Their data also shows that gambling addiction is estimated to cost the UK up to £1.2b per year. Earlier this year, ThePOGG illustrated the growing issue of gambling in society with their guide on: ‘ Safer Gambling: Addressing the Issue of Problem Gambling ‘. If you would like to self-exclude from online gambling you can visit GAMSTOP (www.gamstop.co.uk) which now enables UK and NI residents to exclude themselves from all gambling sites licensed to operate in Great Britain for free, for a period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

With time, gamers who play in virtual gaming sites and brick and mortar casinos may feel the need to stop the habit especially when it is heading towards, or is already an addiction. Before trying to stop gambling, players need to understand why it is essential for them to join a program or opt for self-rehabilitation. This problem is sometimes referred to as a hidden condition because there are no visible signs that one is hooked on playing casino games. Some of the factors that show a gambler that they are addicted include:

• Being secretive about gambling

When it reaches the point where an individual has to hide when gaming, it means that there’s something to it than just playing for fun. Most of the gamers that feel the need to be secretive may be encountering subsequent losses and may have begun using money that was set aside for other activities for their gambling ventures. They may be doing this with the hope that they will win big and surprise the people around them.

• Have trouble controlling their venture

Time and money are two resources that go into gambling a whole lot. Gamers who cannot manage the time they spend in any gaming establishment or budget their gambling funds adequately are slipping into a problem. Apart from professional gamblers, the rest should have a grip on how much time and money they spend betting. When one is unable to control these two factors, they should consider getting help.

• Gambling money they don’t have

Only career gamblers strive to make a living out of gambling while other casinos users are known to visit gaming destinations for leisure. Cash spent in an online casino should not be a priority over other basic needs. If one is getting into debts and selling other things to raise money for playing, then it is a problem, and the player should start thinking of ways to stop.

• Gambling to control emotion

Some players resort to gambling when they are distressed about certain things. During the spur of the moment, it is possible to make decisions that will have a long-lasting ripple effect that may cause the player to get more stressed, making him or her play even more. Normal day life for most people is hectic, this then means that using gambling as a way to forget issues in life may become a more significant problem in the long run.

• Gambling to solve money problems

Once gaming becomes a focus for an individual to raise money for whatever purpose, it becomes difficult for them to disconnect from the habit. Chances that they will always fall back on gambling to solve their monetary problems may arise from time to time. The frequency of this happening is also high, which indicates that over time the problem will occur again.

There are many resources up on the internet that gamers can use to evaluate themselves to see if they have a gambling problem or not. Several tested quizzes have been availed, and any score above half the number of questions available shows that the gamer may have a problem. After identifying that one has a problem, the next phase is accepting the results and trying to find solutions. Gamblers can confide in their family or close associates on their issue so that they get support to help them through their recovery journey.

Tips to Help Stop Gambling

There are many ways for players to solve their betting issues as dictated by the severity of the problem. Some gamers are only starting to develop gambling problems, and it may be easier for them to control the habit and eventually stop. Other players have conditions that are deeply rooted and may take a lot of time and disciple to correct. Some of the tips that have been put across for players to fight their addiction to gamble are:

• Admit that they have a problem

The first step that gamers should take to help them stop gambling is to admit that they have a problem. Once this factor is out of the way, then other solutions can come in to help the gambler through the next phases of letting go. Self-acceptance is important because it places the player at a position of vulnerability where they accept that they need help, which then makes it easier for other people to come in and help.

• Seek support

Overcoming deeply rooted habits are hard for a person who is doing it alone. Enlisting the help of other people is beneficial in many ways. When seeking persons to confide in, players should go to an individual they have a connection with. Away from familiarity, gamers can join support groups that have been established to help recovering gamblers. Doing it alongside other people helps a player to open up about the underlying problems that may be manifesting through gambling.

• Find new or rekindle old hobbies

Finding something else to do during free times is a right way for players to fill the time they spent gaming. Being preoccupied with other exciting activities that players enjoy being a part of in most instances washes away the urge to gamble. The newfound interests can involve rigorous activities or players can opt for relaxing tasks that engage the brain to keep away from thinking about gambling. Gamblers who use virtual gaming sites that are available for mobile can find new games to play when they are in transit or during their short breaks. For a start, these gamers can go from staking real money to playing free games then finally stopping altogether.

• Plan activities to cover all the free time available

Planning plays a crucial role in helping gamers to fight their problems. Here, players plan their schedules with free times being filled up with the new interest that players would have discovered. Filling up free times leaves no opportunity for gambling thoughts to creep in. Having the discipline to stick to the pre-planned activities is the one factor that determines whether this tip will work towards helping a player achieve their objective or not.

• Pinpoint the self-sabotage triggers

During the self-evaluation process, gamers should be able to identify circumstances that push them to gamble even when deep down they know they shouldn’t. These factors arise mostly towards special occasions or when the players are anxious about something, and they need to let out some steam. Knowing which elements generate their urge to play is one factor that will help them develop coping mechanisms that will be effective in a specific situation.

These tips and many others on the internet may work for most players but not all. If the issue has been on for a while with no visible changes, then gamblers may seek professional help. Therapy has been proven to work for some people more effectively than others.

In Brief

To stop gambling is primarily a gambler’s initiative. It is an individual who chooses whether to gamble or not. The decision to start a clean-up is a gambler’s personal choice and must come from within them, not to please their family or friends but for their well-being. Individuals coming in to help must research so that they implement solutions that will have a long-lasting effect to prevent gamers from sliding back into their old habits.

Do you have any friends other than dealers at life casinos and animations from online slots? If not, the time has come for you to take a break from gambling right now.

To help you during this time, we decided to teach you how to block all gambling websites on mobile phones and laptops. From free tools to premium technologies, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself. Within several minutes you can active self-restriction, which can last anything from 24 hours to forever. The choice is all yours. You just must be willing to make it.

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If you notice symptoms of problem gambling and need a break, scroll down. Our iGaming experts have created the best guide on restricting your access to casino content. In this article, readers will:

• learn how to block betting content charge-free;
• find out the best gambling blockers for the UK and international players that aren’t free;
• discover how you can block casino websites via your mobile carrier;
• learn to restrict transactions to and from casino operators through your bank;
• find answers to the most asked questions on this topic.

How to Block Gambling Sites for Free?

Are you fed up with seeing a countless number of distracting gambling ads? Well, here are a few ways in which you can protect yourself from clicking those “baits” one more time. The solution for avoiding independent online casino is quick and easy. Below, find a list of free gambling blocking software. All options are easily accessed and efficient.

#1 Register at Gamstop Scheme

Gamstop is an excellent choice for gamblers who want a completely free tool. It doesn’t work for casinos that don’t use Gamstop, but it’s perfect for blocking UK operators. Registration with Gamstop takes several minutes. Within 24 hours, you can self-exclude from all UK gambling sites licensed by the UKGC.

#2 Try BetBlocker

One way to keep yourself safe from gambling websites is BetBlocker, a tool that helps you control your gambling urges. This free platform enables you to block casino sites on iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. Install it on as many devices as you wish.

#3 Block Gambling Transactions With your Bank

Another useful thing you can do is block gambling transactions with your bank. We have a full list of banks that allow you to block gambling transactions. Use it to discover whether your bank supports this option. Then, use the guidelines to self-restrict within several minutes.

#4 Block via Wi-Fi/Mobile Internet

An advanced method to quit casinos and bookies is to block gambling websites via Wi-Fi/Mobile Internet. All you need to do is use Content Advisor in Internet Explorer to manage Web access. To block access in browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, just edit the “Hosts” file.

#5 Use Inner Tools of Casino/Bookmaker

Are you are already registered at an online casino and just want to set limits? There is an easy way to limit the amount of time and money you spend gambling. Some online casinos offer inhouse self-restriction tools. These help customers impose their own limits on personal iGaming activities.

Paid Options to Block Gambling Websites

Free casino block tools are undoubtedly appropriate. However, there are a few cheap gambling blockers that you might find more useful if you always want to find out how to get around self-exclusion like Gamstop. Here, you will find more information about Gamban, NetNanny, Gamblock and BetFilter. We chose these blockers as the most suitable products when the value for money is considered. Read below to find out why:

1. Gamban. With a starting price of £24.99, Gamban app is an affordable gambling blocker for problem gamblers. The product boasts a broad reach that covers iGaming and betting sites. Plus, Gamban also blocks Facebook gambling games and other similar content. Users can test the product by subscribing to a free trial.
2. NetNanny. It is a top-rated content filtering tool. The 1 desktop option for PC & Mac costs $39.99, while an annual family pass is $59.99. It includes five devices, each $11 per year. What’s excellent about NetNanny is that you can use it even on Kindle Fire and iPad.
3. Gamblock. You can also block gambling sites on Samsung phone and other operation systems. This is possible according to Gamblock review. This platform uses sophisticated tech that blocks new gambling sites and content. The price for a yearly subscription to the Samsung self-exclusion plan is $200.40.
4. BetFilter. This is another useful online blocking software. BetFilter UK has been tested on people with an actual gambling problem. Hence, it provides real solutions. It is available only on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. Annual subscription for Windows costs $69.95, which makes BetFilter a pricey option.

How to Restrict Gambling Operators via Mobile Carriers?

There are a variety of ways to block gambling sites apart from installing free or paid blocking software. You can simply prevent receiving casino offers through your mobile carrier. This is possible for the users of Vodafone, EE, Virgin Media, 02 and Sky Broadband. Read below to find out how to restrict iGaming content on your mobile phone.

How to Block Gambling Transactions?

More and more banks are now enabling customers to block online gambling with credit card. It seems that these options have helped many to beat their gambling addiction. The number of people using such blocking services is increasing every day. Therefore, a lot of high-street banks developed apps or products that offer support to vulnerable customers:

Halifax

The UK bank brand Halifax has released a new feature on the mobile app. “Gambling card freeze” is here to help customers restrict their access to iGaming opportunities. The gambling transactions ban can be applied to any Halifax debit and credit card via the mobile app.

Barclays

Barclays is one of the first banks to introduce the blocking feature in their app. To turn off betting-related payments, you need to go to the “Merchant Control” section of the Barclays app. Afterward, simply switch the “Gambling” section to off.

HSBC

With HSBC, you can set and remove gambling restrictions. Just follow these simple steps: log on the HSBC UK Mobile Banking app using your Digital Secure Key. There, select “Account details” and then “Manage Cards.” Select “Gambling Restrictions” and choose the desired option for the card in question.

NatWest

Gambling block is a feature on NatWest that blocks iGaming transactions. You activate it by opening your mobile app and selecting your relevant credit card. Navigate to the “Manage my card” page. There, under “Lock Card Settings,” select “Gambling Transactions” to enable the lock.

Santander

How To Stop Gambling Uk 49s

This bank has also updated its mobile app to empower consumers to restrict access to gambling content. To activate this tool, you should visit the bank’s money management app called Spendlytics. There, just block gambling transactions and you won’t be able to upload funds to online casinos.

PayPal

Studies revealed that PayPal is a popular deposit method among problem gamblers. Still, until this day, it doesn’t offer a service that allows users to block betting and iGaming sites. Therefore, the best way to protect yourself from abusing your PayPal account is to cancel it altogether.

RBS

Access your RBS mobile app and choose your credit card. If you have more of them, you’ll have to repeat the process. Visit the “Manage my card” section and then find the “Lock Card Settings.” Select the “Gambling Transactions” checkbox to activate the RBS betting block.

How To Stop Gambling Uk Website

Lloyds

This bank has the same approach as RBS and Santander when it comes to blocking content. They enable this function via their mobile app only. Rather than blocking access and content, you prevent transactions. Visit your Lloyds mobile app, select a card, and restrict iGaming transfers.

Monzo

Ways To Stop Gambling

No gambling transaction will go through thanks to the Monzo gambling transaction blocker. Open your app, visit the “Account” tab, and select “Settings.” Access the “Control” and check the appropriate option. Alternatively, Monzo lets you activate this feature by contacting their customer care agents.

Gambling Block FAQs

How To Stop Gambling Online

🚀 What is the most effective way to stop gambling?

There is no single best way to prevent yourself from iGaming. Instead, you should take several measures and restrict your access to iGaming content. Getting a gambling blocker is the first step. Restriction such content via your mobile carrier and bank helps too.

🛑 Do these tools stop access to online casinos and betting sites?

Absolutely! Not only they prevent gambling content from popping up on your devices, but they have a vast range too. Depending on the solution you choose, you get a variety of blocking options.

🚫 How to block gambling ads?

There are many ways to block casino and betting ads. From installing free software solutions like BetBlocker to sophisticated paid alternatives like NetNanny. The options are many. Check with your mobile carrier and bank too. They may offer services that prevent gambling ads from appearing on your screen.

🆓 What is the best free tool?

Gamstop and BetBlocker are the two best gambling blockers that cost nothing.

💰 What is the best paid tool?

How To Stop Gambling Urges

This depends on your budget and expectations. Gamban, BetFilter, and Gamblock are all great products.

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