial management, and addressing underlying issues.
Remember that different blocking solutions offer varying levels of protection, with network-level and DNS-level blocks generally providing more robust coverage than simple browser extensions. The best approach often combines multiple methods, technical barriers along with support systems.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, reaching out for professional help is an important step. Technical solutions can provide immediate relief by removing access, but long-term recovery typically requires additional support.
