How to Block Gambling Sites on Chrome (2026 Guide)

Chrome is the world's most popular browser, and it is where most online gambling happens. Whether you gamble on sports betting sites, online casinos, or poker rooms, blocking these sites in Chrome is a critical step toward recovery. This guide covers every method — from simple extensions to network-level blocking.

Why Blocking Gambling Sites in Chrome Matters #

Most gambling today happens through a web browser. Even if you have deleted gambling apps, you can still access every major sportsbook and casino through Chrome in seconds. Bookmarked sites, saved passwords, and autofill data make it even easier to slip back.

Blocking gambling sites in Chrome creates friction — that critical pause between an urge and acting on it. Research consistently shows that reducing gambling accessibility is one of the most effective harm-reduction strategies available.

Before You Start: Clean Up Chrome #

Before setting up blocks, remove the easy paths back to gambling:

1. Delete bookmarks for all gambling sites.
2. Clear saved passwords: Go to chrome://password-manager/passwords and delete any gambling site credentials.
3. Clear browsing data: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data. Select "All time" and check Browsing history, Cookies, and Cached images.
4. Remove gambling sites from autofill: Go to Settings > Addresses and more, and delete any saved gambling site addresses.

Method 1: Use a Site-Blocking Chrome Extension #

Chrome extensions are the quickest way to block specific gambling websites. Several free extensions can block sites and make it difficult to undo the blocks.

Recommended Extensions

• BlockSite: Lets you add specific URLs to a block list. Supports password protection and scheduling. Free tier available.
• StayFocusd: Originally a productivity tool, but works well for blocking gambling sites. You can set sites to "Nuclear Option" for time-locked blocking.
• Bet Blocker: A free extension specifically designed to block gambling websites. Maintained by a gambling-harm charity.

How to Set Up BlockSite

1. Open the Chrome Web Store and search for "BlockSite."
2. Click Add to Chrome and confirm the installation.
3. Click the BlockSite extension icon in your toolbar and go to Settings.
4. Add gambling domains to the block list. Start with major sites:
   • draftkings.com
   • fanduel.com
   • betmgm.com
   • caesars.com
   • bet365.com
   • pokerstars.com
   • bovada.lv
   • mybookie.ag
   • betrivers.com
   • pointsbet.com
5. Enable password protection and have a trusted person set the password so you cannot remove the blocks yourself.
6. Consider adding keyword blocks for terms like "sportsbook," "online casino," and "sports betting" to catch sites you may not have listed.

Limitation: Chrome extensions only work in Chrome. If you switch to Firefox, Edge, or another browser, the blocks do not follow. Extensions can also be removed if you have admin access to your computer. For stronger protection, use system-level blocking (Methods 3 or 4).

Method 2: Use Chrome's Built-in Safety Settings #

While Chrome does not have a dedicated site-blocking feature, its safety settings can reduce your exposure to gambling content:

1. Enable Safe Browsing (Enhanced Protection): Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Security, and select Enhanced protection. This helps flag dangerous and deceptive gambling sites.
2. Block notifications from gambling sites: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Notifications. Find any gambling sites in the "Allowed" list and switch them to "Block." Better yet, set the default to "Don't allow sites to send notifications."
3. Block pop-ups and redirects: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Pop-ups and redirects, and ensure it is set to "Don't allow."
4. Disable JavaScript for gambling sites: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > JavaScript > Add under "Not allowed to use JavaScript." Add gambling domains to render them non-functional.

These settings reduce gambling triggers but do not fully block site access. Use them alongside stronger methods.

Method 3: Block Gambling at the Router Level #

Router-level blocking is more powerful than browser-based methods because it works across every device and every browser on your home network. You cannot bypass it by switching browsers or using incognito mode.

Option A: Change Your Router's DNS Settings

1. Log into your router's admin panel (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Find the DNS settings (usually under WAN, Internet, or Network settings).
3. Replace the existing DNS servers with a family-safe DNS provider:
   • CleanBrowsing Family: 185.228.168.168 and 185.228.169.168
   • OpenDNS Family Shield: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123
   • Cloudflare Families: 1.1.1.3 and 1.0.0.3
4. Save your settings and restart the router.

Option B: Use a Custom DNS Service with a Block List

Services like NextDNS or Pi-hole let you create custom block lists. You can add gambling-specific lists that block thousands of gambling domains automatically. NextDNS is the easiest option — sign up for free, enable the "Gambling" category filter, and point your router or device DNS to the NextDNS servers.

Pro tip: Change your router admin password and have a trusted person hold it. This prevents you from reverting the DNS changes during an urge.

Method 4: Use a Dedicated Gambling Blocker #

System-level gambling blockers work across Chrome and every other browser on your device. Unlike extensions, they cannot be bypassed by switching browsers, and they typically include tamper-resistant features that make removal difficult.

Detachr

Detachr provides device-level blocking that covers Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and every other browser simultaneously. It maintains an updated database of gambling domains, blocks gambling ads, and includes recovery tools like urge tracking. Detachr works on desktop and mobile, so your blocks follow you across devices.

Other Options

• Gamban: A well-known gambling blocker available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Subscription-based with device-level blocking.
• BetBlocker: A free, charity-run gambling blocker available on multiple platforms. Offers browser extensions and mobile apps.

Recommended: The Multi-Layer Approach #

For the strongest protection, combine multiple methods:

1. Install a gambling blocker app for system-level protection.
2. Add a Chrome extension as a visible reminder that blocks are in place.
3. Change your router DNS to a family-safe provider to protect your entire home network.
4. Self-exclude from gambling platforms to have your accounts closed.
5. Block gambling transactions at the bank level for a financial safety net.

Also consider blocking gambling on your mobile devices. See our guides for blocking gambling on iPhone and blocking gambling on Android.