Dilushi Chandrakumar, Catherine Yang, Sue Bin Oh, Sally M Gainsbury
Gambling blocking software can be downloaded onto a user's device to prevent them from accessing online gambling sites, including those in offshore jurisdictions. This study investigated user experiences with a gambling blocking software and examined its relationship with holistic recovery from gambling problems. A cross-sectional survey was administered to current blocking software users internationally (N = 156). Measures assessed lifetime gambling severity, software acceptability and satisfaction, motivations for uptake, use of additional supports, software breaches, and recovery outcomes using the multidimensional Recovery Index for Gambling Disorder. Participants were predominantly male, engaged mainly in online gambling, and most reported moderate to severe lifetime gambling disorder. The blocking software demonstrated high acceptability and satisfaction, with users valuing its perceived effectiveness, free access, and comprehensive site blocking. Participants reported greatest recovery in gambling reduction, urge coping, and recovery wisdom domains, while lower scores were observed in life functioning, interpersonal relationships, and mental health. Regression analyses did not identify gambling severity, blocking duration, software breaches, or number of supports used as significant predictors of recovery, although social support was positively associated with recovery in exploratory models. Qualitative feedback highlighted perceived benefits of the blocking software alongside participant-identified suggestions for stronger blocking mechanisms, increased personalisation, and extended or permanent blocking options. Findings suggest that gambling blocking software may support aspects of recovery, particularly behavioural control, compared to broader recovery domains. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify long-term outcomes and optimal integration with complementary supports.