GamBlock
Posted by Josh Hoptay on November 24, 2004

Are you a problem gambler? Problem solved .... well online at least. A new program called GamBlock prevents access to all online gambling websites and programs.

From the designer's website (www.gamblock.com):

GamBlock prevents a Personal Computer linking to Internet Gambling, wagering and betting sites.

This includes links to casinos, horse racing and sports book betting sites.

Some Gambling institutions and sites encourage the gambler to download programs onto their computer. These downloaded games are faster and more enticing than "browser driven" games in a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape.

GamBlock also prevents this form of gaming.

It runs on Windows operating systems.

The personal version is $29.95.
The corperate version is 34.95 for a single license but there are discounts for the more that you buy.


Massive props to David Warr, the guy who created the program. The idea is fantastic. Even with the young age group that I usually associate with, I have already heard way to many stories of lives ruined because of gambling problems. While the program cannot stop people from going to casinos and emptying the ATMs, it at least cuts out the most accessible form of gambling for those who need a little help in setting limits.

Additionally, the way the program reacts when a user tries to access a gambling site is genius. If the user does not immediately close out the gambling site, GamBlock gives the user 60 seconds (a countdown is displayed) to exit the program before it shuts off the computer. Its like a virtual spanking and I kind of like it!

Outside of personal use, GamBlock also offers corperations and governmental entities like libraries and schools the ability to prevent thier computers from being used for gambling. I don't know much about the legal issues surrounding online gambling, but I think this may be an answer to some of the arguments against online gambling. If anyone has more in-depth knowledge (or any knowledge for that matter) about any legal ramifications this program may have or core legal issues surrounding this topic, feel free to leave a comment.