Device accessWebsite and app blockers
Stop gambling sites and apps from opening on the devices where they are installed.
Jump to device blockersMatch the protection to the route you want to close
Device access
PaymentsBank gambling-payment blocks
Decline card payments to gambling merchants, whatever device or site you use.
Jump to payment blocks
OperatorsSelf-exclusion
Ask gambling operators to refuse your account or entry for a chosen period.
Jump to self-exclusionCompare purpose, coverage, setup and limitations
This table describes how each protection is designed to work. Features change, so check the official source listed below before you rely on any detail. We do not rank tools or list prices.
| Protection | Purpose | Device coverage | Setup | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gamban (website/app blocker) | Blocks access to gambling websites and apps | Phones, tablets and computers on supported operating systems; check the official site for the current list | Create an account, download the app, install on each device | Only protects devices where installed; new sites may not be listed immediately |
| BetBlocker (website/app blocker) | Blocks access to gambling websites, offered by a charity | Multiple platforms; check the official site for supported devices | Download, choose a blocking period, install on each device | Device-by-device; does not cover in-person gambling |
| Gamblock (website/app blocker) | Long-established software that blocks online gambling | Computers and mobile devices; check the official site for supported systems | Purchase or register via the official site, then install | Device-by-device; check terms and support options directly |
| Bank gambling-payment block | Declines card payments to merchants coded as gambling | Applies to the card or account, on any device | Switch on in your banking app, or ask your bank | Not offered by every provider; may not catch every payment method or miscoded merchant |
| GAMSTOP (online self-exclusion) | Excludes you from online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain | Account-based, not device-based | Register online and choose 6 months, 1 year or 5 years | Covers Great Britain–licensed online operators only; does not block unlicensed sites |
| Operator or venue self-exclusion | Excludes you from a specific operator, betting shop or venue | Account or premises-based | Ask the operator or venue directly | Only covers that operator or venue unless a wider scheme applies |
Every option has gaps. Combining a device blocker, a payment block and self-exclusion closes more routes than any single choice.
Website and app blockers
These tools sit on your phone, tablet or computer and stop gambling content from loading. They suit people whose gambling mostly happens on a device, especially late at night or on impulse.
Typical setup
- Visit the official site for the tool and read the current device list.
- Create an account if the tool requires one.
- Install it on every device you use, including old phones and tablets.
- Choose the strictest settings you are comfortable with.
- Consider asking someone you trust to hold any password or recovery details.
Worth knowing
- Installing on one device leaves others open.
- Some tools make removal deliberately slow; that delay is the point.
- Blocker lists depend on updates, so pair with a payment block.
Worth knowing
- Some providers add a waiting period before a block can be turned off.
- Check every card and account, including credit cards.
- Ask your bank about other payment routes it can restrict.
Bank gambling-payment blocks
Many banks and card providers offer a gambling block that declines payments to merchants registered as gambling businesses. It follows your card rather than your device, which makes it a strong partner to a website blocker.
Typical setup
- Open your banking app and look in card or security settings for a gambling block.
- If you cannot find it, contact your bank and ask what it offers.
- Repeat for each card, account and credit provider you hold.
- Note any cooling-off period for removal, so you know what to expect.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion is a formal agreement with gambling operators that they will refuse your custom for a set period. In Great Britain, GAMSTOP lets you exclude yourself from online gambling companies licensed there in one step. Land-based venues and operators elsewhere usually have their own schemes.
Typical setup
- Decide on a period that feels protective, not just comfortable.
- Register through the official scheme or ask the operator directly.
- Unsubscribe from gambling marketing emails and texts.
- Add a device blocker to cover sites outside the scheme.
Worth knowing
- Rules vary by country and operator.
- Self-exclusion does not cover unlicensed sites.
- Ending early is often not possible, by design.
Sources and review
Product details on this page are limited to general descriptions that can be checked on each provider's official website. We have left out prices, availability and effectiveness claims because they change and vary by person. Information was reviewed in 2026; always confirm current details at the source.
- Official siteGamban — website and app blocker
- Official siteBetBlocker — website blocker run by a charity
- Official siteGamblock — gambling-blocking software
- Official siteGAMSTOP — online self-exclusion scheme for Great Britain
- Official siteGamCare — support and information on blocking tools
We are not affiliated with any of these organisations and receive nothing for listing them. Mention here is not an endorsement or a guarantee of results.