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Gamban

The Wiki Structure. The AI Accuracy.
BetBlocker

BetBlocker logo

Category Blocking software
Founded June 3, 2017
Address Livingston, Scotland, UK
Official website https://betblocker.org
Help and Support
Help & Support settings Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, Fire OS
Helpline hours 24/7
Email [email protected]
Social Media
LinkedIn Visit
X (Twitter) Visit
BetBlocker app on phone
iOS Download
Android Download
BetBlocker app on PC
macOS Download
Windows Download
Last Updated 17.03.2026


BetBlocker is a UK registered charity providing free blocking software to help people limit or manage their access to online gambling services with 100k active users worldwide.[1]

What is BetBlocker and how does it work

BetBlocker is a free, non-profit software tool and registered charity designed to help users control their gambling habits. Users can select a self-exclusion period ranging from 24 hours to 5 years.

Once activated, the application uses local device-level filtering, such as Android's VPN and Accessibility APIs, to intervene and block gambling content without sending personal data to external servers.

It was broken off from a gambling alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service and registered as a charity in 2019, funded by donations from businesses in the gambling industry.

Is BetBlocker free

Yes, BetBlocker is completely free to use. The organization operates as a registered charity and does not charge individuals seeking help for gambling addiction.[2]

How to install BetBlocker

Installing BetBlocker requires downloading the software, granting the necessary system permissions, and selecting an exclusion timeframe.

Installing BetBlocker on Android

  1. Download the BetBlocker app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Open the app. Select your block type: Gambling Self-Restriction or Parental Control, and grant the necessary permissions.
  3. Select your desired blocking duration.​
  4. Activate the block, which takes effect immediately.

Installing BetBlocker on iPhone

  1. Download and install the app from App Store.
  2. Open the app. Select your block type (Gambling Self-Restriction or Parental Control) and set your exclusion period.
  3. Follow the in-app prompt to install the iOS configuration profile, which sets up the VPN used to enforce the block.
  4. Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management and trust the profile.
  5. Return to the BetBlocker app and confirm activation.

Installing BetBlocker on macOS

  1. Go to betblocker.org and download the macOS installer.

betblocker macos download

  1. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts. If macOS Gatekeeper blocks the file, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and allow the app to run.
  2. Open BetBlocker and select your block type and exclusion duration.
  3. Choose your blocking method: Local Block or VPN Block.[3]
  4. Confirm activation.

Installing BetBlocker on Windows

  1. Go to betblocker.org and download the Windows installer.

betblocker windows download

  1. Run the installer. Windows Defender may flag the file - if it does, refer to BetBlocker's Windows Defender guidance on their site to allow the installation.[4]
  2. Follow the installation wizard prompts.
  3. Open BetBlocker and select your block type and exclusion duration.
  4. Choose your blocking method: Local Block or VPN Block.
  5. Confirm activation.

BetBlocker not working

The most common causes of BetBlocker appearing not to work:

  • Setup incomplete. In almost all cases, technical issues occur because something was missed during set-up. Check that all permissions were granted.
  • Conflicting blocking software. BetBlocker blocks other blocking softwares. If another blocking software is installed while BetBlocker is active, the two will fight over the same system resources, resulting in technical problems.
  • Browser cache not cleared. After a site is added to the blocked list, users need to clear their browser cache and restart the device for the change to take effect.
  • OS update. Some users report that device software updates can disable BetBlocker, requiring re-activation.
  • VPN connection dropped (Android). If the VPN connection is stopped while the app is active, the phone can become laggy, as the service starts checking for a VPN connection every millisecond. The fix is to reopen the BetBlocker app to restore the VPN connection.

Support contact: [email protected] for assistance.

How to remove BetBlocker

Legitimate removal is only possible in two situations: the exclusion period has expired, or the Parental Control mode is active (which can be disabled with the password at any time).

How to get BetBlocker off my phone

Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Security → Device Admin Apps.
  2. Deactivate BetBlocker as a Device Administrator.
  3. Go to Settings → Apps, find BetBlocker, and tap Uninstall.

iOS:

  1. Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
  2. Remove the BetBlocker configuration profile.
  3. Delete the BetBlocker app.

How to uninstall BetBlocker on a PC

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features (Windows) or go to the macOS Applications folder.
  2. Locate BetBlocker.
  3. Click Uninstall (Windows) or drag to Trash (macOS) and follow any prompts.
  4. Restart the device.

BetBlocker user reviews on TrustPilot and Reddit

TrustPilot User rating Reviews
Gamban 2 / 5 53[5]

BetBlocker alternatives

Criterion Gamban Gamblock BetBlocker
What it blocks Online gambling websites and applications Online gambling websites Online gambling websites
Cost £2.49 / month - £29.99 / year $39.95 to $205.95 Free
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Windows, Android Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire OS
Exclusion length 1 month - 5 years 1 - 12 months 1 day - 5 years
Removal difficulty Restricted Restricted Restricted

Risks and downsides of bypassing BetBlocker

Bypassing BetBlocker using factory resets, alternative devices, or advanced VPNs removes essential protections for individuals. The primary risk is unrestricted access to gambling platforms, making it highly probable for users with a history of gambling addiction to relapse into harmful habits.[6]

FAQ

Can I install BetBlocker on someone else's device?

Yes, BetBlocker can be installed on someone else's device, such as a parent restricting gambling content on a child's smartphone. However, this requires physical access to the device and the ability to grant the necessary administrative system permissions.

What happens if you delete the BetBlocker app?

If you attempt to delete the app during an active block, the system's anti-tamper protections will resist removal. If a user forces removal through a complete factory reset, it wipes all data from the device and leaves the user entirely unprotected from gambling sites.

References