Screen Time is Apple's built-in iPhone and iPad feature for tracking and limiting how you use apps, with content and privacy restrictions that can stop apps above a chosen age rating. Because real-money casino apps carry an 18+ rating, Screen Time can keep them off a child's device or help an adult put distance between themselves and gambling apps.
Screen Time is built into iPhone and iPad and needs no extra download.
Content and privacy restrictions can limit apps by age rating or block app installs.
Real-money casino apps are rated 18+ on the App Store.
Screen Time controls one device; GAMSTOP, Gamban and bank blocks reach further.
Free, confidential support is on the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133.
Made by
Apple
Devices
iPhone and iPad
Relevant setting
Content & Privacy Restrictions
Casino app rating
18+ on the App Store
Covers
The device it's set on
What Screen Time is
Screen Time is a section of the Settings app on iPhone and iPad. It shows how long you spend in apps and lets you set boundaries, from daily app limits to restrictions on what content and apps are allowed at all. Parents can manage it for a child's device through Family Sharing.
For gambling, the most useful part is Content & Privacy Restrictions, because it works with App Store age ratings. It's the iPhone counterpart to Android's Digital Wellbeing, and you'll find both in our casino app glossary alongside Gamban and GAMSTOP.
How Screen Time uses age ratings to block casino apps
Apple defines 'Gambling' in its age ratings reference (opens in a new tab) as betting or wagering with real money, or with in-game currency that can be exchanged for real money. Apps with gambling sit in the 18+ tier. Every one of our partner casino apps, including Coral Casino on iPhone, is rated 18+.
Apple says the newer rating tiers (4+, 9+, 13+, 16+ and 18+) apply on devices running iOS 26 and later. If you set an app age limit lower than 18+, apps with an 18+ rating are restricted.
Screen Time settings that affect casino apps
Setting
What it does
Effect on casino apps
App age rating limit
Allows only apps up to a chosen age rating
18+ casino apps are restricted if the limit is below 18+
Installing Apps: Blocked
Stops any new app being installed
No new casino app can be downloaded
Screen Time passcode
Stops changes without the code
Makes the restrictions harder to undo on impulse
Setting up Screen Time restrictions
Apple's parental controls guide (opens in a new tab) explains the process for a child's device in Family Sharing: go to Settings, then Family, choose the child, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. On your own iPhone, Screen Time has the same restrictions.
Open Settings and go to Screen Time (or Family, then the child's name, for a child's device).
Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
In the App Store settings, set Installing Apps to Blocked if you want to stop new installs.
Under content restrictions, set the app age rating below 18+.
Set a Screen Time passcode, ideally one held by someone you trust.
Screen Time controls one device. It won't stop gambling websites in a browser unless you also set web content limits, and it does nothing on a second phone, a tablet or a laptop. It also doesn't touch your bank account or your casino accounts.
GAMSTOP (opens in a new tab) blocks you from all online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
Licensed casino apps that work alongside Screen Time
Screen Time restrictions apply to every 18+ app, including the three below, which are licensed by the Gambling Commission and must take part in GAMSTOP. If you choose to play, set a budget first. These offers are for new customers, 18+, and terms apply.
Coral: bet £10 on slots to get 100 free spins on selected games, 10p per spin, with 48 hours to accept, 7 days to use and no wagering on spin winnings; Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and some debit cards don't qualify.
Ladbrokes: play £10 on slots after depositing to get 50 free spins a day for 10 days, up to 500, at 10p each on selected games, claimed by 23:59 each day and valid for 7 days, with no wagering; prepaid card, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits are excluded.
PlayOJO: 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza at 10p each on a first deposit of £10 or more, with no wagering and winnings paid in cash; excludes Northern Ireland.
Coral and Ladbrokes are both run by LC International Limited (Entain). If you already hold an account with one Entain brand, you may not be able to open another; check the terms first.
Significant terms: 18+. New players only. Offer runs 01/10/2026 to 01/02/2027. Deposit (certain types excluded) and bet £10+ on slot games to get 100 free spins (selected games, £0.10 each, 48 hrs to accept, valid 7 days). No wagering on free spin winnings. Deposits by Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our Coral app reviewLicence: LC International Limited, Gambling Commission account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
Time limitClaim daily for 10 days; each batch valid 7 days
Worked valueUp to 500 spins at £0.10 (up to £50 in spins)
Significant terms: 18+. New customers only, from 14/11/25 until further notice. Certain deposit methods excluded. Deposit and spend £10+ on slots for 50 free spins a day during the first 10 days after first deposit and registration (max 500, £0.10 each, selected games, claim before 23:59 each day, valid 7 days). No wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our Ladbrokes app reviewLicence: LC International Limited, Gambling Commission account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
Significant terms: 18+. New UK customers (excluding Northern Ireland). First deposit only. Minimum deposit £10. 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza, £0.10 each. No wagering requirements; winnings paid in cash. Cannot be used with any other offer. Only available to players who arrive through the designated offer link. Full T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our PlayOJO app reviewLicence: Skill On Net Limited, Gambling Commission account 39326. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
18+. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: safer gambling tools and support. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
Can Screen Time block gambling apps?
Yes, through its content restrictions. Setting the allowed app age rating below 18+ restricts apps rated 18+, which includes real-money casino apps, and setting Installing Apps to Blocked stops new downloads. A Screen Time passcode stops the settings being changed without the code. For a full set of options on iPhone, see can I block gambling apps on iPhone.
Can I use Screen Time to block my own gambling?
You can. The same restrictions work on your own iPhone, and asking someone you trust to set and keep the passcode makes them harder to reverse in a weak moment. Screen Time only covers that one device, so many people pair it with GAMSTOP and a bank gambling block. Our guide to self-exclusion from casino apps explains how the tools fit together.
Does Screen Time stop casino websites as well as apps?
Not through the app age rating alone, which applies to apps from the App Store. Screen Time has separate web content settings, but gambling sites can still be reached on other devices or browsers. Gamban is designed to block gambling sites and apps across several devices, and GAMSTOP blocks your accounts with British-licensed operators. Our page on Gamban explains how it differs.
What age rating do casino apps have on the App Store?
Real-money casino apps are rated 18+. Apple's age ratings reference lists gambling under the 18+ tier, and our five partner apps all show an 18+ rating on their App Store listings. Free 'simulated gambling' games can carry lower ratings depending on how frequent the content is. Our answer on what age you have to be to use casino apps covers the UK legal side.
Is Screen Time enough to protect a child from gambling apps?
It's a strong start for the device it's set on, especially with an age limit below 18+ and a passcode the child doesn't know. Licensed operators must also verify age before anyone can deposit or play, including in free demo games. Talk to young people about gambling-style content too. Our page on young people and gambling apps has practical advice for parents.
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