How to Block Gambling Sites on iPhone?
Gambling is a worldwide pastime and comes with many benefits, including the satisfaction of winning real money. However, gambling can also be harmful and calls for discipline and self-restraint. The advancements in mobile gaming leave problem players more vulnerable to compulsive betting and its myriad of adverse effects. Fortunately, there are various solutions if you are struggling to keep up your betting hobby. In this piece, we examine how to block gambling sites on your iPhone.
Use National Exclusion Schemes Like GamStop
National self-exclusion programs are free of charge and offer an effortless way to block gambling websites licensed in your country. For instance, UK punters can join GamStop, a voluntary self-exclusion program designed for operators and players in the UK. GamStop is a mandatory license requirement, meaning all casino operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) are obliged to participate.
Players who have voluntarily registered on GamStop will effectively be blocked from all UKGC online casinos and sportsbooks. Players can also sign-up for SENSE (Self Enrolment National Self Exclusion), the GamStop equivalent for land-based casinos in the UK. Other similar national self-exclusion programs include SpelPaus (for blocking sites licensed in Sweden) and ROFUS (for Danish players and operators). Such schemes will keep you off all licensed gambling platforms in the country.
Use Game Blockers
National self-exclusion only works for the specific jurisdictions it is enforced. For instance, GamStop is extremely popular in the UK, but to avoid it many players use multiple online casinos without GamStop via NonGamStopSlots and where they continue playing. It happens because GamStop only blocks sites licensed by the UKGC, meanwhile, SpelPaus and ROFUS are for Sweden and Denmark. This leaves gaps as players can explore offshore gambling websites. If you intend to block all forms of online betting, you need game blockers. Some of the top blockers include:
- Gamblock – Launched back in 2000, Gamblock is one of the most popular game blockers available for players in the EU. The app uses advanced algorithms to block all gambling websites, promotions and content coming from EU operators.
- Gamban – This is another EU blocker that allows players to take a break from EU casino sites and online sportsbooks. It features a database with more than 13,000 gambling websites and keeps updating the library to block all EU sites.
- BetBlocker – The BetBlocker app uses a combination of sophisticated algorithms and a database to block access to gambling websites. Players will automatically block access to sites in the database and add new platforms to their list of blocked casinos.
- Net Nanny – This is more of parental control software that blocks access to gambling websites, adult content, insightful portals/forums, and other harmful online content. It is ideal when you want to block all forms of online gambling sites and materials.
Game blockers are merely applications that detect and block access to gambling websites, promotions, content, adverts, pop-ups, etc. Players can install the application across the devices they use to access gambling materials. Most tools use a database, but others rely on sophisticated algorithms to block all kinds of gambling and adult material. The only drawback is you have to install the blocker on all devices and could easily continue gambling using another gadget.
Block Gambling Transactions via Bank
Most people use bank transfers and credit/debit cards to fund their gambling accounts. If that’s you, blocking transactions from the bank offers an excellent solution. UK banks allow users total control over where their money is sent, so you can exclude some platforms and destinations, such as gambling websites. The process is simple as all you have to do is add the accounts you don’t want to send money to.
Once this is done, you won’t be able to transact money to your casino account using your bank account, bank apps, or credit and debit cards. Unfortunately, there are several other ways to fund a casino account, so blocking banks alone won’t eliminate all opportunities to continue making deposits and gambling.
Use Internal Self-Exclusion
Virtually all reputable online gambling sites have an internal self-exclusion program different from national license-enforced schemes. You’ll encounter various programs, including cool-off periods, time out, monthly deposit limits, maximum loss, etc. Each program allows you to regain control of your hobby and determine when to bet or take a break. Internal self-exclusion schemes are perfect if you need to stop betting on a specific website.
However, you can easily sign up for an account with another operator to continue gambling, which is the major drawback of such programs. Essentially, you’ll need to self-exclude from each casino separately, unlike game blockers and national self-exclusion programs that block you from all websites. Nonetheless, they offer a vital tool when you need to quit gambling. Internal self-exclusion schemes are flexible and offer anything from a few weeks to several months. You can also delete your gambling account permanently.
Conclusion
No single option mentioned above will block you from all forms of gambling on your smartphones. Game blockers tools and self-exclusion programs come close to achieving this feat and they definitely help the players, but even such tools have limits and loopholes. Some rely on a database that needs to be updated continuously to accommodate all old, new, and rebranded casino operators. On the other hand, national exclusion blocks sites licensed within the country and bank exclusion only work if you deposit using your bank account. As such, it is advisable to combine various methods if you intend to resist all forms of online gambling on your iPhone.
