This guide will take you through the many different ways you can self-exclude from online gambling. We will explain:
Firstly there are two types of blocking software available:
We will show you both types of software but will focus mainly on the gambling-specific options.
Secondly, there are some more advanced techniques such as blocking gambling sites using your router. We will go through this, as well as some other self-exclusion options.
Android phones include Samsung, Huawei, Sony, Google Pixel, Nokia phones etc.
Gamban
Is Gamban free?
Our partners at GamCare are currently working with Gamban to pilot free access to their blocking software alongside other tools and support including GAMSTOP self-exclusion, part of the TalkBanStop campaign.
Contact GamCare here https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/ and you will be able to receive a free Gamban licence for up to 15 devices.
Gamblock
www.gamblock.com (Windows computers and Android phones)
Android users click here to install Gamblock: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamban.beanstalkhps.gambanapp&gl=GB
Netnanny – not free but worth considering
www.netnanny.com – Netnanny is a general blocking software and has capability on Windows computers, ioS, and Android phones.
Here is the Netnanny app for Android devices.
GamBan
GamBan also works on IOS and can be found on the Apple Store.
Netnanny – paid option
www.netnanny.com – Netnanny is a general blocking software and has capability on Windows computers, ioS, and Android phones.
Download Netnanny app for Apple devices.
Gamblock
www.gamblock.com (Windows computers and Android phones)
Betfilter
www.betfilter.com (Windows, Mac, Android and iOS)
BetBlocker
https://betblocker.org/(Windows, Linux and Mac)
Netnanny – you will have to pay for this service.
www.netnanny.com – Netnanny is a general blocking software and has capability on Windows computers, ioS, and Android phones.
If you are a little more tech-savvy, you can stop gambling sites by banning them from your WiFi router. You will need to know the IP addresses of the website you wish to block, or otherwise use parental controls if your router has them.
This will prevent you accessing the sites, though the caveat is that you can easily remove the controls yourself. Using a service such as GAMSTOP (see below) will prevent you from circumventing the controls.
Here is a brief guide on how to block sites via your router on the main UK Internet Service Providers such as BT, Sky, Virgin etc.
Contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can be a good idea. They may be able to opt you out of all ‘Adult’ sites. Some providers can provide anti-virus software which can block gambling sites.
Using an extension on Google chrome is the easiest way to block websites. The most well known is called BlockSite. For Windows: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/blocksite-block-websites/eiimnmioipafcokbfikbljfdeojpcgbh?hl=en
For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.blocksite&gl=GB
The more complex way is to follow the steps on this page for blocking websites on Chrome.
At the beginning of you recovery journey you’re vulnerable to relapse. We recommend registering with the GAMSTOP self-exclusion scheme. GAMSTOP will prevent you from accessing accounts with all British licensed online gambling businesses for free, from six months up to five years, and will also make sure you don’t receive further marketing messages from gambling businesses during this time.
Most banks and building societies now offer a blocking service for gambling transactions.
You can also block gambling transactions through most bank and building society accounts now. GamCare curates a list of the organisations that offer blocking here.
Our Self Exclusion Gambling page gives you the rundown of your options to block online gambling. Also take a look at our Free Gambling Resources for a quiz to self-assess your gambling and other free resources.
We are here to help. Self exclusion can only take you so far. Our free services can support you to stop gambling for good.
Call us on 0330 1340 286 or visit Get Support if you would like to talk about your gambling or the gambling of someone close to you.
If you are worried about a friend or family member, our affected others service The Six to Ten Project provides free, holistic support.
All our services are free and confidential.
To get in touch with our Gambling Service immediately, please enter your email address and name below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Call us on 0330 1340 286 or visit Get Support if you would like to talk about your gambling or the gambling of someone close to you.
