Gambling blocking software
Gambling blocking software stops your phone, tablet or computer from opening gambling websites and apps, so a moment of temptation meets a locked door instead of a deposit page. It works best alongside self-exclusion, bank blocks and support. This guide explains how blockers work, the main options for US players, setup steps and what they can't do.
By the Best USA Casinos team. Updated . Facts and offers checked October 28, 2026.
Key takeaways
- Blocking software puts a barrier between an urge and a deposit, on every device you install it on.
- Gamban publishes US pricing of $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year, with a 7-day trial.
- Offshore casinos sit outside state self-exclusion lists, so device blocks matter more there.
- Layer blockers with casino self-exclusion, card blocks and support for the best protection.
- No blocker is perfect; tell someone you trust and call 1-800-MY-RESET if urges get strong.
- What it does
- Blocks gambling sites and apps on your devices
- Gamban price
- $6.99/month or $41.99/year (7-day trial)
- Works with
- Self-exclusion, deposit limits and card blocks
- Covers offshore sites
- Device blocks don't depend on state licensing
- Free support
- 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738)
What gambling blocking software does
Blocking software is a program you install on a device to stop it from reaching gambling websites and apps. When you, or anyone using that device, tries to open a blocked casino or betting site, the page simply doesn't load.
The point isn't to make gambling impossible. It's to add friction at the moment an urge is strongest. Urges tend to rise and fall, and a blocker buys the minutes it takes for one to pass.
This page is part of our responsible gambling hub. For a shorter answer, see how to block gambling sites, and for a broader technical walkthrough, read our gambling blocking software guide.
How blocking software works on phones and computers
Most gambling blockers keep a list of known gambling websites and apps, then filter your device's internet traffic against that list. If a site matches, the request is stopped before the page opens.
- Blocklists are updated by the provider. New casino domains appear all the time, so a blocker is only as good as how often its list is refreshed.
- Protection is per device. A blocker on your phone does nothing for your laptop or a work tablet. Every device you might gamble on needs it.
- Some tools add a lock-in period. Gamban, for example, lists layered self-exclusion among its features, which is meant to make the block harder to undo in a weak moment.
- App stores matter. Gamban says its apps are available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Blockers are different from general parental-control filters, which aim at a wider range of content. Some people use both. What matters most is that the tool you choose is focused on gambling and kept up to date.
Blocking software options for US players
Gamban and BetBlocker are two dedicated gambling blockers US players often ask about. Here's what can be confirmed about each, alongside other barriers you can add.
| Option | Cost | What's published | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gamban | $6.99/month or $41.99/year; 7-day free trial before billing | Site and app blocking, progress monitoring, layered self-exclusion, resources, on-demand tech support | People who want a paid, supported blocker on phones and computers |
| BetBlocker | Not confirmed from its own site | Features couldn't be verified on October 28, 2026 | Check its official site before relying on it |
| Bank or card gambling block | Depends on your bank | Some issuers decline gambling card transactions (MCC 7995) | Stopping card deposits |
| Casino self-exclusion | No charge | Set by each casino's own terms | Closing access at a site you already use |
Gamban's prices come from its published pricing page (opens in a new tab). Paying yearly works out to $41.99, against $6.99 × 12 = $83.88 for twelve monthly payments, so the annual plan costs $41.89 less over a year. Our dedicated pages on Gamban and BetBlocker go into each tool in more depth.
How to set up gambling blocking software, step by step
Setup screens differ by product and device, so follow the provider's own instructions. The overall plan, though, is the same for any blocker.
- List every device you could gamble on: phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and any old phone still connected to Wi-Fi.
- Download the blocker only from its official website or your device's official app store, never from a link in an ad or message.
- Install it on every device on your list, starting with the one you gamble on most.
- Choose the longest protection period you can commit to. Shorter blocks are easier to wait out.
- Test it by trying to open a casino site you used to visit. If the page loads, revisit the setup.
- Delete casino apps and bookmarks, and log out of casino accounts in your browsers.
- Ask your bank about blocking gambling transactions on your cards, and remove saved cards from casino accounts.
- Tell someone you trust that you've set up a block, so they can check in with you.
Layering blocking software with self-exclusion and bank blocks
Each barrier has gaps. Stacked together, they cover far more of the ways a determined urge can find a way through.
| Layer | What it stops | Where it falls short |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking software | Opening gambling sites and apps on protected devices | Unprotected devices; sites not yet on the blocklist |
| Casino self-exclusion | Logging in or depositing at that casino | Other casinos; new brands |
| State self-exclusion list | State-licensed gambling covered by that program | Offshore casinos, which no state licenses |
| Card gambling block | Card payments coded as gambling | Crypto, vouchers and other payment routes |
| Support and accountability | Acting alone on an urge | Only works if you reach out |
Card blocks rely on the merchant category code for gambling, MCC 7995. Whether a bank offers a block is its own decision, so ask yours directly; our pages on whether banks can block gambling and credit card gambling blocks explain more. If you've moved to crypto, read crypto and problem gambling, because crypto deposits sidestep card blocks entirely.
Why blocking software matters for offshore casino sites
Most online casinos marketed to US players are offshore. No US state licenses or regulates them, so they aren't bound by state self-exclusion programs. Joining your state's list won't stop you from opening an account at one of them.
Offshore casinos set their own responsible gambling tools, and these vary a lot. For example, SlotoCash's responsible gaming page says self-exclusion is handled through email support with a six-month minimum, while Silver Oak's terms say self-exclusion requests made through live chat are processed immediately. The details for each casino are on pages such as SlotoCash responsible gambling tools and Silver Oak responsible gambling tools.
Offshore brands also run mirror sites on alternative web addresses. Excluding yourself at one address may not stop you finding another, which is where device-wide blocking software helps. Our guide to self-exclusion at offshore casinos covers how to request it and what to keep in writing.
State self-exclusion programs to use alongside blockers
If you also gamble at state-licensed venues or apps, a state program closes those doors. Programs differ in length, coverage and how you sign up.
| State | Program | Run by |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Self-Exclusion Program | Illinois Gaming Board |
| Indiana | Internet Self-Restriction Program | Indiana Gaming Commission |
| New Jersey | Self Exclusion Program | Division of Gaming Enforcement |
| Virginia | Voluntary Exclusion Program | Virginia Lottery |
| District of Columbia | Self-Exclusion Program | DC Lottery, Office of Lottery and Gaming |
You can read the details on the Illinois Gaming Board's self-exclusion page (opens in a new tab) and the New Jersey DGE self-exclusion page (opens in a new tab). Our roundup of state self-exclusion lists covers more states, and the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program at nvsep.org is another route mentioned in national referral materials.
What gambling blocking software can't do
It helps to be clear-eyed about the limits, so a gap doesn't feel like failure if you find one.
- It can't protect devices it isn't installed on. A friend's phone or a library computer is outside its reach.
- It can't stop in-person gambling at casinos, card rooms, lottery retailers or racetracks.
- It may miss brand-new sites until the provider adds them to its list.
- It can't fix the reasons behind the urge. Stress, debt, loneliness and low mood need their own support.
- It doesn't refund losses or deal with debts already built up.
That's why most help services describe blocking as one tool among several. Our pages on deposit limits, gambling and debt and treatment options cover the other pieces.
When an urge hits the block
Seeing a blocked page can sting. That moment is the blocker doing its job, and it's a good time to have a plan ready.
- Step away from the screen for 15 minutes: walk, shower, cook, call someone.
- Text or call 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), which is open 24/7.
- Post on the GamTalk forum, where people describe the same moments.
- Remind yourself of the numbers in your gambling diary or bank statements.
- If you've found a way around the block, tell someone and close that gap rather than keeping it secret.
If urges keep coming back strongly, the signs of a gambling problem and our self assessment can help you decide whether to look for more support.
Free help to pair with blocking software
A blocker handles the device; people handle the rest. The National Problem Gambling Helpline (opens in a new tab), run by the National Council on Problem Gambling, is free and confidential by call, text or chat at any hour. Gamblers Anonymous offers in-person and online meetings, and your state problem gambling program may fund counseling.
If you're ever in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
What is gambling blocking software?
Gambling blocking software is a program that stops a device from opening gambling websites and apps. It works from a list of known gambling sites that the provider keeps updated, and it protects each device it's installed on. It's designed to add a pause between an urge and a deposit. Our Gamban and BetBlocker pages look at two dedicated blockers in more depth.
Is gambling blocking software free?
Some blocking options cost money and others don't, so check each one. Gamban's published pricing is $6.99 a month or $41.99 a year, with a 7-day free trial before billing starts. BetBlocker's current price couldn't be confirmed from its own site for this page, so check it directly. Casino self-exclusion and most state exclusion programs don't charge. Our deposit limits guide covers another no-cost tool.
Can gambling blocking software stop offshore casino sites?
Gambling blocking software is designed to block gambling sites whether or not a state licenses them, as long as the site is on the provider's blocklist. That makes it useful for offshore casinos, which aren't covered by state self-exclusion lists. New domains and mirror sites can appear before a list is updated, so pair it with self-exclusion at the casino itself. Our offshore self-exclusion guide explains how.
Can I uninstall gambling blocking software?
It depends on the product and the settings you choose. Some blockers offer a lock-in period, which Gamban describes as layered self-exclusion, to make removing them harder during a set time. Choosing the longest period you can commit to gives the most protection. If you're tempted to remove a block, that's a good moment to call 1-800-MY-RESET or read about cool-off periods as another way to take a break.
Do I need blocking software on every device?
Yes, each phone, tablet and computer needs its own protection, because a blocker only filters the device it's installed on. Include older phones that still connect to Wi-Fi and any laptop you use at home. People who forget a device often find that's where they end up gambling. Our gambling blocking software guide has a fuller checklist for covering every device.
Can my bank block gambling transactions?
Some banks and card issuers decline gambling transactions coded as merchant category 7995, and some offer a block on request, but it's each bank's own decision. Ask yours what it offers. Card blocks don't cover crypto or vouchers, so they work best alongside blocking software. Our explainers on whether banks can block gambling and on MCC 7995 go into the details.
Is blocking software enough to stop gambling?
Blocking software helps a lot, but it usually isn't enough on its own. It can't cover every device, in-person venues or the stress and money worries that drive urges. Most people do best when they combine a blocker with self-exclusion, card blocks and support from a helpline, counselor or peer group. Our page on treatment options explains the kinds of help available in the US.
Does state self-exclusion replace blocking software?
No, state self-exclusion and blocking software cover different things. A state program applies to the gambling that state regulates, such as licensed casinos or apps, depending on the program. It doesn't reach offshore casinos, which no state licenses. Blocking software works at the device level instead. Using both gives wider coverage. Our page on state self-exclusion lists explains how state programs work.
Does gambling blocking software block sports betting apps?
Usually it aims to, but coverage depends on each provider's list, so check before relying on it for sportsbooks. Gamban lists both site and app blocking among its published features, while BetBlocker's features couldn't be confirmed for this page. Legal sportsbook apps are licensed in many states, which means they're easy to download again from an app store, so a blocker that covers apps matters more than one that only filters websites. Test it by trying to open a betting app you used. Our Gamban page and the guide to US sports betting laws give background.
Will gambling blocking software stop casino emails and ads?
Not necessarily: gambling blocking software works on the websites and apps you try to open, so marketing emails and texts may still arrive. A link inside one should be stopped if the site is on the blocklist, but the message itself can still trigger an urge. Unsubscribe, ask each casino to close or self-exclude your account, and filter gambling senders to a folder you never open. Be wary of messages offering to reopen an account. Our guides to self-exclusion at offshore casinos and phishing scams explain both steps.
Can parents use gambling blocking software on a teen's phone?
Yes, a parent can install gambling blocking software on a child's phone, and it's one sensible layer among several. Casino play is restricted to adults, usually 21 in the US, yet teens can still meet gambling through games, ads and social media. A blocker reduces access, but conversation matters more: explain why the block is there and what gambling-style features look like. Pair it with the device's own parental controls. Our guide to young people and gambling and the help for families page cover what else to watch for.
What should I do if a gambling site loads despite blocking software?
Close the page, step away, and treat it as a gap to fix rather than a sign the block has failed. New casino domains and casino mirror sites can appear before a provider adds them, so report the address through the blocker's support if it offers that. Then self-exclude from that casino directly and keep the confirmation. Check the device's blocker is still active, and check any device you might have missed. If the urge is strong, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Our BetBlocker page has a fuller checklist.
How long should I keep gambling blocking software installed?
Keep gambling blocking software installed for as long as it helps, and many people keep it running long after urges fade. Choosing the longest lock-in period you can commit to makes it harder to undo in a weak moment, and there's little downside to leaving a gambling-only filter in place. Removing it is best treated as a planned decision, made with someone you trust or a counselor, not a spur-of-the-moment one. Recovery takes time, and setbacks are common. Read whether gambling addiction is treatable for what longer-term support looks like.
Does gambling blocking software block fantasy sports and lottery sites?
It depends on the provider's list, so check whether daily fantasy, lottery and sweepstakes sites are included before you rely on it for them. These products are regulated differently from casinos, and some states treat daily fantasy as legal skill contests, but they can still feed a gambling problem. If one still opens after setup, report it and close your account there. A state lottery's own self-exclusion option may cover its online sales where offered. Our explainer on daily fantasy sports laws and the state self-exclusion lists page give more detail.