From researches, 0.6% of the UK adult population is suspected to be addicted to gambling, with similar figures observed in other countries.
The fotst step could be self - exclusion options. These come with different parameters, allowing you to set the terms of your exclusion. By the law, those licensed in the UK are required to provide ways for players to limit their gambling sessions. Good betting platforms allow you to set deposit limits, to ensure you do not spend too much money on bets. You can also place limits on how much you can wager in given time frame. Some operators also feature ''reality checks'', reminding you to look at the time.
It is clear that this does not work for everyone. Or maybe it will work for a couple of days, and that is also normal. The operator is obliged to respect your choice.
The UKGC takes self-exclusion and player protection very seriously. In 2018 for allowing a self-professed addict to gamble. This might be the most notable case, but it has happened on a smaller scale with other brands, as well. In short, the UKGC will ensure that online casinos and sportsbooks honour self-exclusion.
If the self-exclusion methods do not work for you for whatever reason, you can take more drastic measures. There are programs and apps out there that are designed to block gambling websites entirely. BetBlocker is a free program available to everyone built exactly for that purpose. It acts as a sort of ‘parental controls’. You can download it on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon’s Fire OS and install it on all devices running those platforms.
BetBlocker works on more than 13,000 gambling websites, allowing you to block your access to those platforms. BetBlocker has self-exclusion periods of 24 hours, multiple days, 1 to 2 weeks, 1 to 6 months, 1 to 5 years, or forever. Once the limit is set on your device, nothing will remove it. It is almost foolproof in its design.
BetBlocker is not-for-profit and will not cost you anything to use.
Gamban is another gambling blocking app available now to users in need. Much like the one described above, it will prevent you from gambling when you activate it. Gamban has been in development since 2015 and has years of experience in dealing with this issue.
The iOS app will block your access to thousands of gambling websites. Moreover, it is quick to install and use. Blocking your access is a straightforward process and anyone can do it. Gamban was built with simplicity in mind, and this is one of the driving perks of the app.
Aside from simple site blocking, the app also provides resources for individuals in need. So far, the app has received industry-wide approval. In 2018, Gamban won the Software Rising Star Award at EGR B2B Awards. Again, in 2019, Gamban received RedTech Provider of the Year at a similar event.
Similar blocking software also exists for PC users. Betfilter is one such program available now for Windows and Mac. Much like the previous options, it will prevent you from visiting gambling websites, no matter how much you are compelled to do so. Betfilter has been on the market for more than a decade at this point and it has proven to be reliable and efficient.
Once you install and activate Betfilter, the program will stay on your computer for as long as the license lasts. When you set a cooling-off period, you will not be able to reverse it under any circumstances. You will not even be able to uninstall the program as a last resort. Betfilter claims to use a more professional and guided approach to blocking casinos and sportsbooks. Rather than messing around with the network settings, Betfilter blocks everything to do with the betting platforms. This prevents you from accessing them at all.
The only downside to this is that Betfilter is more expensive than other options out there. At the moment of writing, a 1-year license will set you back $69.95 and possibly more in other cases.
Of course, you can always go for alternatives. How you block gambling sites on your computer does not have to depend on a single solution. Several of the services described above also offer PC and Mac options.
Blocking gambling websites may be a short-term solution since addicts always find a way to get their fix. By simply denying them access, you are treating the symptoms, rather than addressing the underlying issue. Gambling addiction is an issue that runs deeper than that. The only real solution is to get therapy. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources and organisations out there equipped to handle this.
In the United Kingdom, BeGambleAware is one of the leading charities dedicated to combating problem gambling. It offers counselling and even residential care for those in need. Contacting healthcare professionals is always advisable and if you believe there is an issue, do not hesitate to do so.
Blocking gambling websites is a bold step for anyone suffering from problem gambling. Before you take it, it is important that you become familiar with some key pieces of information.