How to Block Gambling Apps and Sites on Your Phone

Elsa Updated on Sep 17, 2025 Filed to: Blocker

Gambling content (apps, sites, pop-ups) is almost everywhere on our smartphones. However, exposure to them may lead to a financial disaster, a time waste, or even addiction. The great thing? You can easily stop gambling applications and websites on your phone.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to block gambling apps and websites on your phone, plus share extra tips to help you or your loved ones stay in control.

Why You Need to Block Gambling Content

  • Overcome gambling addiction

"Play one hand, win real cash!" Since gambling is highly engaging, some people indulge in it. Blocking access helps reduce temptation and get rid of gambling addiction.

  • Protect your kids or teens
  • Parents or guardians may want to block gambling apps and sites to shield their kids and teens from early exposure.

  • Prevent financial losses
  • Gambling apps or websites are designed to make you spend money. By removing access to them, you are saving yourself from various financial risks and the stress that follows losing money.

  • Boost productivity and focus
  • Addictive gambling content can be distracting and suck in an outrageous amount of time. Employees or individuals may block gambling content to stay focused.

  • Develop a more secure online space

Most gambling websites and apps come with lots of external ads, which may lead you to scam platforms or download malware. By blocking them, online risks can be reduced.

Built-in Tools to Block Gambling Apps and Sites

Nowadays, your phone's apps have built-in functions to limit certain apps or websites. That said, you can block gambling apps and sites on your phone without the need for additional software or a fee. Here is how.

Apple Screen Time (iPhone & iPad)

Apple Screen Time is a useful tool not only for tracking how long you're on your iOS devices but also for setting restrictions on specific apps and websites. By customizing Screen Time settings, you can prevent yourself (or your kids) from accessing gambling platforms.

To block gambling apps:

  1. Step 1.Go to "Settings > Screen Time."
  2. Step 2.Go to "App Limits" to add limits.
  3. Step 3.Pick the gambling app on your iPhone.
  4. Step 4.Set a very short time limit (0 minute) for it so that access is blocked.
  5. block gambling app on iPhone

To block gambling websites:

  1. Step 1.Navigate to "Screen Time" in settings.
  2. Step 2.Tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions" and flip the switch to turn it on.
  3. Step 3.Choose "App Store, Media, Web, and Games > Web Content."
  4. Step 4.Pick "Limit Adult Websites."
  5. Step 5.Input the URLs of gambling websites one by one under the "Never Allow" section.
  6. block gambling sites on iPhone

If typing in the URLs one by one is too much of a hassle, you can also use AirDroid to block the entire category of gambling websites.

Digital Wellbeing (Android)

For Android users, Digital Wellbeing works in a similar way to Apple's Screen Time. It's integrated into most Android devices (e.g., Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.) and helps you set time limits. Now, follow these steps to set up Digital Wellbeing to restrict access to gambling apps.

Digital Wellbeing doesn't support blocking websites currently. If you need to do so, try third-party apps.
  1. Step 1.Go to "Settings." Select "Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls."
  2. Step 2.Choose "App timers."
  3. Step 3.Locate the gambling app that you want to limit.
  4. Step 4.Just hit the "hourglass" icon beside that app. Change the timer to 0 minutes so that you block the app instantly.
  5. limit gambling apps on Android

Tips: How do I stop myself from reinstalling gambling apps?

  • Despite blocking apps, there is often a strong desire to reinstall them if you are struggling with self-control. Luckily, iPhones and Android devices have options that can be used to stop gambling apps from being reinstalled.
  • For iPhone: Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps > Don't Allow.
  • For Android: Navigate to Play Store > your profile > Settings > Family > Parental controls > set a PIN. Then, restrict downloading apps that are rated for 18+.

Third-party Gambling Blockers for iPhone and Android

As you can see, the built-in tools come with limitations. Therefore, you may look for third-party blockers as a better alternative. Here are two gambling blockers for different uses:

1AirDroid Gambling Blocker

Designed for families, AirDroid Gambling Blocker helps block not only gambling apps but also websites on both iPhone and Android. With it, parents can restrict harmful gambling content from their kids' phones remotely.

AirDroid website restrictionsURL blacklist

Key features for blocking gambling content:

  • Block gambling apps with one click.
  • Restrict all websites related to gambling without inputting URLs one by one.
  • Monitor if there is gambling content on social media.
  • Trigger alerts in real-time every time your child is attempting to open restricted gambling apps or sites.

Pros

  • Has an online version.
  • Remote blocking.
  • Difficult to bypass the filter or uninstall.
  • Offers other monitoring features.

Cons

  • Only 3-day free trial.
  • Best for families, not individuals.

2BetBlocker

BetBlocker is a free gambling blocker aimed at those who want to quit gambling addictions. Though it doesn't block gambling apps, you can set up restrictions for a chosen period—anything from 24 hours to permanent blocking. During this period, you're not able to access any gambling-related websites.

BetBlocker app

Key features for blocking gambling content:

  • Schedule downtime during which you cannot access gambling websites.
  • Has a preset gambling websites library (more than 119,900 sites) for blocking.
  • Can block websites that include gambling info.
  • Can function as parental control software to filter gambling and other adult content for children.

Pros

  • Not easy to bypass the time schedule.
  • Free to use.
  • Works on PC and mobile.

Cons

  • Can't block apps.
  • Doesn't offer an online version.
  • Customizing the site blacklist is not available.

Get Help and Support If You Have a Gambling Addiction

Blocking apps and websites is a powerful first step, but if you're already struggling with gambling addiction, technology alone may not be enough. This time, you don't have to face it on your own; reaching out for professional support can make a huge difference.

Here are some ways to get support:

  • Become a member of Gamblers Anonymous (GA) or other support groups.
  • Call a local gambling helpline for help that is completely private.
  • Talk with a doctor or psychologist who specializes in the addiction field.

📞Key gambling helplines you can contact:

RegionHelpline & Contact Details
USANational Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
UKNational Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 or live chat via GamCare
CanadaCanada Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
AustraliaGambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au
InternationalGamblers Anonymous – global support meetings: www.gamblersanonymous.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to stop gambling messages on iPhone?
To stop annoying gambling texts on your iPhone, go to "Settings > Apps > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders. Also, you can report the message as junk.
Are there free tools to block gambling apps and sites?
Yes! The built-in iPhone's Screen Time, Android's Digital Wellbeing, and free trials of the tool like AirDroid allow you to block gambling apps or sites.
Can banks block gambling transactions?
Yes. Most banks offer the "card locking" feature to limit spending on gambling. To set it up, contact your bank for details.
How to block gambling ads on Facebook?
Navigate to Facebook "Settings > Accounts Center > Ad Preferences > Ad Topics > Special topic." Then, turn off the switch next to "Gambling." After that, the number of gambling ads gets reduced.
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Elsa
Elsa
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
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