The iGaming industry in the United States continues to grow at a rapid pace, bringing with it new challenges in responsible gambling. With more players gaining access to online betting platforms, the need for effective self-exclusion tools has never been more pressing. Addressing this demand, BetBlocker, a UK-registered gambling support charity, has expanded its operations by launching BetBlocker US Inc.
This initiative aims to provide American residents with a free-to-use app designed to help users manage their gambling activities responsibly. The service offers anonymous gambling-blocking software to ensure users can take control of their gaming habits without financial barriers. The app is already available in English and Spanish, with Chinese language support currently in development and set to launch soon. Additionally, BetBlocker’s services extend to 17 other languages, making it a widely accessible tool for those seeking assistance.
Comprehensive Self-Exclusion Tool
BetBlocker offers a self-exclusion tool that enables users to restrict access to over 88,000 gambling websites and 1,500 gambling apps. Users can customize exclusion periods from 24 hours to five years, making it a highly flexible option for those looking to control their gambling behavior.
Duncan Garvie, Founder and Trustee of BetBlocker, emphasized the importance of accessibility: “BetBlocker’s pioneering free support has been minimising 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.”
Collaboration with Industry Stakeholders
BetBlocker has secured registration as a 501(c) Non-profit Organization in Delaware, signaling its commitment to expanding its services in North America. One of its first collaborations in the U.S. is with the Colorado Lottery, which has integrated BetBlocker’s resources into its ‘Know Your Limits’ initiative by providing a direct link to the app on its website.
Industry leaders have welcomed this expansion, recognizing the benefits of providing players with effective and cost-free tools for responsible gambling. As part of its U.S. strategy, BetBlocker aims to engage with regulators and gambling operators to promote responsible gaming measures more widely.
Implications for U.S. iGaming Operators
For U.S. iGaming operators, BetBlocker’s expansion represents an opportunity to strengthen responsible gambling initiatives. By integrating BetBlocker’s self-exclusion tool into their platforms, operators can demonstrate a proactive approach to player safety while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Duncan Garvie further elaborated on the necessity of removing financial barriers to responsible gambling support: “It is my strong belief that pay walls 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.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Responsible Gambling in the U.S.
BetBlocker’s expansion into the U.S. market marks a significant step toward enhancing player protection in the growing iGaming industry. With a commitment to accessibility and collaboration, the organization is poised to play a vital role in shaping responsible gambling efforts across North America. By offering a free and flexible self-exclusion tool, BetBlocker is positioning itself as a key resource for both players and operators aiming to foster a safer gaming environment.
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