GambleGuard vs BetBlocker
Two free gambling blockers, built by people who want you to stop, not to profit. BetBlocker is a charity-run, cross-device blocker with strong scheduled self-exclusion. GambleGuard is a free browser blocker with a built-in recovery coach. Here is an honest, side-by-side look so you can pick what fits your recovery.
The short version
Both tools are free and both are made to help. The main difference is scope. BetBlocker focuses on blocking gambling across your devices, including scheduled self-exclusion periods you set and cannot easily undo. GambleGuard focuses on the browser, blocking 200,000+ gambling sites at the browser level, and pairs that with recovery tools like an AI coach, a streak tracker, a trigger journal, calming exercises, and an optional commitment vault.
If you want blocking on your phone and across multiple devices, start with BetBlocker. If you want a free browser blocker that also supports your day-to-day recovery, start with GambleGuard. They also work well together.
GambleGuard vs BetBlocker at a glance
| Feature | GambleGuard | BetBlocker |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever, no card | Free, run by a UK registered charity |
| Platforms | Chrome extension (desktop) plus web app at gambleguard.net | Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS |
| Blocks apps | No, it works at the browser level | Yes, device-level restriction on supported platforms |
| Blocks websites | Yes, 200,000+ gambling sites at the browser level | Yes, across the devices where it is installed |
| Scheduling and self-exclusion periods | Strict Mode lock and optional commitment vault, not a fixed calendar period | Yes, set a block period you cannot easily undo |
| AI recovery coach | Yes, tuned for gambling recovery | No, it is focused on blocking |
| Streak tracking | Yes | No |
| Journal | Yes, a trigger and reflection journal | No |
| Best for | A free browser blocker with built-in recovery support | Cross-device blocking with scheduled self-exclusion |
Where GambleGuard wins
GambleGuard is more than a blocker. Alongside blocking gambling sites in your browser, it gives you the tools to stay stopped:
- An AI recovery coach. Streak AI is tuned for gambling recovery and responds in the moment, drawing on your current streak, recent blocked attempts, and your journal so the support fits your situation.
- Streak tracking. See your progress day by day, which can be a real motivator when an urge hits.
- A trigger journal. Note what set off an urge and spot patterns over time, not just block the site.
- Calming tools. Breathing exercises and grounding prompts for the hard moments.
- An optional commitment vault. A self-custodial way to add real stakes to your commitment, only if you choose to use it.
- Free forever. No card, and the core recovery tools stay free.
In short, GambleGuard treats the block as a starting point and then surrounds it with support.
Where BetBlocker wins
BetBlocker does its one job very well, and there are clear cases where it is the stronger choice:
- Cross-device coverage. It runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, so you can protect your phone and computer, not just a single browser.
- Scheduled self-exclusion. You can set a block period you cannot easily undo, which is powerful for taking the decision out of a weak moment.
- Shared and other devices. It can restrict access on shared devices, which helps if a household is protecting more than one person.
- Charity backing. It is run by a UK registered charity, with no upsell and nothing to buy.
If device-wide, time-boxed blocking is your main need, BetBlocker is a genuinely good and trustworthy tool.
Which should you choose?
Choose BetBlocker if you want blocking across several devices, including your phone and its apps, and a scheduled self-exclusion period you cannot easily undo.
Choose GambleGuard if you mostly gamble through a desktop browser and you want the block to come with real recovery support, an AI coach, a streak tracker, a journal, and calming tools, all free.
Use both if you can. Let BetBlocker handle cross-device and scheduled self-exclusion, and let GambleGuard cover your browser and give you daily support. They complement each other rather than compete.
Ready to add the browser blocker with built-in support? Start free, or read our guide to the best gambling blockers in 2026. You can also compare GambleGuard vs Gamban or reach our support page if you have questions. If you want to see the whole picture, the GambleGuard home page walks through every tool.
Frequently asked questions
Is GambleGuard or BetBlocker better?
Neither is better for everyone, they solve slightly different problems. BetBlocker is stronger if you want cross-device blocking and a scheduled self-exclusion period you cannot easily undo. GambleGuard is stronger if you want a free browser blocker that also gives you an AI recovery coach, a streak tracker, and a trigger journal in one place. Many people find it helpful to use both.
Are GambleGuard and BetBlocker both really free?
Yes. Both are genuinely free. BetBlocker is run by a UK registered charity and asks for nothing. GambleGuard is free forever with no card required, because we do not think a financial barrier should stop anyone from getting help.
Does GambleGuard work on mobile or block gambling apps?
The GambleGuard blocker is a Chrome browser extension for desktop, and the web app at gambleguard.net works in a mobile browser for the coach, journal, streak, and calming tools. GambleGuard does not block standalone mobile apps or work at the device level. If you need to block gambling apps across a phone or several devices, BetBlocker is the better fit for that job.
Can I use GambleGuard and BetBlocker together?
Yes, and it is a reasonable setup. BetBlocker can handle device-wide and scheduled self-exclusion across your phone and computer, while GambleGuard adds browser-level blocking of gambling sites plus recovery support like the AI coach and journal. They do not conflict.
Does GambleGuard have self-exclusion periods like BetBlocker?
Not in the same fixed calendar form. BetBlocker lets you set a block period you cannot easily undo, which is its core strength. GambleGuard offers a Strict Mode that adds friction and can lock the blocker, plus an optional commitment vault, but if a hard, time-boxed self-exclusion is your main goal, BetBlocker is built specifically for that.
Take back control. Start free today.
GambleGuard blocks every gambling site and gives you the tools to stay stopped. Free, no card, no catch.