FAQ & Safety
Straight answers about how Tethered works and how we protect your data.
How does Tethered work?
Tethered connects to your bank and payment accounts in read-only mode and runs in the background, checking new transactions for betting as your bank reports them (usually within hours, sometimes a few days depending on the bank). When it finds something, your accountability partners get a push notification and an email.
Will my partner hear about every betting transaction?
By default, yes: they hear about every betting transaction Tethered finds. If you're on a monthly budget, you can instead alert your partners only when you pass 75% of your budget, reach it, or make a large betting transaction. Switching needs your partner's approval, and all betting activity still shows in Partner View and their weekly report.
Does Tethered catch every bet?
No app can promise that. Tethered recognizes known sportsbooks, online casinos, DFS and sweepstakes apps, and sends likely bets, like charges at a casino, to your partner to review. It can't see cash, or bets placed through someone else's account, which is why the trust between you and your partner still matters most.
What does my partner see?
Partner View shows your betting activity, your budget, your streak, and whether every linked account is still connected. Partners also get a weekly report every Monday, including an all-clear when there's nothing to report. They never see your balances or unrelated spending.
Can I have more than one partner?
Yes. Every partner you invite is a full partner: they all get the same alerts and weekly report, and any budget increase needs every partner's approval.
Is my financial data safe?
We use bank-level encryption via Plaid, and every connection is strictly read-only. Tethered never sees or stores your bank login credentials or account numbers, and no one can move or touch your money. Learn more about how Plaid protects your data at plaid.com.
Why does financial transparency matter over app blockers?
App blockers treat the symptom and can be deleted in a moment of temptation. Financial visibility addresses the root: replacing solitary habits with shared, mutual transparency.
Is Tethered a substitute for therapy or professional treatment?
No. Tethered is a peer-accountability and budgeting tool designed to support responsible habits. It is not a clinical service, therapy provider, or substitute for professional treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress or problem gambling, support is available 24/7 via the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or ncpgambling.org.
Can I invite someone else to use Tethered?
Yes. Use "Invite Someone You Care About" to send a friend or family member a note inviting them to set up a tether with you as their partner.
How much does Tethered cost?
$7.99/month, or $79.99/year (2 months free), after a 30-day free trial. Sales tax is added where it applies. Partners use Tethered free unless they choose to pay for someone. See Pricing for how the trial, billing and cancelling work.