Coverage gaps, clearly described

Rarely. Every blocker covers one route: a browser extension covers that browser, a device control covers that device, a router filter covers that home network. Anything outside the route stays open, such as an app, a second device or a card payment. Several layers working together close most of those gaps. They still add friction rather than guarantee an outcome, so they work best alongside support from people. The layer map on the home page shows how the barriers fit together.

A blocker stops a device reaching a site. Self-exclusion acts on the account: through GAMSTOP, licensed online operators in Great Britain must refuse and close accounts for the registered person. A blocker is tied to the device it is installed on, while self-exclusion follows the person to any device. Neither covers unlicensed sites completely, so people often use both. The self-exclusion guide sets out the three account-level controls and how they differ.

No. A hosts file is a list held on a single computer, and it affects only that computer. It blocks the exact domain names written in it, and it never updates itself, so a site reachable under a different name is not covered. Editing it needs administrator rights, which is helpful if someone else holds them. It works best as a supplement to a maintained blocklist or filtering service. The system controls guide explains the format and the file locations.

A router filter works only for devices connected through that router. When a phone switches to mobile data, its traffic goes through the mobile network and never touches the home router, so the filter has no say. The same applies on café, work or friends' Wi-Fi. A phone needs its own device-level control, such as Screen Time or a dedicated blocking app, to stay covered away from home. The network filters guide lists these gaps in one place.

Screen Time can limit apps by category or individually, set downtime and filter web content, so it reaches further than a browser extension. It cannot know about every gambling app by name, so restrictions work best combined with removing apps already installed and requiring approval for new ones. It also depends on a passcode, which should differ from the device passcode and be held by a trusted person. Menu names change between versions, so follow Apple's current support pages for the exact steps.

Ideally one trusted adult who understands why the controls are there. That covers the Screen Time passcode, a Family Safety or Family Link administrator login, the router administration password and an extension's password. A control that you can remove alone within seconds works as a reminder rather than a barrier. Agree in advance what the person should do if you ask them to remove a control at a difficult moment, and write the agreement down so it is clear to both of you.

Device, router and DNS controls do, because they sit outside the browser. Browser extensions are different: Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari each treat private windows separately, and an extension usually has to be allowed to run there. Check that permission for every extension, in every browser and profile in use. If you cannot confirm it, rely on a device-level control as well. The browser limits guide includes a table of the permission to check in each browser.

A list-based block only knows the addresses on its list. Sites that move to a new domain can slip past a hosts file or a hand-typed list until someone adds the new name. Maintained lists from blocking software and filtering services update more often, which is why they are paired with personal entries rather than replaced by them. Account-level controls do not depend on addresses at all, so self-exclusion and card controls keep working when a domain name changes.

There is no single answer, and this site cannot give personal advice. A practical approach is to keep every layer in place for as long as gambling feels hard to resist, and to review changes only with someone you trust or a support service. GAMSTOP periods run for six months, one year or five years and cannot be shortened. Removing a control during a low moment is the situation the passcode arrangement is designed for.

In Great Britain, GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline, which is free and confidential, and BeGambleAware provides information and tools. Samaritans listen to anyone in distress, and StepChange and National Debtline give free debt advice. Gambling can cause harm to money, relationships and health, and asking for help is a sensible step. Online gambling with licensed operators is for adults aged 18 and over. The self-exclusion guide links to these services.