How to use apps to limit gambling access to sites

1. Application selection

1. Cross-platform.

Look for solutions for Windows/macOS, Android and iOS.
Примеры: Freedom, Cold Turkey, BlockSite, FocusMe, AppBlock.

2. Main functions.

Black and white lists of domains.
Lock schedule (daily/hourly).
Password or PIN protection.
Access attempt reports and usage statistics.

3. Additional features.

Blocking applications and screen fragments.
Integration with proxy/VPN to bypass DNS settings.
"Emergency mode": blocking without the possibility of cancellation for a specified time.

2. Installation and First Setup

1. Download and installation.

Download from the official website or app store.
If necessary, allow installation from unknown sources (Android).

2. Create an account.

Registration in the application (email/social network).
Configure two-factor authentication to protect the profile.

3. Initial run and basic settings.

Enter the master password or PIN required to change locks.
Select language and time zone (important for schedules).

3. Blacklisting

1. Add domains manually.

Enter the addresses of known gambling sites:

```
casino. com, 1xbet. ru, fondobet. ua, slotsmania. com
```
Use masks: '* .casino *', '* bet *', '* poker *'.

2. Importing lists.

Download ready-made files: hosts or CSV format.
Support for public blocklists (EasyList, Steven Black).

3. Whitelist (if necessary).

Allow only secure sites if you want to limit the Internet as much as possible.

4. Set up schedules

1. Permanent lockdown.

Enable "Always On" mode - lock without interruptions.
2. Timeline

Set the hours: for example, 6pm to 11pm (peak time for games).
Day of the week: Protect evenings and weekends more often.
3. Focus mode

Interval timer: 25 minutes of operation/5 minutes of break.
During the "break," access is temporarily opened.

5. Password protection and bypass

1. Master password.

Required to release or modify locks.
Long, unique, store in the password manager.

2. Emergency mode.

When enabled, locks cannot be released without restarting the device or using a timer.

3. Protect OS-level settings.

Administrator rights on Windows.
On macOS: configuration profile in System Preferences → Profiles.

6. Monitoring and reports

1. Visit statistics.

Charts of attempts to access blocked sites.
Reports by day and hour.

2. Access logs.

List of URL, time and result (blocked/allowed).
Export to CSV or PDF for analysis.

3. Notifications.

Push notifications for access attempts.
Email reports once a week.

7. Bypassing locks - how to prevent

1. VPN/proxy.

Configure application-level blocking with traffic filtering.
Applications that can block VPN connections (FocusMe).

2. System crawlers.

Disable alternate DNS clients (1. 1. 1. 1, Google DNS).
Blocking through hosts is more stringent than DNS filters.

3. Application control.

Limit the installation of new applications without a PIN/password.
On AndroID: prohibition of APK installation outside the Play Market.

8. Integration with other tools

1. Bank limits and budgeting.

Synchronize with expense accounting applications.
2. DNS filters on the router.

Freedom and Cold Turkey support network-level blocking.
3. Parental controls.

Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time can complement the blocker.

9. Regular updates and support

1. Update domain lists.

Check new addresses and templates weekly.
2. Updating application.

Install patches and new versions in a timely manner.
3. Effectiveness check.

Test walk-around attempts and make adjustments.

Result

Blocker applications are an effective tool to protect against impulsive bets. The main thing is to correctly configure blacklists, schedules and passwords, combine them with DNS filters and banking restrictions, and also regularly monitor bypass attempts and update the configuration. An integrated approach guarantees a reliable barrier to gambling sites.