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Evaluating online blocking software

Author: A. Talbot, K. King, L. Tarplin, L. Victor & J. Rodger Published: October 2018
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Summary

This report by Winning Moves Ltd for GambleAware evaluates the effectiveness of gambling blocking software in preventing access to online gambling sites and reducing gambling-related harm.

Topics covered

  • technical effectiveness of gambling blocking software
  • impact on reducing gambling-related harm
  • awareness and use of blocking software
  • future role alongside GAMSTOP self-exclusion scheme

Key findings

Gambling blocking software was found to be generally effective at restricting access to most major gambling websites, though no software blocked all sites. It can help reduce gambling-related harm, however effectiveness depends on the user's commitment to recovery.
There is still a role for blocking software, particularly in blocking access to unlicensed overseas gambling sites.

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