Alternatives: Apps to help control behaviour
Introduction
Modern digital tools allow you to build a reliable self-control system without strict self-exclusion. The combination of impulse behavior blockers, habit trackers, time managers and mindfulnes applications creates an environment where "another bet" becomes impossible or unprofitable.
1. Access blockers
Gamban
• Platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
• Functions: blocking all gambling sites and applications, hidden mode, password from a trusted person
BetBlocker
• Platform: cross-platform (including Linux)
• Functions: selection of categories (casino, betting, poker), synchronization of devices, password by e-mail
Cold Turkey
• Platform: Windows, macOS
• Functions: hard lock schedule, cannot be changed before the end of the period
BlockSite / LeechBlock NG
• Extensions for Chrome and Firefox
• Functions: flexible domain configuration, schedule, password-interference
How to use: set, configure the categories "Gambling," set the schedule around the clock or during "risky hours," transfer the password to a trusted person.
2. Habit trackers and gamification
Habitica
• Mobile and web application
• Gamification: get experience points for no unwanted activity, "monster damage" for non-gaming days
Loop Habit Tracker
• Platform: Android
• Functions: visual graphs, reminders, calculation of habit stability
Streaks
• Platform: iOS
• Functions: fixing daily goals, notifications, widgets on the lock screen
How to use it: get into the "no bets" habit, celebrate every "clean" day; when skipping, you lose progress, which motivates you not to break down.
3. Time management and focus
Forest
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Functions: "grow" a tree for not using the phone, timer focus sessions
RescueTime
• Platform: Windows, macOS, Android
• Functions: automatic time recording in applications and on sites, reports, notifications about exceeding limits
Focus\@Will
• Platform: iOS, Android, web
• Functions: music for concentration, timers, statistics
How to use: set a time limit in the browser/applications, receive reports on access attempts; focus sessions strengthen the ability to withstand pauses.
4. Financial trackers and budgeting
Money Lover / Wallet
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Functions: expense categories, limits, payment reminders, reports
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
• Platform: desktop, mobile
• Functions: "each dollar has its own business" system, reports on goals
DailyBudget
• Platform: iOS
• Functions: "envelope" system, daily limits
How to use: create a "leisure envelope" with a hard limit, disable auto payments to a casino account, set SMS notifications about any transaction attempt.
5. Mindfulnes and Stress Management
Headspace / Calm
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Functions: short meditations, breathing practices, "snow pause" from impulses
Insight Timer
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Features: free sessions, timers, practice statistics
Mindshift CBT
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Features: Cognitive behavioural exercises, "if... that.."
How to use: At the first sign of craving, switch to a 5-minute meditation; the combination of breathing and mindfulnes reduces anxiety levels and breaks the impulsive cycle.
Conclusion
Combination:
Build your "application suite" and strictly follow schedules, reports and plans to create tiered protection against unwanted bets and develop healthy alternatives.
Modern digital tools allow you to build a reliable self-control system without strict self-exclusion. The combination of impulse behavior blockers, habit trackers, time managers and mindfulnes applications creates an environment where "another bet" becomes impossible or unprofitable.
1. Access blockers
Gamban
• Platform: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
• Functions: blocking all gambling sites and applications, hidden mode, password from a trusted person
BetBlocker
• Platform: cross-platform (including Linux)
• Functions: selection of categories (casino, betting, poker), synchronization of devices, password by e-mail
Cold Turkey
• Platform: Windows, macOS
• Functions: hard lock schedule, cannot be changed before the end of the period
BlockSite / LeechBlock NG
• Extensions for Chrome and Firefox
• Functions: flexible domain configuration, schedule, password-interference
How to use: set, configure the categories "Gambling," set the schedule around the clock or during "risky hours," transfer the password to a trusted person.
2. Habit trackers and gamification
Habitica
• Mobile and web application
• Gamification: get experience points for no unwanted activity, "monster damage" for non-gaming days
Loop Habit Tracker
• Platform: Android
• Functions: visual graphs, reminders, calculation of habit stability
Streaks
• Platform: iOS
• Functions: fixing daily goals, notifications, widgets on the lock screen
How to use it: get into the "no bets" habit, celebrate every "clean" day; when skipping, you lose progress, which motivates you not to break down.
3. Time management and focus
Forest
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Functions: "grow" a tree for not using the phone, timer focus sessions
RescueTime
• Platform: Windows, macOS, Android
• Functions: automatic time recording in applications and on sites, reports, notifications about exceeding limits
Focus\@Will
• Platform: iOS, Android, web
• Functions: music for concentration, timers, statistics
How to use: set a time limit in the browser/applications, receive reports on access attempts; focus sessions strengthen the ability to withstand pauses.
4. Financial trackers and budgeting
Money Lover / Wallet
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Functions: expense categories, limits, payment reminders, reports
YNAB (You Need A Budget)
• Platform: desktop, mobile
• Functions: "each dollar has its own business" system, reports on goals
DailyBudget
• Platform: iOS
• Functions: "envelope" system, daily limits
How to use: create a "leisure envelope" with a hard limit, disable auto payments to a casino account, set SMS notifications about any transaction attempt.
5. Mindfulnes and Stress Management
Headspace / Calm
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Functions: short meditations, breathing practices, "snow pause" from impulses
Insight Timer
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Features: free sessions, timers, practice statistics
Mindshift CBT
• Platform: iOS, Android
• Features: Cognitive behavioural exercises, "if... that.."
How to use: At the first sign of craving, switch to a 5-minute meditation; the combination of breathing and mindfulnes reduces anxiety levels and breaks the impulsive cycle.
Conclusion
Combination:
- 1. Technical barriers (Gamban/BetBlocker);
- 2. Gamified trackers (Habitica/Streaks);
- 3. Focus timers (Forest/RescueTime);
- 4. Financial control (YNAB/MoneyLover);
- 5. Mindfulnes practices (Headspace).
Build your "application suite" and strictly follow schedules, reports and plans to create tiered protection against unwanted bets and develop healthy alternatives.
