NetNanny and Online Gambling: A Safe Alternative for Blocking Gambling Websites

NetNanny - What Is It and How Does It Work?

With its award-winning content filtering technology, NetNanny can help your family navigate the online world safely without stumbling into harmful or inappropriate content.

Parental Controls for Peace of Mind

NetNanny offers robust parental controls that provide real-time insights into your children’s digital habits. More than just blocking gambling sites, it gives you peace of mind by offering a multi-layered security framework. So it’s a great way to stop children from gambling.

Screen Time Management

Worried your kids are glued to the screen? With NetNanny’s Screen Time Management, you can set daily internet access schedules.

Website and App Blocking

Besides blocking gambling websites, NetNanny allows you to customise web access settings for each family member. Plus, you can see which apps your kids are using and block any that are inappropriate - such as online casinos and betting sites.

Location Tracking

Our NetNanny review also found that its real-time location tracking feature is great if you want to know your child’s whereabouts, offering yet another layer of security.

Internet Filter and Content Categories

NetNanny boasts an internet filter with customisable settings for 14 content categories, including gambling, drugs, and adult content. Each user profile can be tailored to alert, allow, or block specific types of content.

Alerts, Reporting, and Family Feed

Stay in the loop with NetNanny's detailed reporting and alert features. The Family Feed gives you a real-time overview of your family's online activities, which you can access from the NetNanny Parent Dashboard.

Pros:

• Effective webpage filtering
• Multi-device support
• Wallet-friendly

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Somewhat intrusive
• May experience false positives
• Automatic renewal
• Diificult to cancel

NetNanny Company Info

Data	Details
Company Name	Net Nanny Software International Inc.
Address	1425 S 5500 W, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84104, USA
Website	www.netnanny.com
Employees	40
Revenue	£3 million
Phone Number	+1 801-508-3600

NetNanny User Reviews

James Bayley - Trustpilot (18/07/2023)

I used this product once and it kept billing me for 10 years without sending me renewal emails. I only found out when I checked my bank statement. 1/5 ⭐

Nate - Trustpilot (29/06/2022)

Service was not good. Also they enrolled me in autopay which I don’t remember agreeing to, and there is no where [sic] on their site that you can cancel [sic] subscription. If there was less than 1 star I would give them that.1/5 ⭐

Our Assessment of NetNanny

NetNanny promises to shield you from the pitfalls of gambling sites and more. Yet, when scrutinised through rigorous testing, the programme's performance leaves much to be desired.

We carried out our tests on an array of devices -A Dell Inspiron 15, Samsung Galaxy (Android), and an iPhone x - to measure its adaptability. While NetNanny purports to offer a tailored experience for each device, the reality is far less polished. Android users may find the software's "proactivity" verging on erratic.

For Windows users, a word of caution. This software clings like a limpet, and not in a helpful way. If you ever decide it's time to part ways, prepare for an uphill battle - not even a complete system wipe could neutralise its unyielding blocking features - yet, this is admittedly the point of the software.

Here's the ethical quandary. For a company that touts itself as a moral compass, guiding you away from the internet's darker alleys, its billing procedures are notably murky. There's no simple mechanism to opt out of automatic renewal. Their Terms and Conditions, moreover, offer misleading advice on subscription cancellation. When you reach out for assistance, the ensuing process appears more geared towards obstruction than resolution.

So, while NetNanny aspires to be your online guardian, its inconsistent service, dubious billing practices, and lack of transparency make it one of the worst options around.

NetNanny Price Plans

Worried about multiple devices? NetNanny has various pricing options. Whether it's a single desktop or a family of gadgets, you can pick a plan that fits just right.

NetNanny Pricing Information

Product Name	Number of Devices	Price (Yearly)	Per Device Cost	Discount Percentage	Platform Availability
1 Desktop	1	$39.99	N/A	30%	Windows/macOS
5 Devices - Family Protection Pass	5	$54.99	$11	N/A	Windows/macOS/iOS
20 Devices - Family Protection Pass	20	$89.99	Less than $5	N/A	Windows/macOS/iOS

Is There A NetNanny Free Trial?

Unfortunately, NetNanny doesn't offer a free trial. That's right, you won't have the luxury to test its functionalities before committing financially. Given the concerns surrounding its efficacy and billing practices, this is a notable drawback.

Still considering taking the plunge to create a gamble-free digital zone for yourself or someone you care about? NetNanny isn't exactly a plug-and-play option. Below is a quick guide to set you on your path - should you decide to proceed.

Before You Begin

1. Confirmation Email: After completing your purchase, you'll receive an email containing crucial information. Don't ignore it; you'll require it later.
2. Device Compatibility: Be sure to select the version that is compatible with your device's operating system.

Installation Steps

1. Step 1: Head to the official NetNanny website and click the 'Get Started' button.
2. Step 2: Choose the plan that best fits your needs and hit 'Purchase'.
3. Step 3: After payment, you'll be directed to the download page. Click to download the NetNanny installer.
4. Step 4: Locate the installer file and run it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. Step 5: During setup, you'll be prompted to enter the confirmation code sent to your email.

Customer Support

Encountered a hiccup? You may feel stranded, but not for long. NetNanny touts its customer service as a pillar of support. The claim? Assistance for both desktop and mobile woes. But let's dig deeper.

How to Reach Them

During their business hours, you can contact their team via live chat. Alternatively, shoot them an email, and they pledge to respond by the end of the next business day.

Operational Hours

Here's the catch. Their support is only available Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 7 pm EST (3 pm to 12 am GMT). We must admit, the lack of support at the weekends is disappointing.

Compatibility Woes

Another red flag? If you’re an Android, Kindle Fire, and Chromebook users, your devices aren't currently supported. While NetNanny has promised an update in the fourth quarter of 2023, it still hasn’t been released.

How to Remove NetNanny - Is It Reversible?

If you're thinking that NetNanny is designed for user convenience, think again. There's no 'Uninstall' button in sight. You're locked in until your subscription term ends. However, if you're keen to break free, here are some manual steps to uninstall it - again, not great if your little ones are tech-savvy.

For Windows XP Users

1. Click Start, head to Settings, and then open the Control Panel.
2. Choose 'Add or Remove Programs'. Find 'Content Protect' or 'Net Nanny' and click 'change/remove'.
3. Confirm your choice by selecting 'yes to all'. Reboot your computer to activate the changes.
4. Go to 'My Computer', click on Tools, and choose 'Folder options' from the menu.
5. Under the View tab, opt for 'Show Hidden Files and Folders'. Click Apply and OK.
6. Finally, eliminate the ContentWatch Folders from these locations: c:\program files and c:\documents and settings\all users\application data.

For Windows 7 or Vista Users

1. Click Start and head to Settings. Open the Control Panel next.
2. In 'Programs and Features', select 'Content Protect' or 'Net Nanny', then click 'change/remove'.
3. Give your affirmation by clicking 'yes to all', and then restart your machine for changes to take effect.
4. Open 'Computer' and press the Alt key. Then click Tools and select 'Folder options'.
5. Within the View tab, activate 'Show Hidden Files and Folders'. Apply the settings and confirm with OK.
6. Lastly, remove the ContentWatch Folders from c:\program files and c:\programdata.

This rather intricate uninstallation process echoes broader concerns about the software's complexity and lack of transparency.

Top Gambling- Blocking Software Compared

When it comes to self-exclusion apps, the stakes are high. These apps aren't mere accessories; they're essential tools for maintaining a gamble-free lifestyle. The ultimate question: does NetNanny hold its own against rivals like GamBlock, Betfilter, GamBan, and BetBlocker? Here's what the numbers reveal.

Table Comparison

Self-Exclusion App	Easy Installation	User Experience Rating	Protection Rating	Uninstall-proof	Mobile Tool Rating
NetNanny	2/5	4.5/5	2/5	1/5	1/5
GamBlock	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	5/5	5/5
Betfilter	N/A	3/5	4/5	N/A	3/5
GamBan	3.5/5	5/5	3/5	4/5	4/5
BetBlocker	4/5	3/5	3/5	3/5	3/5

Contrary to initial impressions, NetNanny falters when placed under scrutiny. Sure, it scores admirably in user experience, but it severely lacks in almost every other critical department—easy installation, protection, uninstall-proofing, and mobile utility.

Compared to its rivals, NetNanny's performance is, unfortunately, more lacklustre than laudable. If you're in pursuit of a robust, all-round self-exclusion solution, you might want to look elsewhere.

How Effective is Blocking Sites for Helping Gambling Addicts Recover

You may be inclined to go for NetNanny, but what does research say about the overall efficacy of gambling-blocking software in helping people recover from gambling addiction? A comprehensive study by Winning Moves Ltd. for BeGambleAware provides key insights.

Blocking Licensed Gambling Sites

While no software claims to block 100% of UK Gambling Commission-licensed sites, NetNanny is up there with the best. In our testing, it blocked roughly 98% of these sites. That includes top-tier casinos that you'd ordinarily find at the top of search results.

The Psychological Advantage

Don't underestimate the psychological edge NetNanny provides. Many users report that simply having the software on their devices acts as a powerful deterrent against even thinking of gambling.

Does It Actually Reduce Harm?

Yes, according to our findings and the aforementioned study. NetNanny contributes to reducing the harmful impacts of compulsive gambling. It's not a cure, but it's a reliable first line of defence.

Not a Complete Solution

Let's be clear: no blocking software, NetNanny included, should be your only strategy for tackling problem gambling. Studies suggest that the most effective approach includes it as a part of a broader, personalised treatment plan. Also, you’re more likely to succeed when friends or family are part of a support network set up by Gamblers Anonymous or GamCare.

Maximising the Benefits of NetNanny

In addition to utilising tools like NetNanny, it's paramount to comprehend what’s involved to treat a gambling addiction. This understanding is essential not just for those ensnared in its clutches but also for their close ones. To aid in this journey, we've curated an array of problem gambling guides, such as the following:

• Complete Guide to Self-Exclusion in Gambling: Dive into the mechanisms of self-exclusion and its efficacy in tempering problematic gambling behaviours.
• GAMSTOP Guide: Get acquainted with GAMSTOP, a centralised scheme for self-exclusion, designed to aid individuals in limiting their online gambling pursuits.
• Gambling Addiction Denial: How to Help Yourself or a Loved One: Identify the markers of denial and equip yourself with tactics to address and counteract gambling addiction effectively.
• How Does Gambling Affect Your Brain: Delve into the neurological consequences of gambling, and how it alters neural pathways, to better fathom the issue and enhance treatment approaches.
• The National Gambling Support Network: Full List of Support Services in the UK: An exhaustive directory of entities and services in the UK committed to providing assistance to those grappling with gambling addiction.
• Activities to Stop Gambling: Check out this guide on activities that can make curbing your habit easier.

Are There Casinos That NetNanny Can’t Block?

Questioning whether NetNanny has any blind spots when it comes to online casinos? Good news: it's largely foolproof. While it may not be designed solely for blocking gambling sites, its AI-based content filtering works around the clock to update its database.

NetNanny's algorithm operates by scanning web content in real time. This means that even if a rogue casino tries to sneak onto your screen after you've set up NetNanny, you're probably going to be shielded before you even click on it.

So, unlike some gambling-specific options that might have delayed updates, NetNanny is perpetually vigilant. You're not just reactive; you're proactive, always staying a step ahead in the battle against online gambling.

Final Verdict: Is NetNanny Your Safe Bet?

After our thorough evaluation, it's clear that NetNanny is a player in the game but not the best software for blocking gambling sites. Unlike heavyweights such as GamBlock, it falls short in key areas like complete site blocking and harm reduction. It does offer a unique selling point - its adaptability.

Nevertheless, NetNanny can be fine-tuned to block not just gambling sites but also specific apps or activities you wish to avoid.

Is NetNanny your go-to for curbing gambling or protecting a loved one? It's a tough call. While it brings certain qualities to the table, it isn't a one-stop shop for your digital well-being. Its moderate performance and gaps in blocking capabilities mean that it may serve better as part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone solution.