Mac and Windows Launch First
Choose Mac or Windows above and Detachr will keep the download matched to that computer. You can always switch platforms manually. One subscription covers all your compatible devices, for one person, with monthly and annual options. Mac and Windows launch October 1. The iPhone and Android apps planned for November 1 will be included in the same subscription. Each device needs its own installation and setup. Final compatibility and purchase terms will be confirmed before payment.
Until the signed release opens, use the practical Mac and Windows guides below to add controls available on your computer today.
What a Gambling Blocker Helps With
Gambling blocking software creates friction by making common gambling paths harder to reach. Coverage varies by device and operating system. Detachr pairs those access barriers with accountability and recovery prompts.
Gambling Websites
Helps block access to known gambling domains, including many sportsbooks, casino sites, poker rooms, lottery sites, and offshore gambling platforms.
App Access
Adds friction around gambling apps where device and platform controls allow it. For stronger coverage, combine blocking with app deletion and store restrictions.
Gambling Triggers
Helps reduce exposure to gambling-related sites and prompts, while your recovery plan should also include muting betting content and removing saved accounts.
Recovery Friction
Pairs blocking support with iMessage accountability, urge tracking, and reminders to use self-exclusion, money controls, and human support.
How to Block Sports Betting Apps
Start with the sportsbook account, then close access on each device. Deleting an app leaves its website available through a browser. Remove saved logins and payment methods, turn off betting alerts, and check account closure or self-exclusion before the next game.
- For a computer, follow the setup steps for blocking gambling sites on Mac or Windows. Include every browser you use to check scores or place bets.
- For a phone, use the current iPhone restriction steps or Android blocking guide. Check app installation, mobile data, and other devices too.
- Follow the official procedures for closing DraftKings or closing FanDuel, including the separate self-exclusion options and questions about remaining funds.
If live betting, parlays, or game-day promotions keep bringing you back, use our step-by-step plan to stop sports betting. It covers losses, money barriers, sports seasons, and support during a game.
How Detachr Works
Getting started takes less than five minutes. Here is how it works:
Install & Activate
Start with Detachr and turn on the blocker settings available for your device. The goal is to add a pause before gambling access becomes available.
Add Other Barriers
Delete gambling apps, remove saved payment methods, close accounts, and use self-exclusion so the blocker is one layer in a broader plan.
Track & Recover
Use Detachr check-ins and recovery tools to notice triggers, get through urges, and keep support close when motivation drops.
How Detachr Compares
There are several gambling blockers on the market. Here is an honest comparison:
| Feature | Detachr | Gamban | BetBlocker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block gambling websites | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app blocking support | Planned | Yes | Varies |
| Urge tracking | Yes | No | No |
| Recovery tools | Yes | No | No |
| Recovery accountability | Yes | No | No |
| Multi-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free tier available | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tamper-resistant | Yes | Yes | Partial |
Gamban
Gamban is a well-established gambling blocker available on all major platforms. It offers strong website and app blocking with a large domain database. It is a solid pure-blocking solution if that is the main layer you need. Detachr is focused more broadly on blocking support, accountability, and recovery routines.
BetBlocker
BetBlocker is a free, charity-run gambling blocker. It is a great option for people who cannot afford paid solutions. It blocks many gambling websites and offers broad device support. Its feature set and tamper resistance differ by platform, so compare the current setup instructions before relying on it as your only layer.
Why Choose Detachr?
Detachr is designed for people who want blocking support plus a recovery system they can use in the moments around an urge. The app pairs access barriers with iMessage accountability, urge tracking, and practical recovery prompts. Blocking can help, but it works best alongside self-exclusion, financial controls, and professional or peer support when needed.
Practical blocking setup guides
- Block gambling sites on Mac
Set up Screen Time, Safari restrictions, browser cleanup, DNS filtering, and account barriers on a Mac.
- Block gambling sites on Windows
Use Family Safety, Edge controls, browser cleanup, DNS filtering, and account barriers on a Windows PC.
- Block gambling apps on iPhone
Use Screen Time, content restrictions, and layered controls on iPhone.
- Block gambling apps on Android
Combine Play controls, Digital Wellbeing, DNS filtering, and a dedicated blocker.
- Block gambling sites on Chrome
Remove shortcuts and add browser, network, and device-level restrictions.
- Reduce gambling ads
Adjust ad preferences, notifications, feeds, and access barriers across platforms.
- Block gambling transactions
Ask what your bank supports and add backup financial barriers.
Beyond Blocking: A Complete Strategy
A gambling blocker is most effective when combined with other recovery strategies:
- Complete quitting plan for account closure, money protection, triggers, support, and the first seven days.
- Self-exclusion — Use voluntary exclusion programs where available. Program coverage varies by state and gambling type.
- Bank transaction blocks — Have your bank decline gambling transactions on your cards.
- Device-level blocking — Delete gambling apps, restrict app installs, and add browser or device controls before the next urge.
- Free recovery tools — Use assessments, timers, calculators, and trackers to add structure around the blocker.
- Professional support — Consider counseling, Gamblers Anonymous, or other support groups for the behavioral and emotional parts of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gambling blocker app?
A gambling blocker app is software that helps reduce access to gambling websites and, depending on the platform, gambling apps or related content. Gambling blockers are used by people in recovery to create friction between an urge and a bet.
Can I bypass a gambling blocker?
Good gambling blockers are designed to be tamper-resistant. While no blocker is 100% bypass-proof, features like removal delays, password protection by a trusted person, and system-level integration make it very difficult to disable during an urge. The goal is not perfection but creating enough friction to interrupt impulsive behavior.
Do gambling blockers slow down my internet?
Modern gambling blockers have negligible impact on internet speed. They filter traffic locally on your device, checking requested domains against a block list. This process takes milliseconds and does not noticeably affect browsing, streaming, or other internet activities.
How is Detachr different from Gamban?
Gamban is a dedicated gambling blocker. Detachr is being built around blocking support plus iMessage accountability, urge tracking, and recovery friction, so the product focus is broader than blocking alone.
Is a gambling blocker enough to stop gambling?
A gambling blocker is an important tool, but it works best as part of a broader strategy that includes self-exclusion from gambling platforms, financial controls like bank transaction blocks, professional counseling or support groups, and personal accountability partners. Think of a blocker as one layer in a defense-in-depth approach.
Ready to block gambling for good?
Detachr combines phone blocking support with iMessage accountability, urge tracking, and recovery tools.
Start in iMessageDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. If you are experiencing a gambling problem, please contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET or consult a qualified professional.