BetBlocker has launched a U.S. unit, BetBlocker US, as part of its North American entry. Originally from the U.K., the organization is a charity providing free self-exclusion software designed to help block gambling websites.
BetBlocker's American expansion is aided by a partnership with the Colorado Lottery. The state's lottery included BetBlocker in its responsible gambling tools, alowing users who wish to, limit their gambling activity without needing intervention from gambling operators.
The collaboration comes when there's an increased focus on responsible gambling controls as the gambling industry continues to grow in various U.S. states, with gambling addiction strife, as a JAMA Internal Medicine study found.
BetBlocker US is now registered as an officially recognized 501(c) non-profit in Delaware. This gives it American market legitimacy and lets it provide services to the broader North American public.
In its U.S. market foray, BetBlocker announced it will support multiple languages to make access available for multiple groups. The software currently supports English and Spanish, but added support for a Chinese-language version is planned in the next few days.
These three languages represent some of the most well-liked tongues in the United States. BetBlocker already developed resources in 17 additional languages and made its presence among users in other regions worldwide.
Building on recent growth
BetBlocker's entry into the North American region is one of a string of worldwide initiatives to offer access to responsible gambling software. Last month, the firm introduced an Italian-language version of its software for assistance in Italy.
In addition, BetBlocker expanded into African markets, where it's supported the Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga languages. These developments demonstrate the organization's focus on providing inclusive self-exclusion products in several regions.
BetBlocker also extended its European presence, collaborating with industry companies. During European Safer Gambling Week 2024, BetBlocker partnered with EveryMatrix to launch a Maltese-language software version. EveryMatrix also recently parternered with BetMGM to develop 'Family-Feud-themed' slot games.
This partnership attempted to increase the delivery of responsible gaming products in Malta, whose gaming industry is one of its economic pillars. BetBlocker creator and trustee Duncan Garvie noted the goal of developing BetBlocker US was to raise awareness of the service in North America and provide a broader audience with free gambling harm-reduction tools.
“BetBlocker’s pioneering free support has been minimizing harm for tens of thousands of people all over the world for close to a decade now. By establishing the U.S. arm of the charity, it is our hope that we can raise the profile of the service in North America and support tens of thousands more people in the coming years. It is my strong belief that paywalls between users and support for gambling harm create a barrier that ensures that the most vulnerable, and the least able to pay, are the least able to access support. Free support is essential, and I’m confident that in the coming years we will be there for hundreds of thousands of people across the North American continent, that would otherwise struggle to manage their gambling,” he said.
