Third-party gambling blocker apps and software sit on your phone, tablet or computer and stop that individual device from reaching gambling sites and apps. It doesn’t matter which operator runs a gambling platform, because blocker apps work at a device level, which makes them a different beast to schemes like GAMSTOP.In the UK, several of the strong blocker apps are completely free, and alongside tools such as deposit limits, blocking software gives you an extra layer of protection exactly where the temptation is, that being the device that is in your hand.What is a third-party gambling blocker?A third-party gambling blocker prevents your device from opening gambling websites and apps, regardless of which company operates them. You install a blocker on your phone, activate a restriction and the software will then block access in the background.It does not matter if that site has a UKGC license or not, because if it is a gambling site, then the blocker will stop access to it.This is different from tools such as GAMSTOP, which works as a national self-exclusion tool, instructing UKGC-licensed operators to stop your account access. Third party blockers stop your device from accessing the actual websites/apps and GAMSTOP stops you from logging in and using UKGC-licensed sites.You can use both in conjunction, and when I tested BetBlocker on an Android phone, it sat in the background with no issues and exactly what it was meant to: it stopped loading any gambling site domains, even when I tested those that weren’t UK-licensed.How do gambling blockers differ from GAMSTOP?Knowing how gambling blockers differ from GAMSTOP is really important for responsible gambling basics, and as I’ve already outlined, it’s fairly simple.The core difference is how they both operate, with GAMSTOP acting as a self-exclusion register, where you sign up once and it instructs every online operator licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.Blocking software takes a completely different route, as it stops access at the device level rather than asking operators to act and to block you from using an account on their site/app.That difference is really important to note, as GAMSTOP only reaches operators that are licensed in the United Kingdom, meaning that it has no authority over the hundreds of unlicensed, offshore sites that accept UK players without a UKGC license.You may have seen adverts for these “non-GAMSTOP” casinos, and they operate without a UKGC licence, but a device-level blocker doesn’t have that boundary, so it plugs that gap GAMSTOP leaves.If you run both GAMSTOP and a device blocker together then you’ve got a strong level of coverage, and it is actually the best level of protection available to a UK player right now in 2026.Gambling blockers comparedHere is a quick look of the main gambling blockers available before we go into detail on each one:ToolCostDevicesBest forBetBlockerFreeUnlimitedAnyone wanting free anonymous protection across multiple devicesGambanSubscription (free in Wales; free trial elsewhere)Up to 15Users who want an award-winning blocker and don’t mind a subscriptionGamBlockPaidLicence-basedPersonal users plus workplaces, schools and institutionsGAMSTOPFreeN/A (operator-level)Excluding yourself from all UK-licensed operators at onceBetBlockerBetBlocker is arguably the best of the blocking software, and it’s the one I would suggest to most people first.The app is free and a registered charity in Scotland (registration number SC049565) funded entirely through grants and donations. There are no ads and there is no product that they’re trying to upsell, so you’re just getting the gambling blocker.As of writing, the app blocks more than 782,500 gambling websites and over 3,100 apps, and that list updates regularly as new sites appear online.Setup for BetBlocker is really simple, and it took me less than two minutes to get it working on my mobile. There’s no registration, no email address or name needed, so you can use it completely anonymously. On top of that, you can install BetBlocker on as many different devices as you like, with absolutely no limit.The calendaring feature is a great touch as well, as rather than one continuous block, you can schedule restrictions for times where you’re most vulnerable (like weekends, the days after payday, holidays etc). I set a weekend restriction and it switched on and off exactly as scheduled.Something to bear in mind, though, is that once a restriction is active, you can’t remove it early. That’s the whole point, really, and support won’t lift it for you either.When a restriction of two months or long comes to an end, then a one-week cooling-off period will apply before it fully lifts, which gives you 7 days to reconsider what you want to do before access returns. Plus, because the app doesn’t limit itself to any one country’s licensees, it catches the unlicensed operators that GAMSTOP is unable to.GambanGamban is an award-winning blocker that can be installed on up to 15 devices and blocks over 100,000 gambling websites and apps worldwide, updating its blocklist automatically as new sites surface. It’s polished, and it is effective, plus it works across desktop and mobile from a single account.The catch with Gamban is the cost, as it recently changed.The TalkBanStop partnership, which gave every UK resident Gamban free through GamCare, came to an end on March 31st 2026. Since then, Gamban has moved to a subscription model in England and Scotland, offered as a 7-day free trial that rolls into a paid plan (although it remains free in Wales).If you’re in England or Scotland and want to access a free tool, then BetBlocker is the based like-for-like option at this point in time.GamBlockGamBlock is a paid service and it is one of the original names in gambling blocking software. Rather than relying on a list of known sites, it uses heuristics to identify and block gambling pages, including new ones that haven’t been catalogued yet. GamBlock argues that this closes the gap that list-based blockers tend to leave open. GamBlock is built for personal use, but it is also aimed at workplaces, schools, libraries and other institutions that want assurance gambling can’t take place on their machines. The software runs on Windows, Apple and Android, with discounts available for protecting multiple devices.If you want a heuristic-based blocker and don’t mind if you need to pay (especially if it is for business use), then GamBlock is really worth looking at.GAMSTOPAs already noted, GAMSTOP isn’t blocking software at all, it’s a free national self-exclusion scheme, but it does belong here as it has a similar function and can be used in conjunction with other tools.You just need to register once for GAMSTOP and it instructs every UKGC-licensed online operator to deny you service, closing existing accounts and blocking new ones across the licensed market in a single step. You can self-exclude on GAMSTOP for a period of six months, one year or five years.How to block gambling websitesThe process for blocking gambling websites is pretty much the same whichever tool you decide to use, so start by choosing one from the comparison table above, then follow these general steps:Download or register with your chosen tool: Again BetBlocker and GAMSTOP are free, Gamban offers a free trial before subscription and GamBlock is a paid service (BetBlocker and Gamban are both available on the App Store for iPhone)Select a restriction period: Blocking software lets you set anything from a single day to several years, so think about how long you want to be excluded from gambling sites for.Install the blocker on every device you use: Make sure that the blocker you use is installed on every device you own, so phones, tablets and desktops. This is a step that a lot of people skip, just installing it on one device, but if you’ve got potential access to a gambling site on a particular device, it’s always worth putting the block on there too.Applying the blocker to every device you own is what really makes this effective, as a single unblocked screen can undo everything for you. For players who want to go further, there are tools that limit the gambling content you see on social media, which is another area you need to consider when trying to avoid potential triggers.Should I use a gambling blocker alongside GAMSTOP?Yes, absolutely. Using a gambling blocker alongside GAMSTOP gives you the most complete protection available for a UK player right now.As noted, GAMSTOP covers every UKGC-licensed operator and the blocking software should then cover everything else, including the unlicensed offshore sites that sit outside of GAMSTOP’s authority completely. Neither tool replaces the other, but the overlap between the two is where the strength of protection really lies.The best way to think of this is two locks on the same door: GAMSTOP shuts out the licensed market and the blocker will shut out anything else.For players that want to continue gambling rather than stopping entirely, reality checks and time limits are available at all UKGC-licensed operators and offer a lighter level of control. But, if your goal is to stop, or to take a real break from gambling, then GAMSTOP-plus-gambling-blocker is the best option.Where to get further support If you’re struggling with gambling, or are worried about someone who is, then these organisations offer free, confidential help:GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, which is available 24 hours a day for free advice, support and treatment for anyone in the UK.GambleAware provides information, tools and signposting to help you understand and reduce gambling harm for yourself or someone you know.GAMSTOP allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites in a single and free registration.FAQ1. Are gambling blockers free?Some gambling blockers are free, and some are not.BetBlocker is completely free, as it is a charity funded by donations. GAMSTOP self-exclusion is also free. Gamban moved to a subscription model in England and Scotland after the TalkBanStop partnership ended in March 2026, although it remains free in Wales and offers a 7-day free trial elsewhere. GamBlock is also a paid service.Some are, some aren’t. BetBlocker is completely free and always will be — it’s a charity funded by donations. GAMSTOP self-exclusion is also free. Gamban moved to a subscription in England and Scotland after the TalkBanStop partnership ended in March 2026, though it stays free in Wales and offers a 7-day free trial elsewhere. GamBlock is a paid service.2. What is the difference between BetBlocker and GAMSTOP?BetBlocker is software that blocks gambling sites and apps on your device, whereas GAMSTOP is a national self-exclusion register that instructs UK-licensed operators to deny you service but has no reach over unlicensed, offshore sites.BetBlocker works on your device and GAMSTOP works with the operators, so using both together covers the widest range.3. Can I bypass a gambling blocker once it is activated?You cannot bypass a gambling blocker once it has been activated, as that is the point of the software/app.BetBlocker cannot be removed before your chosen restriction period ends, and the support team will not lift an active restriction for you. GamBlock is also designed to survive factory resets. 4. Do gambling blockers work on mobile devices?Yes, BetBlocker, Gamban and GamBlock all run on mobile devices.BetBlocker can be installed on an unlimited number of devices and Gamban covers up to 15. You just need to remember to install the blocker on every device you have, like phones, tablets and computers, to make sure that there are no gaps or potential triggers for vulnerable users.5. How to block gambling websites on iPhone?You can block gambling websites on iPhone using BetBlocker or Gamban, which are both available to download from the App Store.Both of these apps are free to download and take under two minutes each to set up. Once activated, the apps run in the background blocking gambling sites. However, if you want to add an extra layer of protection, you can also use the iPhone’s built-in Screen Time settings to block specific websites through the content restrictions feature.About the authorDaniel SmythDaniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.Follow Daniel on Twitter and LinkedInCommercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.