BetBlocker – the free Responsible Gambling app – has now been recognised as a charity within the UK.
The BetBlocker App assists users in controlling their gambling by allowing them to block their internet capable devices from accessing over 6.7k gambling operator sites.
The user selects how long they would like to restrict themselves for and activates BetBlocker. The app will then enforce a restriction on the device for the selected time period.
BetBlocker was originally funded and developed by ThePOGG.com Ltd. When asked about the decision to register BetBlocker as a charity, Manager of ThePOGG.com Duncan Garvie had the following to say:
“BetBlocker was started in an effort to help vulnerable players that visited our site. It’s been successful beyond anything that we could have envisioned and the project has expanded far beyond simply helping ThePOGG.com users. There is clearly huge need for this type of service.
While BetBlocker is comparatively inexpensive to run when compared to the benefit that is created for a large number of vulnerable people, the success of the service has created significant financial strain on our small business. With over 40k downloads and a currently active user base that runs in to several thousands on the mobile versions of the app alone, BetBlocker has outgrown what ThePOGG.com Ltd can reasonably sustain.
That being the case we were left with the choice to either start charging for the tool – this would be asking the very people who can least afford to pay for the help to foot the bill – or look to other philanthropic parties to help BetBlocker maximise its potential.
ThePOGG.com is deeply proud to see BetBlocker grow and mature in a manner that made this step necessary.
As a charity BetBlocker will now look to cooperate with various groups participating within the industry to fund the ongoing development and maintenance of the tool. We will be reaching out to various businesses and other relevant groups within the industry to raise awareness of the service and establish how best to cooperate with those parties who have a vested interest in helping protect vulnerable players from harm to ensure that BetBlocker continues to support the thousands of users the service already has and many more moving into the future.
And while donations from players would not be our first choice, we have registered with the Amazon Smile program. This program allows Amazon users to trigger a small additional donation to BetBlocker at no extra cost to themselves every time they purchase something through the online retailer. With enough people making small contributions in this manner we can ensure that BetBlocker remains available for any one who feels they need support to control their gambling.”
If you are interested in making a donation to BetBlocker please email [email protected].
To support BetBlocker via Amazon Smile click here.
If you are a gambling operator and would like to learn more about BetBlocker or are considering building it into your Responsible Gambling information/policies you can email [email protected] for further information.
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