Betting is a popular pastime worldwide and comes with the opportunity of winning real money. Modern technology also delivers premium-quality graphics, and 3D immersive experiences, and operators complement this with generous bonuses. Although most players gamble responsibly, some may face a challenge when it comes time to quit. It is vital to gamble responsibly to avoid the negative impacts of compulsive gambling, and game blocking is one of the tools at your disposal. If you decide to stop placing bets on sport, below we explore available options for blocking a betting site or taking time from online gambling.
National Self-Exclusion Schemes
Many jurisdictions with regulated gambling markets have a national self-exclusion program enforced on all operators in the region. A great example is UK’s GamStop national self-exclusion implemented as a mandatory requirement for all operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Players can register on GamStop to exclude from all gambling websites in the UK. However, there are various sites not affected by GamStop from credible offshore commissions in other jurisdictions. Since no law prohibits gambling on offshore sites, UK punters can continue playing online despite actively registering on GamStop. Other national self-exclusion schemes that are pretty similar to UK’s GamStop include:
- SpelPaus – SpelPaus is the GamStop equivalent in Sweden and is enforced as a mandatory license requirement for operators in Sweden. The scheme was released in 2019 and allows players to self-exclude from all online gambling websites licensed by the Swedish authority. Unlike GamStop, SpelPaus offers exclusion terms as short as one month, although players can choose three months, six months, and indefinite duration. However, the scheme is free and offers support to vulnerable players who want to avoid gambling harm.
- ROFUS – Danish players looking for a way to exclude from online and land-based betting shops in Denmark can sign up on ROFUS for free. The scheme offers a register for players who have voluntarily taken a temporary or permanent break from all types of gambling in the country. Unlike GamStop, ROFUS covers online and land-based bookmakers. However, the mechanics are pretty similar, although ROFUS uses NEMID to register and identify players. Once you are registered on the scheme, you won’t access any real money gambling products from gambling operators licensed in Denmark until your self-exclusion term expires.
- SENSE – The Self Enrolment National Self Exclusion program (SENSE) is designed for UK land-based operators and is the GamStop equivalent when you want to self-exclude from offline betting shops. SENSE is run by the National Casino Forum and offers players who prefer land-based providers a chance to take temporary breaks of six months to five years, away from gambling products in the UK. Like GamStop, the scheme only affects UK operators, so players can continue to bet on independent gambling operators.
Game Blockers
National self-exclusion schemes are limited to the jurisdictions of the license and leave many games. If you intend to block all forms of gambling, game blockers offer the best solutions. Most are apps you can install on your phone and computer to block access to all online gambling websites and promotions. Some of the popular game blockers include:
- Gamban – The Gamban app allows you to block access to EU online gambling sites and sportsbooks. It uses a database that lists more than 13,000 online gambling sites and regularly adds new operators to the library. The app is irremovable until the end of the expiry term specified.
- Gamblock – This is another reputable game blocker available for players looking to self-exclude from EU gambling sites. Gamblock was founded in 2000 and uses sophisticated algorithms to block access to all gambling-related material, including gambling sites and promotions. Unlike other options, it doesn’t require a database.
- BetBlocker – As you can tell from the name, BetBlocker is designed to block access to online betting. It uses a database and advanced algorithms to restrict access to all gambling websites, including emails, promotions, adverts, pop-ups, feeds, etc.
There are various other notable game blockers, including Betfilter and NetNanny. These solutions come with one major drawback; players must install the app across all devices they use to gamble or easily use a different gadget to continue betting.
Internal Sportsbooks Tools
All reputable gambling sites offer internal self-exclusion schemes and features. You’ll encounter cool-off and time off periods, deposit limits, maximum loss, and other frameworks to help you maintain a healthy gambling habit through self-exclusion. You can self-exclude from every account you have, and all schemes are free. However, internal casino tools only apply to the specific site, which means you can join and play on any other site. They work best as a complement to other solutions, such as national self-exclusion programs and game blockers. Players also find them more flexible.
Conclusion
There are many ways to block a betting site depending on where you are and the platforms you visit. For instance, if you live in the UK, you can use a combination of GamStop and game blockers to self-exclude from the UK and non-UK gambling sites, respectively. On the other hand, if you are in Sweden, you can use SpelPaus. Just make sure you read all details about the service and T&Cs. Some schemes offer flexible terms, while others are strict and irremovable. Your choice will depend on what you want to achieve.
