Budgeting problems linked to gambling are more common than many people realise. The latest UK data suggests the scale of the issue is significant, with around 1.3 to 1.4 million adults experiencing problem gambling, according to the most recent survey from the UK Gambling Commission.
At the same time, almost half of UK adults have gambled in the past month, showing how accessible and normalised gambling has become.
For many people, installing gambling blockers or restricting payments can create the breathing space needed to reassess habits and make longer-term changes.
As Jason Tassie explains:
“The biggest challenge today isn’t access to gambling, it’s how frictionless it’s become. Blocking tools help reintroduce that friction, which is often the first step in regaining control.”
What are gambling site blockers?
Gambling blockers are software tools or apps that prevent you from accessing gambling websites and apps on your devices. Once installed, they restrict access across browsers and, in some cases, across multiple devices.
These tools can be used on:
- Desktop computers such as Windows PCs and Macs
- Smartphones and tablets
- Browsers and apps
When active, they block thousands of gambling sites, making it much harder to place bets or access betting platforms.
However, it’s important to understand that blockers are not a complete solution on their own. They are most effective when used alongside other measures, such as self-exclusion schemes, financial controls, and support from specialist organisations.
Which tools can you use to block gambling sites?
There are several well-known gambling blockers available in the UK. Many are recommended by charities such as GamCare and GambleAware, and each offers slightly different features depending on your needs.
Gamban
Gamban is one of the most widely recognised gambling blockers in the UK. It can be installed across multiple devices and blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps.
For UK residents, Gamban is often available free through the TalkBanStop partnership, which works alongside GamCare and GAMSTOP. To access this, you typically need to speak with an adviser through the National Gambling Helpline or online chat.
One of Gamban’s key features is that it is designed to be difficult to remove once installed, which can help prevent impulsive decisions to uninstall it.
BetBlocker
BetBlocker is another free option that works across a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire OS.
It allows you to set a self-restriction period ranging from 24 hours up to five years. Once this period is selected, the software cannot be removed until the time has passed.
This makes it particularly useful for those who want to commit to a longer-term break from gambling.
Net Nanny
Net Nanny is a broader parental control and website filtering tool that can also be used to block gambling sites.
Because it is not specifically designed for gambling, it may be easier to work around than dedicated tools like Gamban or BetBlocker. However, it can still be effective when used with additional safeguards, such as having a trusted person manage the settings.
It is a paid service, typically offering plans that cover multiple devices.
Can you block gambling transactions through your bank?
In addition to blocking websites, many UK banks now allow you to block gambling-related payments directly within their apps.
This feature prevents transactions to known gambling merchants, adding another layer of protection. Most major UK banks offer this option, although the exact process varies.
Using both a site blocker and a banking restriction together can significantly reduce the likelihood of relapse, as it tackles both access and spending.
How to block gambling sites on your devices
The process for installing gambling blockers is usually straightforward. Once you’ve chosen a tool, you can visit the provider’s website or app store listing and follow the installation instructions.
On a Windows PC or Mac
Most blockers offer downloadable software for desktop use. After installation, they will begin filtering access across your browsers.
Common options include:
- Gamban
- BetBlocker
- Net Nanny
- Gamblock
- BetQuit
- Goodbye Gambling
On a smartphone or tablet
Mobile devices are often the primary way people access gambling platforms, so installing blockers here is particularly important.
Apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on your device. Some tools work across both iOS and Android, while others may be platform-specific.
Once installed, they typically run in the background and prevent access to gambling apps and websites.
Will blocking software stop you gambling?
Blocking software can be a powerful tool, but it is unlikely to be enough on its own, particularly if gambling has become a serious problem.
It works best as part of a wider strategy that includes:
- Self-exclusion schemes such as GAMSTOP, which block access to UK-licensed gambling operators
- Support from organisations like GamCare or Gambling Therapy
- Conversations with trusted friends or family members
- Financial controls, including limiting access to funds
The purpose of blockers is not to solve the problem entirely, but to create space between impulse and action. That space can make it easier to make better decisions and seek further support if needed.
Getting support
If you are struggling with gambling, it’s important to know that support is available.
Organisations such as GamCare, GambleAware, and Gamblers Anonymous offer free, confidential advice and support. These services can help you explore your options, whether that involves self-exclusion, financial planning, or speaking to someone about your situation.
If gambling has led to debt, there are also UK charities that can provide guidance on managing repayments and improving your financial position.
The key thing to remember is that help is available, and taking even a small step, such as installing a blocker, can be the start of regaining control.
Blocking gambling sites is not about removing choice entirely. It’s about creating boundaries that make it easier to manage your behaviour and protect your finances.
In a landscape where gambling is increasingly accessible, putting those boundaries in place can be one of the most effective first steps towards long-term change.
Jason Tassie is a leading voice in UK business growth and strategy, with over two decades of hands-on experience helping start-ups and SMEs successfully launch & scale.
As the founder of knowyourbusiness.co.uk, Jason provides expert guidance and practical tools for entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of starting and growing a company in today’s competitive landscape.
Jason has over 20 years of expertise in commentating in the B2B space. In 2004, he co-founded Know Your Money, a financial guidance platform that became one of the UK’s most trusted resources for business finance advice. As the site’s long-standing spokesperson for B2B products and commercial finance, he played a key role in helping thousands of business owners understand and access the funding they needed.
Jason has provided market commentary to leading UK and international publications on a wide range of business, finance and consumer trends. A selection of his published commentary can be found below…
In this Independent feature, Jason Tassie discusses how global consumer brands can lose relevance when they drift into the “middle ground” of offering neither premium nor good value. He explains how changing consumer behaviour, rising costs and a shift towards local, independent alternatives are reshaping high-street spending.
In this Forbes Advisor guide, Jason contributes expert insight on what businesses should look for when comparing payment providers. He focuses on practical, operational factors such as transaction fees, payout speed and cash-flow impact, explaining why faster access to funds and transparent pricing matter more than headline features for SMEs.
OBSERVER
Speaking to Observer, Jason examines Starbucks’ attempt to reconnect with customers through store redesigns, service improvements and operational investment. He discusses the limits of scale in consumer-facing businesses, noting that while data and loyalty programmes offer advantages, they can’t fully replace community, personality and trust.