Using software filters and locks
Introduction
Software filters and locks are a reliable way to restrict access to online casinos, betting platforms and other gambling resources. Setting up such tools at the router, operating system and browser level creates several layers of protection, making it difficult to impulsively enter games and support self-control.
1. Network filters at the router level
1. DNS filtration
OpenDNS FamilyShield (208. 67. 222. 123 / 208. 67. 220. 123): pre-setting to block the categories "gambling" and "adult content."
CleanBrowsing (185. 228. 168. 168 / 185. 228. 169. 168): select the filtering level "Security" or "Adult" with the ability to add individual domains.
Configuration: enter the web interface of the router → the WAN/DNS partition → replace the standard DNS with filter addresses → reboot the device.
2. Traffic control and block lists
pfSense/OpenWRT: advanced firmware allows you to import lists of gambling site domains and automatically update them through daily scripts.
UTM solutions (FortiGate, Sophos): corporate or home devices with a web filtering module that includes the "gambling" category.
2. Parental Controls and System Restrictions
1. Windows (Family Safety)
Create a child account in "Family" → "Screen time and content →" enable "Filtering web content" → check "Block gambling sites."
Additionally, set a time limit for applications to reduce the risk of bypassing blocking via VPN.
2. macOS (Screen Time)
System Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Web Content → Only Allowed Sites or Restrict Adult Sites, manually add gambling domains to the blacklist.
3. iOS / iPadOS
Settings → Screen Time → Content and Privacy Restrictions → Web Content → Restrict Adult Sites → Add Site → enter the URL of the operators.
If necessary, activate Request Code to change the settings.
4. Android (Google Family Link and third-party)
Google Family Link: Link your child's account → "Content Management →" "Site Filtering" → "Block unwanted sites."
Qustodio/Norton Family: installed as a VPN filter, provide blocking by extensive URL databases and keywords.
3. Specialized applications for blocking gambling
1. Gamban
Free to Australian residents through Gambler's Help.
Blocks all known domains and gambling applications on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
Does not allow deletion without entering the user's personal account, which makes bypassing almost impossible.
2. BetBlocker
Open source, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).
The user himself creates a list of blocked categories, including "Gambling," "Social media," etc.
3. GamBlock
Paid solution with PIN protection.
Allows you to create "white" and "black" lists of URLs, configure a blocking schedule and reports on access attempts.
4. Browser extensions
1. BlockSite (Chrome, Firefox)
Blocks sites from the list, turns on "work mode" with a timer.
You can sync lists through your Chrome account.
2. StayFocusd (Chrome)
Sets a time limit for visiting certain categories of sites.
Supports "Nuclear Option" - full blocking until a certain date.
3. LeechBlock NG (Firefox)
Flexible rules: by URL templates, time of day, session duration.
Create up to six independent blocking groups.
5. Best Implementation Practices
1. Multilayer protection - Combine network filters, OS restrictions, and blocker applications to eliminate all APs.
2. Bypass protection: store passwords and PINs for locks in secure storage (KeePass, 1Password) and do not share them with anyone trying to bypass restrictions.
3. Regular updates: Automatically update domain lists and blocker apps to accommodate new sites and mobile apps.
4. Monitoring access attempts: analyze router logs or application reports to understand when and why there are desires to bypass restrictions.
6. Restrictions and additional measures
1. VPN bypass: many users try to hide traffic via VPN or proxy - filters at the router level with a DPI module (Deep Packet Inspection) or UTM are better against this.
2. Updated blacklists: subscribe to external sources (for example, "Host File" projects on GitHub) to add new domains in a timely manner.
3. Physical control: In addition to software, store devices in common areas of the house and control access during periods of increased desire to play.
Conclusion
The use of software filters and locks is an effective strategy to reduce the risks of impulsive gambling. The correct combination of DNS filtering, OS parental controls, specialized applications and browser extensions creates multi-level protection. Regular updating of filters, monitoring of bypass attempts and firmness in maintaining settings ensure that excitement remains under control, and does not turn into a threat.
Software filters and locks are a reliable way to restrict access to online casinos, betting platforms and other gambling resources. Setting up such tools at the router, operating system and browser level creates several layers of protection, making it difficult to impulsively enter games and support self-control.
1. Network filters at the router level
1. DNS filtration
OpenDNS FamilyShield (208. 67. 222. 123 / 208. 67. 220. 123): pre-setting to block the categories "gambling" and "adult content."
CleanBrowsing (185. 228. 168. 168 / 185. 228. 169. 168): select the filtering level "Security" or "Adult" with the ability to add individual domains.
Configuration: enter the web interface of the router → the WAN/DNS partition → replace the standard DNS with filter addresses → reboot the device.
2. Traffic control and block lists
pfSense/OpenWRT: advanced firmware allows you to import lists of gambling site domains and automatically update them through daily scripts.
UTM solutions (FortiGate, Sophos): corporate or home devices with a web filtering module that includes the "gambling" category.
2. Parental Controls and System Restrictions
1. Windows (Family Safety)
Create a child account in "Family" → "Screen time and content →" enable "Filtering web content" → check "Block gambling sites."
Additionally, set a time limit for applications to reduce the risk of bypassing blocking via VPN.
2. macOS (Screen Time)
System Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Web Content → Only Allowed Sites or Restrict Adult Sites, manually add gambling domains to the blacklist.
3. iOS / iPadOS
Settings → Screen Time → Content and Privacy Restrictions → Web Content → Restrict Adult Sites → Add Site → enter the URL of the operators.
If necessary, activate Request Code to change the settings.
4. Android (Google Family Link and third-party)
Google Family Link: Link your child's account → "Content Management →" "Site Filtering" → "Block unwanted sites."
Qustodio/Norton Family: installed as a VPN filter, provide blocking by extensive URL databases and keywords.
3. Specialized applications for blocking gambling
1. Gamban
Free to Australian residents through Gambler's Help.
Blocks all known domains and gambling applications on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
Does not allow deletion without entering the user's personal account, which makes bypassing almost impossible.
2. BetBlocker
Open source, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).
The user himself creates a list of blocked categories, including "Gambling," "Social media," etc.
3. GamBlock
Paid solution with PIN protection.
Allows you to create "white" and "black" lists of URLs, configure a blocking schedule and reports on access attempts.
4. Browser extensions
1. BlockSite (Chrome, Firefox)
Blocks sites from the list, turns on "work mode" with a timer.
You can sync lists through your Chrome account.
2. StayFocusd (Chrome)
Sets a time limit for visiting certain categories of sites.
Supports "Nuclear Option" - full blocking until a certain date.
3. LeechBlock NG (Firefox)
Flexible rules: by URL templates, time of day, session duration.
Create up to six independent blocking groups.
5. Best Implementation Practices
1. Multilayer protection - Combine network filters, OS restrictions, and blocker applications to eliminate all APs.
2. Bypass protection: store passwords and PINs for locks in secure storage (KeePass, 1Password) and do not share them with anyone trying to bypass restrictions.
3. Regular updates: Automatically update domain lists and blocker apps to accommodate new sites and mobile apps.
4. Monitoring access attempts: analyze router logs or application reports to understand when and why there are desires to bypass restrictions.
6. Restrictions and additional measures
1. VPN bypass: many users try to hide traffic via VPN or proxy - filters at the router level with a DPI module (Deep Packet Inspection) or UTM are better against this.
2. Updated blacklists: subscribe to external sources (for example, "Host File" projects on GitHub) to add new domains in a timely manner.
3. Physical control: In addition to software, store devices in common areas of the house and control access during periods of increased desire to play.
Conclusion
The use of software filters and locks is an effective strategy to reduce the risks of impulsive gambling. The correct combination of DNS filtering, OS parental controls, specialized applications and browser extensions creates multi-level protection. Regular updating of filters, monitoring of bypass attempts and firmness in maintaining settings ensure that excitement remains under control, and does not turn into a threat.
