How to Block Gambling Sites on Mac (Hard vs. Easy Mode)
Whether you're practicing self-exclusion or removing distractions, blocking gambling sites at the browser level isn't enough. Extensions are too easy to disable. You need system-level blocking that works across Safari, Chrome, and native apps.
Here are the three ways to do it. Choose the one that fits your needs.
You can edit your Mac's /etc/hosts file manually. It costs nothing but is technically demanding and risky if you delete the wrong line.
sudo nano /etc/hosts
You'll need to find a blocklist (like StevenBlack's), paste thousands of domains manually, and flush your DNS cache.
- ✓ Completely free
- ✓ No software to install
- ✗ Very tedious to update
- ✗ Easy to break internet
- ✗ No easy toggle
Apps like Cold Turkey or Gamban are powerful but expensive. They often use invasive system extensions or VPNs to monitor your traffic.
- ✓ Hard to bypass
- ✓ Cross-device options
- ✗ Expensive recurring cost
- ✗ Privacy invasive (monitoring)
- ✗ Can slow down network
SaneHosts gives you the power of the hosts file with the safety of a modern Mac app. It includes the "StevenBlack Gambling" list built-in and auto-updates it.
- ✓ Family Safe Profile: Pre-configured to block gambling & adult content
- ✓ Touch ID Locked: Adds friction. You can't disable it without bio-auth
- ✓ Native: No background monitoring, no VPN, 100% private
- ✓ Auto-Updates: New betting sites blocked automatically
Compatible with macOS 14 (Sonoma) and later.