GamblePause vs Anchor
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
GamblePause
This utility app helps users take a break from gambling by enforcing timed self-exclusion from gambling sites and apps. It operates locally on your device, blocking access until the selected timer expires, with no option to pause or shorten the exclusion period. Designed for privacy, it tracks no user data and requires no personal information.
- Timed self-exclusion
- Device-wide blocking
- No pausing or shortening
- Local on-device operation
- Zero data tracking
- Privacy-focused
Read full descriptionHide full description
Take a break from gambling with a timed self‑exclusion you can’t pause or shorten. Once you start an exclusion, access to gambling sites, betting apps, and related services is blocked until the timer ends. How it works: - Uses iOS’s native Network Extension API (Packet Tunnel Provider) to enforce device‑wide blocking locally on your device. All network filtering happens directly on-device; none of your web traffic is routed to external servers. - Starts immediately after you select a duration and confirm, and stays active until the timer expires. Key Controls: - You cannot pause, restart, disable, or shorten an active self-exclusion. To end the block, you must wait for the selected timer to expire. - Exact on-device timing is used to ensure the exclusion ends precisely when you chose. Privacy First: - Zero data tracking: No browsing history or web traffic is sent to external servers or third parties. - The app operates entirely locally on your phone and does not require access to your location, camera, photos, or contacts. Notes and limitations: - Blocking focuses on gambling domains from a locally maintained blocklist. While the blocklist is regularly updated, new gambling sites appear frequently, and block coverage may vary. - Only one active Packet Tunnel VPN configuration can run at a time on iOS. - This tool is designed to support healthier habits but cannot guarantee every single source is blocked. For maximum efficacy, consider combining GamblePause with your iOS built-in Screen Time restriction features.
Anchor
Read full descriptionHide full description
Anchor is a powerful self-control app designed to help you add friction to gambling websites and apps so you can stop impulsive behavior and regain control of your digital life. Built with Apple Screen Time technology, Anchor creates a secure barrier between you and gambling content — helping you stay consistent even when motivation is low. 3 Day free trial Requires a subscription Terms of Service https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GamblePause at none against Anchor's 2. GamblePause also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Anchor sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. GamblePause asks for nothing beyond the download.
GamblePause ships an update every 6 weeks, Anchor monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | GamblePause | Anchor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 44 MB | 9 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | GAMBLEPAUSE INITIATIVE FOR ADDICTS AWARENESS | Ethan Seidel |
In-app purchases
GamblePause
No in-app purchases
Anchor
- Anchor Monthly3 Days trial$12.991 Month
- Anchor Yearly3 Days trial$79.001 Year







