Top Gambling Blocking Software

If you’ve spent any time playing casino games, you’ve felt the urge to keep going even when you know you shouldn’t. ‘Just one more round’ is a mantra that has sunk many, which is why we highlight the importance of responsible gambling tools. Having the option to limit how much you can deposit or take a break goes a long way in keeping problematic gaming at bay.

That said, the situation isn’t the same for everyone. A lot of players need that bit of extra help controlling their habits, which is where gambling blocking software comes into play. In this article, we’ll explain how these programs work and highlight the best ones currently available.

What Is Gambling Blocking Software?

Gamble blocking software is a program that runs on your PC, smartphone, or tablet that prevents access to gaming websites. They function as a pseudo-ad blocker, preventing gambling-related pop-ups and ads from appearing on your screen. The people running the software frequently update their blocklist, ensuring that new casinos are also blocked.

Not all gambling blocking programs will focus on your region, so it’s vital to check area compatibility before committing to the program. Additionally, some tools are only available on mobile, while others charge extra to use them on multiple devices. We’ll highlight all of this in this article in each program’s mini-section.

The Best Gambling Blocking Software

The following list comprises the best gamble blocking software. We’ve ranked the programs based on price and device compatibility, ensuring the best software rises to the top.

BetBlocker

• Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, FireOS
• Price: Free
• Free Trial: Yes (Already Free)

The number one spot on our list is BetBlocker. It is a comprehensive anti-gambling program that’s available entirely for free, making it an attractive pick for players.

The software runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, covering the majority of the market. However, you can also install it on Linux and Fire OS, ensuring that people using less popular operating systems still get the protection they deserve.

There is no limit on how many times you can install BetBlocker or how many devices you can run it on. If you have an Android tablet, an iPhone, and a Windows laptop for work, you can have BetBlocker up on all three devices simultaneously at no cost.

When you first run BetBlocker, it will prompt you to choose one of two modes: Gambling Exclusion or Parental Control. The first ensures you stick with any responsible gambling decisions you make. Meanwhile, Parental Control blocks access to these websites entirely.

Another advantage of BetBlocker is that you cannot switch it off. Uninstalling and reinstalling will not remove any blocks you set for it. If you put the blocker to 30 days, you’ll have to tough it out. This no-compromise approach is something we appreciate, as it keeps players from doing something silly when they’re most vulnerable.

Freedom

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, Linux, iOS, Android
• Price: $8.99/month (monthly), $4.99/month (annual), $99.50 (one-time purchase)
• Free Trial: Yes

Freedom isn’t just about gambling-blocking software. It’s meant as a tool against all sorts of distractions, with iGaming among its targets. The service boasts over 3,000,000 users who use it to ensure they stay focused on the work in front of them.

You can download a native app on Windows, iOS, Mac, and Android. Chromebooks and Linux machines are supposed to support a browser extension.

A downside of Freedom is that it doesn’t have feature parity between websites. You can turn off the internet entirely and block specific websites on all devices. However, only operating systems with a native app allow you to block specific apps. Additionally, website exceptions are only available on Windows and macOS.

Freedom also has some advanced features that are locked behind the paywall. This includes unlimited sessions & devices, focus music, advanced scheduling, and more. None of these are dealbreakers in our opinion. You might feel pressure to upgrade if you have a lot of devices, but the core of what Freedom offers is free, and we are grateful for that.

GamBan

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
• Price: $2.99/month (monthly), $2.49/month (annual)
• Free Trial: Yes

GamBan is a specialised blocking software designed to thwart all sorts of gambling. It covers everything from online and social casinos, sportsbooks, lotteries and crypto websites. GamBan even goes so far as to restrict gambling affiliates, doing its best to limit you from seeing anything that might tempt you to play.

The service is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It doesn’t support alternative platforms, which is a shame.

Installing GamBan on your device lets you try it for free for 7 days, after which you’ll have to pay a monthly fee. You can pay $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year, saving 15%. GamBan automatically blocks all gambling websites worldwide, and the blocklist is constantly updated to restrict new websites.

One feature we like is the progress monitor. It shows you how long you’ve been free from gambling, how much time you’ve saved, etc. Each time you open the GamBan app, you can see a reminder of your success in cutting out online casinos from your life.

GamBan also offers layered self-exclusion. It will advise you on how to block gambling transactions with your bank and direct you to gambling recovery groups. With these extra layers, you remain more secure.

Finally, like BetBlocker, GamBan takes extra steps to make itself difficult to remove. The additional friction is by design and works to keep you from toggling it off when you feel the urge to play.