Addictive uncontrolled gambling makes punters lose lots of money that could have been avoided. In many cases, punters with this problem are left with loads of regrets and massive debts to repay. And while other countries often develop their own nationwide solutions to the gambling problem, Filipino players currently seem to have no such options. Or do they, really?

What’s the Fuss Around GamStop?

The best example of a gambling blocker service is the British GamStop self-exclusion scheme. Although there are many online casinos with GamStop free games, it is still one of the most massive and effective ways to prevent problem gambling. Casino players can register with GamStop for a minimum of six months for free. Once a punter is registered with GamStop, all accounts linked to the person on online gambling services licensed by the UKGC would be restricted for the period the user opted for. 

Something like this could be beneficial for Filipino players. Fortunately, they have access to multiple alternatives that allow them to block gambling activities as efficiently as if they were using GamStop. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Alternatives to GamStop for Filipino Players

GamStop only provides self-exclusion for platforms licensed by the UKGC. For a player with a serious gambling problem, they could find themselves gambling on unlicensed offshore gambling sites which could expose them to more risks. Besides, there are other gambling blockers except GamStop that can serve the same purpose.

Gambling blockers refer to software that you install on your device to block access to gambling sites. Unlike services like GamStop that restrict your account on certain gambling sites, Gambling blockers prevent you from accessing any online gambling sites on the device where the software is installed. However, unlike GamStop, which is free, many gambling blockers require payment for full use.

Gamban

Gamban is a gambling-blocking software available for users worldwide and works on Android, Mac, and Windows devices. It blocks access to gambling applications and websites. After exhausting the free trial period, you would have to pay to use the Gamban service. Recently, Gamban partnered with Gamcare to provide its service free of charge in the UK. If you’re interested in accessing this service for free, you should contact Gamcare through their helpline advisors.

BetBlocker

BetBlocker is a free software for restricting gambling sites and applications. Users set the restriction period and the software restricts access to gambling sites until the period expires.

Gamblock

Gamblock is also a gambling-blocking service available over various operating systems and devices. Access to the Gamblock service requires payment, but once payment is made, it blocks access to online gambling applications and websites.

Betfilter

This is another gambling-blocking software available on mobile and desktop devices, and available on Windows, Mac, and Android. It restricts access to licensed and unlicensed gambling websites. Betfilter also requires payment to access its service.

Using Online Banking to Block Gambling Transactions

Besides blocking software, there are other effective means of helping punters to prevent problem gambling. One of them is to stop all payments from your bank account to gambling sites, and vice versa. 

The specific procedure for blocking gambling transactions is determined by each bank, and on whether they offer gambling blocking services and the methods through which they offer the service.

Most of the time, the steps to follow are similar:

• First, register on your bank’s mobile application
• Navigate to the “Manage Cards” option (the exact option name can depend on the app)
• Over there, you should see an option for gambling restrictions
• Select it to restrict your account from paying to gambling sites.

If the steps provided here are not the same for your bank, contact your bank to get the exact procedure to follow.

Final Thoughts on Blocking Gambling Activity

Gambling, if uncontrolled, can have serious consequences for a gambler’s mental and physical health. In fact, it is a problem big enough for some Filipino senators to have started promoting a complete online gambling ban in the Philippines. On the other hand, today, there are many opportunities available to help a punter with a gambling problem to control these excesses. If you are in such a situation, consider the solutions we’ve highlighted here so you don’t gamble into a financial crisis.