Found out they're betting again? You can hold the key.
Winner's Win blocks betting apps and gambling sites on their iPhone. You hold the code that keeps it on. If protection goes off, you're told. If they want back in, they need your OK.
It isn't spying and it isn't punishment. It only works if they agree, and it never shows you their browsing.
First, breathe
Finding a betting app, a bank charge or a hidden account can knock the wind out of you. You didn't cause this and you can't fix it alone. What you can do is make the next bet harder to place, and make it something the two of you face together instead of in secret.
How it works from your side
- You start the conversation Pick a calm moment, not the middle of an argument. Our guide what to say to someone who is betting too much can help.
- They agree and set it up on their iPhone They download Winner's Win, choose the betting apps to shield, and invite you as a helper. Sit together while they do it; it takes about ten minutes.
- You set the Screen Time code In person, you set a Screen Time code on their phone that only you know. Now the app can't be deleted and settings can't be changed without you.
- You're told if protection goes off If blocking is switched off, you get a notification. No checking their phone, no guessing.
- They need your OK to unlock An unlock request goes to you (and anyone else they invited). After everyone says yes there's a one-hour wait, then sites open for 30 minutes and close on their own.
You see
- Their first name and whether protection is on
- Days protected and money kept
- Unlock requests and notes they send you
- Counts of blocked attempts by category, never which site
You never see
- Their browsing history or the sites they visit
- Which apps they picked
- Their location
- Their bank accounts or balances
Honest limits
- They have to agree. It's set up on their phone, by them. You can't install it secretly, and we wouldn't want you to.
- It isn't spyware. You hold a key, not a camera. They can leave the circle, and you'll be told if they do.
- iPhone only today. Other phones, computers and betting in person aren't covered.
- A betting app they're already signed in to is only stopped if they pick it to be shielded. New apps are only stopped if you set Installing Apps to Don't Allow in Screen Time.
- It's a tool, not treatment. It buys time between the urge and the bet; support for both of you does the rest.
Questions partners ask
What does it cost?
$49.99 a month or $299.99 a year, after a 7-day free trial, billed by Apple to the Apple Account that subscribes. As a helper, you never pay. Plans renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the trial or current period ends. If the subscription ends, blocking stops, and you're told beforehand if it's set not to renew.
Can I pay for it instead of them?
Today the subscription is started in the app on their iPhone, so the simplest way is to sit down and set it up together. We're working on a way for a partner to start it; we'll update this page when it's ready.
Will I see what they look at online?
No. You never see their browsing, the sites they visit, which apps they picked, or where they are. You see whether protection is on, unlock requests, and notes they choose to send.
What if they say no?
That's their call, and pushing rarely helps. You can still get support for yourself: Gam-Anon and 1-800-GAMBLER are there for partners and families too. Many people come around after a second, calmer conversation.
Can they just turn it off?
Not quietly. Without your Screen Time code they can't delete the app or change its settings, and if protection goes off you're told.
Does anyone else find out?
No. Nothing goes on a government list and nothing is shared with an employer or bank. Only the people they invite are in the circle.
Ready to talk about it?
Download Winner's Win on their iPhone and set it up together. You join as their helper at no cost.
Support for you, too
- Gam-Anon: free meetings for spouses, partners and families of people who gamble.
- How to help someone stop sports betting without starting a fight
- How to set a Screen Time code for someone you love
Need to talk to someone now? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM. Confidential, 24/7, for partners and families too.
In a crisis, call or text 988.