Support Resources - Uninstalling Bantay Pusta
How to Uninstall Bantay Pusta?
Bantay Pusta was created to support individuals struggling with gambling-related harm. Because gambling urges can be impulsive and decisions may change in moments of craving, the app is designed to remain in place once installed. This safeguards users from disabling an important recovery tool during vulnerable moments.
If you need help or additional support, Bantay Pusta offers access to trusted resources and assistance to guide you through your recovery journey. You are not alone, and help is always available.
Why Can't I Uninstall Bantay Pusta?
Avoiding gambling is harder than ever due to the rise of online gambling. That is why we created Bantay Pusta, which blocks access to gambling sites and adds friction to help protect you during moments of temptation. To remain effective, Bantay Pusta is designed to be difficult to remove, and you will not be able to uninstall it until your subscription ends. This reduces the risk of relapse, since it is not always clear whether someone is fully recovered or attempting to bypass the block.
We are always glad to hear from users who feel they have regained control over their gambling. However, because recovery cannot be verified, our priority is to keep protective measures in place. If you feel at risk or need additional support, please visit our Finding Support pages for guidance.
Use a three-layer protection approach
Blocking software alone may not be enough. For stronger and longer‑lasting protection, we recommend combining Bantay Pusta with the following additional steps.
1. Device protection
Install and keep Bantay Pusta active on all devices you use. This blocks gambling websites and adds friction that makes impulsive gambling more difficult.
2. Fellowship and support
Join a recovery community such as Gamblers Anonymous Pilipinas or Recovering Gamblers Philippines. Regular meetings and peer support help create accountability, reduce isolation, and support long‑term recovery.
3. Self exclusion
Sign up for PAGCOR self exclusion to block access to licensed casinos and online gambling sites in the Philippines. This prevents entry or account access even if you attempt to gamble elsewhere.
Additional protective steps
For extra safety, you may also consider the following actions:
- Self exclude from all individual gambling accounts you currently have
- Contact your internet service provider to request blocking of gambling websites
- Opt out of gambling advertisements and marketing messages
- Ask trusted family members or friends to help you stay accountable
Recovery is not about relying on a single tool. Combining device protection, fellowship, and self exclusion creates stronger barriers that help protect you during vulnerable moments.
Can I close my account?
Your account cannot be closed until your subscription has expired. This measure is in place to help reduce the risk of relapse and to ensure that the app continues to serve its intended protective purpose. Allowing accounts to be closed easily could undermine the safeguards designed to support recovery during vulnerable moments.
We are committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey and to providing appropriate resources along the way. If you need additional assistance or guidance, we encourage you to visit our Finding Support page, where you can find further information and help options.