Sidelined blocks sportsbook apps and websites on your iPhone. You can turn the block on any time you want. Turning it off takes a person who has your back, not willpower at 11pm on game night.
Most blockers fail because you can switch them off yourself. Sidelined is built so you can't.
A friend, sibling, parent or partner. They're required during setup, because the whole app depends on them.
Sidelined uses Apple's Screen Time controls to shield the sportsbook apps and sites you choose, at the system level.
If you ask to unlock, your partner gets a link and decides. They can approve, suggest waiting together, or ask you to hold off.
There are other ways to cut back. Most leave one gap open: you can undo them yourself, or no one else is involved.
| Feature | Willpower alone | Phone blockers you control | Sportsbook self-exclusion | Sidelined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blocks betting apps and sites on your phone | ✕ | ✓ | ✕Locks your account, not your phone | ✓ |
| Covers several sportsbooks at once | ✕ | ~If you set it up | ✕One company at a time | ✓ |
| You can't lift it on your own | ✕ | ✕You can switch it off | ✓ | ✓ |
| A person you trust decides on unlocks | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Help in the moment you feel the urge | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓Pause screen, breathing exercise, helpline |
| Available today | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~Coming soon |
A general comparison of common approaches, not of specific products. Self-exclusion is still a valuable step, and works well alongside Sidelined.
You can always add protection yourself. Only your partner can remove it.
The moment you most want to bet is the moment you're least able to decide clearly. Sidelined puts a person and a pause in that gap.
When you open a blocked app, you see a calm screen with a way to message your partner instead of a wall of warnings.
Your partner sees that you asked for a check-in. They never see which games or sportsbooks. Their phone and email are only shown to you in masked form.
Track days without an unlock so you can see progress build.
Sidelined is coming soon to the App Store for iPhone. Leave your email below and we'll let you know the day it's out.
No, and that's the point. You can start a restriction any time. Lifting one requires your accountability partner's approval.
No. They get a link by text or email and respond from any browser.
Your partner gets a text if Sidelined's Screen Time access is turned off, so it's never a quiet way out.
No. Sidelined is a practical tool, not medical care. If gambling is hurting your life, please also reach out for support (see below).
Leave your email and we'll let you know when Sidelined is ready.
If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, free confidential help is available in the US at ncpgambling.org or by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER.