How-to
Restricting betting apps on Android
Android has three tools to restrict a betting app: Family Link, Google Play restrictions and app timers. None replaces self-exclusion with the operator. Choose the tool that fits your phone, set the limit, give the control to someone you trust, then test it. Our estimate is 15 minutes. Free 24/7 support: 1800 936 725.
Editorial team · checked
What you need
- An Android phone with Google Play and a Google account.
- The names of the betting apps on the phone.
- A trusted adult, if the control is to sit outside your own reach.
- Google's help pages for each tool, which we have not yet read: Not checked.
In short: a phone, an account and, if you want, one other adult.
The three tools
| Tool | What it is for | Does not replace | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Link | Supervising another person's device or account | Operator self-exclusion | Google help Not checked |
| Google Play restrictions | Controlling what can be installed | Apps already installed | Google help Not checked |
| App timers | Limiting daily time in one app | The operator's website | Google help Not checked |
Children, meaning anyone under 18, may not take part in gambling (s.158, in force since 5 February 2026). A parent can use Family Link for a child's phone.
In short: three tools, each with a different reach.
The steps for each tool
- App timer.
- Do: open the phone's digital wellbeing or app timer settings and set a short daily limit on the betting app.
- Result: the app pauses when the limit is reached.
- Typical error: setting the timer but leaving the settings open to change.
- Google Play restriction.
- Do: open Google Play's parental controls and choose a content rating limit. Check the rating the betting app's listing shows.
- Result: apps above the limit cannot be installed.
- Typical error: assuming the limit removes an app that is already installed.
- Family Link.
- Do: a parent sets up Family Link for the child's account, then adds limits for the app.
- Result: the child's phone follows the parent's rules.
- Typical error: setting rules on the adult's phone when the child's phone is the target.
- Hand over the control.
- Do: ask a trusted adult to hold the PIN or the guardian account.
- Result: you cannot change the setting alone.
- Test it.
- Do: try to open or install the app and note the date.
- Result: the app is restricted as you set it.
Menu names differ by phone maker and version: Not checked against Google's current help.
In short: timer, Play restriction, Family Link, then a trusted holder.
How to remove it, and how long it takes
- To remove a limit, open the same screen and enter the PIN or use the guardian account.
- Our estimate, not measured: 15 minutes to set up and 3 minutes to remove.
- For the operator side, follow taking a break or self-excluding. For iPhone, see Screen Time.
In short: removing a restriction needs the PIN or the guardian.
If it did not work: three cases
- The app still opens. Check that the timer is on the right app and re-test.
- The phone is shared. Read the shared phone checks. Put the restriction on the account that uses the app.
- You can still bet in the browser. The tools above may not cover the website: Not checked. Add self-exclusion and a bank block.
In short: when one tool is not enough, add the operator and your bank.
Help and support
Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Free 24/7 support: 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie. More in responsible gambling.
In short: 18+ only; help is free and open at all hours.
How we checked, what changed, caveats
- How we checked: we described the tools from the names in our research notes. We did not run them on a phone.
- What changed: 7 November 2026, first version.
- Caveats: Google's current help text and the GRAI Protection Tools page are Not checked.
In short: the tools are named; the screens need a dated check.
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