The UK-based non-profit BetBlocker is bringing its free self-exclusion tools to the US and has simultaneously struck a funding and research partnership with the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV). Through the collaboration, BetBlocker will provide financial support to the university’s International Gaming Institute (IGI), which will study the use and effectiveness of self-excluding software. Beyond research, BetBlocker’s recent expansion into the US positions it as a valuable resource for promoting responsible gaming, particularly in the absence of a nationwide self-exclusion system.
BetBlocker’s US expansion and growing influence
BetBlocker is a free app available for mobile devices or computers. It allows users to self-exclude from thousands of global gambling sites. According to its website, BetBlocker has blocked almost 90,000 websites and over 1,500 apps on over 20,000 active devices.
Established in the UK in 2018, it has expanded across Europe and Africa and is available in 16 languages. It launched a US division in March, coinciding with a partnership with the Colorado Lottery, which now features BetBlocker on its responsible gaming page. Meanwhile, while it does provide additional information, sweepstakes casino Stake.us features BetBlocker on its homepage.
The charity has built strong partnerships with global gaming companies, potentially paving the way for US-based gaming operators to integrate BetBlocker into their platforms. Industry giants such as Entain—co-owner of BetMGM Casino—and Aristocrat, the creator of the famous Buffalo slot, have supported BetBlocker’s initiatives. Entain even financed its expansion into Zambia.
BetBlocker and UNLV team up for first-of-its-kind research
With BetBlocker’s support, IGI will examine how individuals use self-exclusion software and assess its effectiveness. The research aims to generate data-driven insights to shape policy, strengthen responsible gaming initiatives, and aid regulatory efforts. BetBlocker Founder and Trustee Duncan Garvie shared his excitement about the partnership in a LinkedIn post:
BetBlocker’s user base is growing at an astronomical rate right now, increasing by thousands of users every month. This is a massive resource that could be leveraged to help advance our understanding of how people engage with gambling, and how we can best minimise gambling harms.
I’ve long hoped that BetBlocker could find a way to facilitate academic research, whilst still ensuring the anonymity of our users. Having overcome that barrier, we’re now inviting any university that is looking to engage this type of study to reach out to us to discuss how we can support your efforts.
Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, the director of research at IGI, said that with BetBlocker’s support, the institute can better understand people who self-exclude. Ghaharian noted that there is no published research on these individuals, so the findings would be valuable to operators, lawmakers, and the public. That could be welcome news for online casino proponents, as problem gambling is a frequent topic of discussion among lawmakers and often a stumbling block in iGaming expansion efforts.
How does BetBlocker work?
BetBlocker is free to use, and no registration is required, allowing users to remain anonymous. Mobile users can download the app through the iOS App Store or Android’s Google Play. Meanwhile, those who prefer using a computer can download the app through the BetBlocker’s website.
Once downloaded, the process is straightforward. To self-exclude, users start by selecting the exclusion length Options include 1-5 days, 1-3 weeks, 1-6 months, and 1-5 years. Then, they can include gambling information websites and apps, including Google Chrome, X, Discord, and Tinder.
Once these steps are completed, BetBlocker downloads a profile, which the individual must activate through their settings. A tutorial video provides instructions for completing the process. After submitting the request, users cannot reverse the process.
In addition to self-exclusion, BetBlocker offers parental controls to ensure minors do not access gambling websites on their parents’ devices. The parent must create a password and select the time they wish to block the sites. Parents can also choose to block pornography websites for additional protection.
BetBlocker can help with national self-exclusion
BetBlocker’s introduction to the US market could provide support for national responsible gaming efforts. Currently, self-exclusion is handled state-by-state, meaning individuals banned in one state can still gamble in another. For example, an individual prohibited from playing at online casinos in Pennsylvania can cross over to New Jersey and sign up there. While national operators like FanDuel Casino may extend self-exclusion across other states they operate in, players can still bypass restrictions by signing up with different operators.
A tool like BetBlocker, which works across state lines, could help close this loophole. By preventing access to gambling platforms regardless of location, it offers a more comprehensive approach to self-exclusion and harm minimization.
About the Author
