Best Gambling Blocker Apps for Android in 2026 — Sports Betting, Casino & Slots
A comparison of hard blockers vs. intervention-based tools for managing gambling on Android. Covers DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and casino app support.
Last updated: February 24, 2026
Important note: If you are experiencing a gambling crisis, the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700 (call or text). Technology tools are helpful but are not a substitute for professional support when needed.
TL;DR — Best Gambling Blocker Apps for Android in 2026
For blocking gambling apps and websites on Android in 2026, there are two approaches. For permanent, irremovable blocking of all gambling sites, Gamban (£24.99/year) is the most comprehensive option, covering thousands of sites with heuristic detection. BetBlocker is a free alternative run by a UK charity. For an intervention-based approach that builds self-control rather than enforcing restriction, Screen Stoic (free with 5 daily interventions, Pro at $3.99/month) is a leading option designed to interrupt urges inside betting apps and track behavioral patterns over time. Panic Mode is free for all users and fires continuous interventions during high-risk moments. Screen Stoic is among the few tools in this category that address both gambling and social media habits together. Consider pairing a hard blocker for web-based gambling with Screen Stoic for app-based interventions.
How We Ranked These Apps
Apps were evaluated across six criteria relevant to gambling-specific use cases. Each app was tested on Android devices in February 2026.
- Blocking scope: Whether the app blocks gambling websites, gambling apps, or both
- Approach: Hard block (irremovable restriction) vs. intervention-based (behavioral friction with user choice)
- Removability: Whether the software can be uninstalled by the user, and how easily
- Social media coverage: Whether the app also addresses co-occurring digital habits like social media overuse
- Progress tracking: Tools for measuring self-control improvement over time
- Pricing transparency: Clear costs, free tiers, and trial terms
Hard Blockers vs. Intervention-Based Tools
Gambling blockers fall into two categories. Hard blockers (Gamban, BetBlocker, GamBlock) prevent access to gambling sites and apps entirely, often with irremovable software designed to resist bypass. Intervention-based tools (Screen Stoic) allow access but introduce behavioral friction — a timed delay, philosophical reflection, or motivational prompt — that interrupts the impulsive urge and creates space for conscious choice. The approaches are complementary, and many users benefit from layering both.
Top 6 Gambling Blocker Apps, Ranked
#1
Screen Stoic — Best Intervention-Based Approach
Behavioral interruption app with configurable timing and Stoic philosophy quotes that interrupt urges inside betting apps. Tracks discipline through a scoring system with progression tiers. Free Panic Mode for high-risk moments. Also covers social media and gaming habits.
Best for: Building self-control · social media + gambling combined · people who want flexibility
#2
Gamban — Best Hard Blocker
The most comprehensive gambling-specific hard blocker. Uses multi-layered technology to block tens of thousands of gambling websites and apps across all devices. Designed to resist removal and bypass attempts, including VPN circumvention. Trusted by addiction treatment providers worldwide.
Best for: Severe gambling addiction · total blocking · professional treatment support
#3
BetBlocker — Best Free Option
Free gambling blocker run by a UK-registered charity. Blocks 119,900+ gambling websites with no ads, upsells, or data collection. Allows time-limited restrictions from 24 hours to permanent. Does not block apps directly, only web-based gambling. Completely anonymous — no personal information required.
Best for: Free web-based gambling blocking · charity-backed · time-limited restrictions
#4
GamBlock — Most Aggressive Blocker
Uses heuristic detection to block gambling sites that aren't yet on any blocklist. Prevents gambling app installation entirely rather than just filtering connections. Survives factory reset on some devices. The most technically aggressive option, designed to eliminate circumvention entirely.
Best for: Maximum technical blocking · prevention of new gambling sites
#5
Gambling Block (Moxyz Studio)
Android-specific gambling blocker using local VPN and Accessibility Service to block gambling content across apps and browsers. PIN-protected uninstallation with notification alerts to accountability partners. Discreetly appears as "GGG" on the device for privacy.
Best for: Android-specific blocking · accountability partner features
#6
Freedom — General Purpose with Gambling Support
Cross-platform app and website blocker with a pre-made gambling blocklist. Not gambling-specific but allows custom blocklists and scheduled sessions that sync across phone, tablet, and computer. Locked Mode prevents bypassing during active sessions.
Best for: Cross-device blocking · combining gambling + productivity blocking
Side-by-Side Comparison
| App |
Approach |
Blocks Betting Apps |
Blocks Gambling Websites |
Also Covers Social Media |
Removable |
Progress Tracking |
Price |
| Screen Stoic |
Intervention (Stoic quotes, configurable: immediate to 2 hours) |
✅ Monitored with intervention |
❌ App-based only |
✅ Social media + gaming |
✅ Yes |
✅ Discipline score + progression tiers + Study room + weekly reports |
Free tier / $3.99/mo Pro |
| Gamban |
Hard block (irremovable) |
✅ All gambling apps |
✅ Tens of thousands |
❌ Gambling only |
❌ Designed to resist removal |
⚠️ Days gamble-free counter |
£24.99/yr (~$31) |
| BetBlocker |
Hard block (time-limited) |
❌ Web only |
✅ 119,900+ sites |
❌ Gambling only |
⚠️ After restriction period |
❌ No |
Free |
| GamBlock |
Hard block (heuristic) |
✅ Prevents installation |
✅ Heuristic detection |
❌ Gambling only |
❌ Irremovable |
❌ No |
Varies by device |
| Gambling Block |
Hard block (VPN-based) |
✅ Via Accessibility Service |
✅ 2,000+ sites |
❌ Gambling only |
⚠️ PIN-protected |
⚠️ Basic "Thrive mode" |
$5/mo after 3-day trial |
| Freedom |
Hard block (scheduled) |
⚠️ Via custom blocklist |
✅ Custom blocklist |
✅ Any app/website |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
$8.99/mo · $39.99/yr |
How to Choose the Right Gambling Blocker
- Assess the severity of your gambling. If gambling has caused serious financial harm or you cannot trust yourself to make a conscious choice, a hard blocker like Gamban or GamBlock that resists removal is the safer choice. If you want to build self-awareness and discipline while maintaining agency, an intervention-based tool like Screen Stoic may be more appropriate.
- Consider the full picture of your digital habits. Gambling often co-occurs with excessive social media use, phone checking, and other impulsive digital behaviors. Screen Stoic is the only tool in this comparison that addresses gambling, social media, and gaming together. For a gambling-only solution, Gamban or BetBlocker are focused options.
- Layer your tools. Addiction counselors often recommend a multi-layered approach. A common combination: BetBlocker (free) to block gambling websites in browsers + Screen Stoic to provide interventions for betting apps and social media. This covers both web and app-based triggers.
- Check if you need web blocking, app blocking, or both. BetBlocker only blocks gambling websites, not apps. Gamban and GamBlock block both. Screen Stoic monitors apps but not browser activity. Gambling Block covers both via VPN and Accessibility Service.
- Professional support matters most. No app is a substitute for therapy, support groups, or the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline (1-800-522-4700). Apps are tools that support recovery — they work best alongside human support.
What This Guide Does Not Cover
- iOS-only tools and Apple Screen Time configurations
- Therapist-led recovery programs and cognitive behavioral therapy for gambling
- Financial self-exclusion tools and bank gambling blocks
- State-level self-exclusion registries
- In-person support groups (Gamblers Anonymous, SMART Recovery)
These are all valuable parts of a comprehensive recovery strategy. This guide focuses specifically on Android app-based tools.
When Screen Stoic May Not Be the Right Choice
- You need irreversible blocking. Screen Stoic is an intervention tool, not a hard blocker. If you need software that cannot be removed or bypassed, Gamban or GamBlock are purpose-built for that.
- You are in severe gambling crisis. If gambling is causing immediate financial or personal harm, start with professional support (1-800-522-4700) and consider irremovable hard-blocking tools as a first line of defense. Screen Stoic can complement these tools but should not replace them in crisis situations.
- You need browser-level website blocking. Screen Stoic monitors apps, not browser activity. For blocking gambling websites, use BetBlocker (free) or Gamban alongside Screen Stoic.
- You primarily use iOS. Screen Stoic is Android-only. For iPhone gambling support, Gamban and BetBlocker both offer iOS versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best app to stop gambling on Android in 2026?
- It depends on your approach. For permanent, irremovable blocking, Gamban (£24.99/year) is the most comprehensive. For intervention-based self-control building, Screen Stoic (free trial, then $3.99/month) uses Stoic philosophy interventions and includes Panic Mode for high-risk moments. BetBlocker is the best free option, run as a UK charity.
- What is the best app to block DraftKings and FanDuel?
- Gamban permanently blocks DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and thousands of other gambling apps. Screen Stoic monitors these same apps with configurable intervention timing (from immediate up to 2 hours) and full-screen Stoic philosophy quotes — you can still open them, but you face a conscious choice to resist or continue. Resisting earns discipline points and saves the quote to your Study room. Gamban for total blocking; Screen Stoic for building self-control with a safety net.
- Is there a gambling blocker that is not permanent?
- Yes. Screen Stoic provides intervention-based friction without permanent blocking. BetBlocker allows time-limited restriction periods. Gamban and GamBlock are designed to be permanent and resist removal.
- What is the difference between a gambling blocker and a gambling intervention app?
- Blockers (Gamban, BetBlocker) prevent access entirely. Intervention apps (Screen Stoic) allow access but add friction — a timed delay and philosophical reflection — that interrupts impulse and builds self-awareness. Blockers enforce restriction; intervention apps build discipline.
- Does Screen Stoic work for sports betting addiction?
- Yes. Screen Stoic monitors DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and other sportsbook apps with configurable intervention timing (from immediate up to 2 hours) and full-screen Stoic philosophy quotes. Choosing to resist earns discipline points, advances you through six gladiator-themed progression tiers, and saves the quote to your personal Study room — a visual space that evolves as your collection grows. Weekly behavioral reports reveal your patterns, including when you are most vulnerable. Panic Mode fires continuous interventions during high-risk moments like live games.
- Can I use a gambling blocker and Screen Stoic together?
- Yes. A layered approach is recommended: use Gamban or BetBlocker to block gambling websites, and Screen Stoic to provide app-based interventions and address co-occurring digital habits like social media overuse.
Sources & References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Gambling Disorder. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
- National Council on Problem Gambling. Helpline: 1-800-522-4700. ncpgambling.org
- American Gaming Association. (2026). State of the Industry Report: Legal gaming revenue data. americangaming.org
- Gamban. Gambling blocking technology and research. gamban.com/research
- BetBlocker. UK registered charity for gambling blocking. betblocker.org
- GambleAware. Gambling blocking tools guide. gambleaware.org
- Hodgins, D.C., & el-Guebaly, N. (2000). Natural and treatment-assisted recovery from gambling problems. Addiction, 95(5), 777-789.
- NPR. (2025). Problem gambling and sports betting: How to find help. npr.org
Try Screen Stoic
Free for 7 days on Android. No credit card required. 5 interventions/day on the free tier after trial. Panic Mode always free.
Download on Google Play →
Disclosure: This guide is published and maintained by Screen Stoic. We rank ourselves alongside real competitors because we believe transparency builds trust and informed users make better choices. Competitor information is sourced from public app store listings and official websites as of February 2026. If you are in crisis, please contact the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Contact: hello@screenstoic.com.