The short version
- Do four things, not one: self-exclude, block the sites and apps, cut off the money, and tell one person.
- Statewide self-exclusion is run by each state's gaming regulator, usually for 1 to 5 years or life, and can't be undone early.
- Blockers differ on one point: a fixed lock nobody can lift, or a person who can approve a change. Pick the one you'll actually keep.
If you're in a bad place right now, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER. It's free, confidential and open all day, every day.1
Layer 1: self-exclude
Most US states run a self-exclusion programme through their gaming regulator. Once you're on the list, licensed operators in that state have to block your sign-ups and logins. Terms are commonly 1 to 5 years, or lifetime, and you can't be reinstated before the term ends. A few states, Colorado and Nevada among them, make you request a ban from each operator individually.2
Search for your state's name plus "self-exclusion", and use the regulator's own site. It's a form and an ID check, and it's the single most effective thing on this page, because it works even when you've deleted every blocker.
Layer 2: block the sites and apps
Self-exclusion covers licensed operators in your state. It doesn't cover offshore sites, crypto casinos, sweepstakes apps or a friend's account. That's what a blocker is for.
Gambling-only blockers. Two are well known, and both are honest options:
- Gamban blocks tens of thousands of gambling sites and apps on all major platforms under one licence, with live support and a tracker for your gamble-free days.3
- BetBlocker is free, run by a non-profit, blocks over a million gambling sites and 3,000+ apps, and locks for a period you choose, from one day to five years, that cannot be lifted early.4
LeadMeNot takes a different approach. It has a built-in Gambling list, plus any betting app you choose to block, and you can also block anything else that's part of the pattern for you: a sports app you only open to check odds, a Discord server, a subreddit, the word "parlay". Then it adds a partner who is alerted when a rule is broken, and who gets your short evening reflection, and Safe Wall: loosening a rule takes your partner's OK or a waiting period.
The real choice is between a fixed lock (BetBlocker's timer, which nobody can shorten) and a person (LeadMeNot's Safe Wall, where a change needs your partner's OK). Some people need the first. Most people do better with the second, because a timer can't ask how you're doing.
Layer 3: cut off the money
Blocking the sites is pointless if the cash still flows. Ask your bank or card issuer whether it offers a gambling transaction block; many do. Close any e-wallets you only used for betting. If someone you trust can hold the cards for a while, let them.
Layer 4: tell one person
Every layer above can be undone by a determined person on a bad night, except this one. Tell one person. Ask them to be your partner in whatever app you use, so they're told when a line is crossed, and ask them to hold your self-exclusion confirmation.
Set it up this week
- Self-exclude with your state regulator.
- Block: on each device, install a blocker. In LeadMeNot, follow Stop gambling to switch on the Gambling list and block your betting apps.
- Ask your bank about a gambling block, and move any betting balance out.
- Add your partner and set Safe Wall to Approval from partner. Then tell them what you've done.
LeadMeNot
Try it with someone in your corner
LeadMeNot blocks what you choose, tells someone you trust when a rule is broken, and makes a weak moment wait. Free to try on every device you own.
Questions
Does self-exclusion block every gambling site?
No. It applies to operators licensed in the state where you enrolled, who must then block your sign-ups and logins. Offshore sites, sweepstakes apps and other states' operators aren't covered, which is why a blocker on each device still matters.
Which is better for gambling: Gamban, BetBlocker or LeadMeNot?
Gamban and BetBlocker are gambling-only blockers; BetBlocker is free with a fixed lock nobody can lift early. LeadMeNot blocks gambling plus anything else that's part of your pattern, tells a partner when a rule is broken, and makes a change wait for their OK. The honest comparisons: /switch/gamban/ and /switch/betblocker/.
Can my partner see my bets?
LeadMeNot doesn't see your bank or your accounts. Your partner is alerted when you try to reach something on your block list, and gets your evening reflection. That's it.
Sources
Checked November 7, 2026. Statements about other products and system features link to the page they come from.