Step-by-Step Instructions for Device-Specific Blocking & How to Get Started Today: Immediate Actions & Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them & Free Resources and Tools Available & Success Rates and What to Expect
iPhone/iOS Blocking (15 minutes)
2. Block Gambling Content: - Content & Privacy Restrictions > Enable - Content Restrictions > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites - Under "Never Allow," add gambling sites manually
3. Block App Store Gambling Apps: - Content Restrictions > Apps > Don't Allow Apps - Or set to 4+ rating to exclude gambling apps - iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps > Don't Allow
4. Add Specific Site Blocks: - Web Content > Add websites to "Never Allow" - Include: bet365.com, draftkings.com, fanduel.com, pokerstars.com - Add all sites you've previously used
5. Advanced iOS Protection: - Install Gamban from App Store ($3.49/month) - Or use free BlockSite app with premium features - Enable VPN-based blocking for comprehensive protection
Android Blocking (20 minutes)
1. Google Family Link Setup: - Download Family Link for Parents - Create a supervised account - Link your existing account2. BlockSite App Configuration: - Install BlockSite from Play Store (free version available) - Grant accessibility permissions - Enable "Block by Keywords": gambling, casino, poker, bet
3. Chrome Mobile Blocking: - Chrome Settings > Site Settings - Add sites to block list - Enable SafeSearch
4. App Blocking: - Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Dashboard - Set app timers to 0 minutes for gambling apps - Or use App Lock apps to password-protect
5. Android-Specific Tools: - FocusMe (advanced blocking) - StayFocusd (time-based blocking) - Cold Turkey (comprehensive free option)
Windows Computer Blocking (25 minutes)
1. Hosts File Blocking: - Open Notepad as Administrator - File > Open > C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts - Add lines: 127.0.0.1 [gambling-site.com] - Save file (remove .txt extension)2. Windows Family Safety: - Settings > Accounts > Family & other users - Add family member > create child account - Manage family settings online - Block inappropriate websites
3. Browser Extensions: - Chrome: BlockSite, StayFocusd - Firefox: LeechBlock NG - Edge: BlockSite for Edge - Configure with comprehensive gambling keyword lists
4. Third-Party Software: - Cold Turkey: Free, powerful blocking - FocusMe: Scheduled blocking options - K9 Web Protection: Free family filter
5. Router-Level Blocking: - Access router (typically 192.168.1.1) - Parental Controls or Access Restrictions - Add gambling sites to blacklist - Apply to all devices
Mac Blocking (20 minutes)
1. Screen Time Setup: - System Preferences > Screen Time - Options > Use Screen Time Passcode - Content & Privacy > Web Content > Limit Adult Websites2. Terminal Commands:
`bash
sudo nano /etc/hosts
127.0.0.1 [gambling-site.com]
`
- Control+O to save, Control+X to exit
3. Focus App (macOS Monterey+): - System Preferences > Focus - Add Focus > Personal - Allowed Apps: exclude browsers during risk times
4. Third-Party Mac Tools: - SelfControl: Free, open-source - Freedom: Cross-device blocking - 1Focus: Advanced scheduling
5. Safari Specific: - Preferences > Websites > Content Blockers - Install BlockBear or similar - Configure gambling keyword blocks
Immediate 30-Minute Protection Plan:
1. Quick Wins (5 minutes): - Delete all gambling apps NOW - Clear browser bookmarks and history - Log out of all gambling accounts - Delete saved passwords2. Essential Blocks (10 minutes): - Install BetBlocker (free, immediate protection) - Covers 84,000+ gambling sites - Works on all devices - No registration required
3. Payment Protection (10 minutes): - Call bank: activate gambling blocks - Remove cards from digital wallets - Set up separate account for daily expenses - Lower ATM withdrawal limits
4. Accountability Setup (5 minutes): - Give device passwords to trusted person - Take screenshot of all blocks enabled - Set calendar reminder to check blocks weekly - Join online accountability group
5. Emergency Barriers: - Write "STOP" on all payment cards - Set gambling hotline as favorite contact - Create phone wallpaper with recovery message - Enable app time limits immediately
Challenge 1: Technical Workarounds
Determined individuals can find ways around any blocking system through VPNs, different browsers, or device resets. Solution: Layer multiple blocking methods. Combine device blocks, router blocks, and payment blocks. Have someone else set passwords. Use blocks as speed bumps, not walls. Focus on making gambling inconvenient enough that urges pass. Consider Covenant Eyes for accountability monitoring.Challenge 2: "Research" Justifications
"I need to check odds," "I want to close my account," or "I'm just looking" become excuses to disable blocks. Solution: Have a trusted friend handle any legitimate needs. Accounts can be closed via email or phone. Odds don't matter if you're not betting. Recognize these thoughts as addiction talking. When tempted to research, call the helpline instead.Challenge 3: Multiple Devices
Blocking one device while having unrestricted access on others provides false security. Solution: Implement blocks on ALL devices simultaneously. Use router-level blocking for comprehensive home coverage. Consider temporarily giving up devices you can't effectively block. Use cloud-based solutions like Gamban that sync across devices.Challenge 4: Social Pressure
Friends sending betting tips, fantasy league invites, or casino trip invitations bypass technical blocks. Solution: Be direct: "I'm taking a break from all gambling." Block numbers if necessary. Mute gambling-related keywords on social media. True friends will support your recovery. Find new social activities that don't revolve around gambling.Challenge 5: Free Trial Expiration
Many blocking apps offer free trials that expire, leaving you unprotected at vulnerable moments. Solution: Set multiple calendar reminders before expiration. Use genuinely free alternatives like BetBlocker. Consider the small monthly cost as recovery investment. Ask family to help with payment if needed. Some services offer free licenses for those in financial hardship.Completely Free Blocking Software:
1. BetBlocker (betblocker.org) - 100% free forever - Blocks 84,230+ gambling sites - Available for all devices - No registration required - Parental control integration2. Cold Turkey (getcoldturkey.com) - Free version includes website blocking - Schedule-based restrictions - Frozen Turkey mode prevents changes - Blocks applications and websites - Windows and Mac compatible
3. LeechBlock NG - Free browser extension - Highly configurable - Password protection options - Available for Firefox and Chrome - Export/import block lists
4. StayFocusd (Chrome) - Free Chrome extension - Nuclear option for emergency blocking - Time-based restrictions - Blocks sites after time limit - Challenge questions to access settings
5. K9 Web Protection - Free family safety software - Categories include gambling - Real-time website analysis - Password override options - Works at router level