There are many reasons why NZ players would resort to block gambling sites. The biggest one is related to them protecting themselves from unlicensed sites. That’s how they make sure that there’s no risk of scam sites gaining access to their personal information.
Secondly, certain people might want to block gambling websites due to parental controls. In doing so, they make sure that their underage children don’t have access to illegal gaming activities. Lastly, some players might be experiencing gambling addiction.
By blocking online gambling sites, they make sure that they don’t end up registering and playing and further deepening their hardship.
Whatever the reason is, everyone needs to know how to block specific websites from their PC and mobile devices. That’s what we’ll help you here. We’ll share all the details on how to block gambling transactions, websites of this character and how to stay protected at all times.
Types of Gambling Blocking Software
First things first, if you want to stop gambling or prevent someone else from gaining access, you need to be aware of the fact that there isn’t just one blocking software. Depending on the platform that you want to restrict, there are two types:
- Gambling-specific software
- General blocking gambling software
The first type is applied if you want to block a specific gambling site. This often occurs when you come across a potential scam online casino and you want to make sure that you don’t stumble across it again. The second type is general blocking software, which applies to all online gambling businesses.
There are many reasons why one would like to block websites that offer gambling services. They might be having gambling problems or just don’t want that type of content on their PC and iOS and Android devices.
Blocking Gambling Sites on PC/Laptops
One of the dominant ways of playing online gambling games is via macOS and Windows computers. Most players use Google Chrome or other browsers to access casino sites, claim bonuses and play the featured games for real money.
To block gambling sites on your PC or laptop device, you need to install blocking software tools. In many cases, they can act as extensions on your browser. There are quite a lot of companies that will allow you to download and use their software for free.
If you’re using a Windows PC, one of the most popular tools to block all gambling sites is BetBlocker. There are also the likes of Betfilter and Gamblock. All of these companies offer their services to Windows devices and are free to download.
As we just mentioned, you can also resort to using extensions such as BlockSite. This extension is featured on Google Chrome and you can use it for free. BetBlocker and Betfilter are available on macOS devices and NZ gamblers can download them for free.
Tech-savvy gamblers have another alternative – putting a gambling blocker on their WiFi router. This may take a bit more time because you’ll be required to enter the IP addresses of online gambling sites that operate in New Zealand.
In doing so, you won’t block access to Mac and Windows computers only. You’ll restrict access to any device that connects to your WiFi.
Blocking Software for Smartphones and Tablets
Mobile gaming experiences massive growth, not just in New Zealand, but all across the world. Statistics show that the current mobile penetration land in New Zealand is 28.3% and that over 1.6 million people are actively playing games on their smartphones/tablets. This includes gambling games.
If you want to block gambling sites on phone, you just need to install a blocking software. To do that on Android phones, visit the Google Play Store. Then, search for an app that has a good reputation and is free to download.
Once you tap on the “Install” button, the app will automatically download and install itself. Once it finishes, you just need to set your preferences and activate the blocking software.
iOS users can permanently block gambling websites by visiting the AppStore and searching for an app there. The rest of the process is identical to Android phones. Install the app, set your preferences and enjoy the benefits.
What About Self-Exclusion Programs?
Players who are experiencing a gambling problem can also participate in self-exclusion programs. This is a good way to make sure that they quit gambling for a certain period. These programs allow you to suspend your account for several days, months, or years or permanently ban it.
Each responsible gambling agency that operates in New Zealand has a network of online casinos. As partners, if you suspend your account on one site, your access will be blocked across all gambling sites that are under its wing.
The ban is not just connected to the IP address of your device. It’s connected to the address that you registered. As such, you won’t be able to log in, regardless if you’re playing from an iPhone or a desktop device.
As you may know, online casinos allow players to register just one account. By blocking the account, they basically restrict your whole access to their gambling services.
Speaking of responsible gambling, it’s worth mentioning that online gambling businesses have tools of their own to help you and prevent you from developing a gambling problem. These tools include deposit limits, session limits, loss limits, wager limits, win limits, etc.
Blocking Unlicensed Sites – More Than Just a Responsible Gambling Policy
As a closing matter, we wanted to share a word or two on the importance of making sure that you block unlicensed online casinos. All sites that conduct gambling transactions, but don’t have a valid license are likely scam sites.
In many cases, they will try to convince you to give them personal payment information only to rob you and disappear. Others will place malware into your computer, block the device and ask for a ransom to unlock it.
To prevent this, you must make sure that you use blocking software for these platforms. Additionally, make sure that you install good anti-virus software. These two tools will allow you to maintain maximum security while browsing on the Internet.