Self-exclusion programs are a critical first step, but they only cover specific operators or states. Gambling blocking software goes further — it blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps across all your devices, regardless of where you live.

This guide compares the three most widely recommended gambling blockers: Gamban, BetBlocker, and GamBlock. No affiliate links, no sponsorships — just an honest look at what each tool does well and where it falls short.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Gamban	BetBlocker	GamBlock
Price	~$3/month (annual)	Free	~$8/month
Sites Blocked	60,000+	14,000+	75,000+
Windows	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mac	Yes	Yes	Yes
iOS	Yes	Yes	No
Android	Yes	Yes	No
Browser Extension	No	Yes	No
Can Be Bypassed	Difficult	Moderate	Very Difficult
Uninstall Protection	Strong	Moderate	Strongest
VPN Protection	Yes	Limited	Yes
Best For	Most people	Budget-conscious	Maximum restriction

Gamban

Gamban is the most widely recommended gambling blocker by treatment providers and responsible gambling organizations worldwide. It strikes a balance between comprehensive coverage and ease of use.

What It Blocks

Gamban maintains a database of over 60,000 gambling websites and updates it daily. This includes:

• Major sports betting sites (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, etc.)
• Online casinos and poker rooms
• Sweepstakes casinos
• Crypto gambling platforms
• Lottery sites
• Affiliate and bonus sites

Platform Support

Gamban works across all major platforms — Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. A single subscription covers all your devices, which is important because blocking your laptop means nothing if your phone is wide open.

Pricing

Gamban costs approximately $3/month when paid annually (~$36/year), or more on monthly plans. There are also subsidized or free licenses available through some treatment providers and responsible gambling charities — ask your counselor or contact the NCPG.

Strengths

• Broad coverage: 60,000+ sites with daily updates
• Cross-device: One subscription covers all your devices
• Hard to bypass: Blocks at the network level, not just browser
• VPN-aware: Detects and blocks VPN-based circumvention attempts
• Recommended by professionals: Used by therapists, GA, and NCPG

Limitations

• Not free: Requires ongoing subscription
• Can interfere with legitimate sites: Occasionally blocks non-gambling content that shares infrastructure with gambling sites
• Removal requires waiting period: You cannot instantly uninstall during an urge

Best For

Gamban is the best choice for most people. If you want a single tool that covers all your devices with strong protection, Gamban is the standard recommendation.

BetBlocker

BetBlocker is a free, charity-run gambling blocker. It was developed by a registered charity and is entirely funded by donations, making it accessible to anyone regardless of financial situation.

What It Blocks

BetBlocker maintains a database of approximately 14,000 gambling sites. While smaller than Gamban or GamBlock, it covers the most common gambling platforms that people encounter.

Platform Support

BetBlocker supports Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, plus it offers a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. The browser extension can be useful as an additional layer, but it is easier to circumvent than device-level blocking.

Pricing

Completely free. BetBlocker is a registered charity (Charitable Incorporated Organisation #1190024) and does not charge users. It accepts donations but never requires payment.

Strengths

• Free: No financial barrier to protection
• Multi-platform: Covers all major operating systems
• Browser extension option: Extra layer of protection
• Charitable mission: Exists to help, not to profit
• Parental controls: Allows parents to block gambling for children

Limitations

• Smaller database: 14,000 sites vs. 60,000+ for Gamban
• Easier to circumvent: Less aggressive blocking makes it more bypassable by determined users
• Limited VPN protection: May not block access through VPN connections
• Slower updates: New gambling sites may take longer to be added

Best For

BetBlocker is ideal for people who cannot afford a paid blocker or who want a free first line of defense. It is also excellent for parents who want to block gambling on their children's devices.

GamBlock

GamBlock has been around since 2000 and takes the most aggressive approach to gambling blocking. It is designed to be as difficult to remove as possible.

What It Blocks

GamBlock claims to block over 75,000 gambling-related websites — the largest database of the three. It also blocks gambling-related search results and some social media gambling content.

Platform Support

GamBlock works on Windows and Mac only. It does not have iOS or Android apps, which is a significant limitation in 2025 when most online gambling happens on mobile devices.

Pricing

GamBlock is the most expensive option at approximately $8/month, with subscriptions available in 6-month, 1-year, and 3-year terms. Longer terms offer a lower monthly rate.

Strengths

• Largest database: 75,000+ blocked sites
• Hardest to uninstall: Designed to resist removal even by tech-savvy users
• Blocks search results: Filters gambling content from search engines
• Longest track record: Operating since 2000, more experience than competitors
• Very aggressive blocking: Errs on the side of blocking too much rather than too little

Limitations

• No mobile apps: Desktop only (Windows and Mac) — a critical gap
• Most expensive: Roughly double the cost of Gamban
• Aggressive blocking: May block legitimate financial or news sites
• Older interface: Less modern user experience
• No browser extension: Desktop software only

Best For

GamBlock is for people who need maximum restriction on desktop computers and who are willing to pair it with another solution (like Gamban or BetBlocker) for mobile device coverage.

How to Choose

Choose Gamban if...

• You want one solution that covers all your devices
• You are willing to pay a small monthly fee for better protection
• Your therapist or counselor recommends it (many do)
• You want the best balance of coverage, price, and usability

Choose BetBlocker if...

• You cannot afford a paid blocker right now
• You want a free starting point while you explore other options
• You are a parent blocking gambling for your children
• You want a browser extension as an additional layer

Choose GamBlock if...

• You primarily gamble on your computer (not phone)
• You want the most aggressive blocking possible
• You have tried other blockers and found ways around them
• You are willing to pay more for stronger protection

Consider Using Multiple Tools

Many people in recovery use more than one blocker. For example:

• Gamban on all devices + BetBlocker browser extension as an extra layer
• GamBlock on desktop + Gamban on mobile
• BetBlocker to start + upgrade to Gamban when financially able

There is no penalty for stacking blockers. More barriers between you and gambling sites means more time to pause and reconsider during an urge.

Beyond Blocking Software

Gambling blockers are an important tool, but they work best as part of a broader recovery strategy. Blocking software alone will not address the underlying reasons for gambling.

Additional Steps

• Self-exclusion: Register with your state's self-exclusion program to be banned from casinos and licensed gambling platforms.
• Bank blocks: Ask your bank to block gambling transactions on your debit and credit cards. Many major banks now offer this.
• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for gambling-related issues. The NCPG can help you find a therapist.
• Support groups: Gamblers Anonymous meetings (in-person and online) provide peer support from people who understand.
• Email cleanup: Gambling promotional emails can trigger urges even after you have taken all other steps. Tools like WagerWard can find and remove gambling emails from your inbox.

Crisis Resources

If you are in crisis or need immediate help:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
• NCPG Live Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat

Frequently Asked Questions

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Gambling blocking software is one layer of protection. For state-specific self-exclusion programs, visit our state directory. For platform-specific account deletion guides, see our platform directory. For immediate help, call 1-800-522-4700.