BetBlocker, a leading organisation focused on preventing gambling harm, has just unveiled a major update to its software—launching a Portuguese version of its free and anonymous gambling-blocking application. The move is designed to cater to the global population of over 200 million native Portuguese speakers, and it comes at a pivotal moment for both the charity and the online gaming market, particularly with Brazil set to open its doors to online gaming and sports betting.
This update follows a busy and impactful summer for BetBlocker, as the organisation has also entered into significant partnerships and received strong industry backing, further solidifying its position as a key player in gambling harm prevention.
Expanding Accessibility with Portuguese Language Integration
In an effort to make its support tools more accessible to non-English-speaking users, BetBlocker has now introduced a fully functional Portuguese version of its gambling-blocking software. The decision to develop this version was driven by the charity’s mission to expand its reach, especially to communities where gambling regulation may not be as stringent, or where users could face challenges accessing the appropriate support.
Portuguese is the official language of several countries, most notably Brazil, where over 212 million people speak it as their primary language. BetBlocker’s new language update positions the organisation to provide essential support to a significantly larger audience, potentially reaching vulnerable players who may be struggling with gambling-related issues but have been previously underserved due to language barriers.
Duncan Garvie, Founder and Trustee of BetBlocker, highlighted the crucial importance of language accessibility in providing effective support. He explained, “BetBlocker is the only free and anonymous gambling-blocking software available. Our users can go from download to being fully protected in less than two minutes, but that’s only possible if they understand the instructions.”
He continued by underscoring the challenge that many users face when trying to set up gambling-blocking software during moments of crisis. “When someone is experiencing problem gambling, they are often in a state of emotional and mental distress. Trying to follow instructions in a language they don’t fully understand only adds to their frustration and impedes their ability to protect themselves. Each time we launch BetBlocker in a new language, we see user engagement in that language increase between 4-10x.”
This language expansion is particularly timely, given the upcoming launch of Brazil’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market—a development that could potentially increase the risk of gambling harm in the region if preventive measures are not widely available. By releasing a Portuguese version of its software, BetBlocker is stepping in at a critical time to help mitigate these risks.
BetBlocker’s Growing Role in Responsible Gambling
BetBlocker has become a cornerstone in responsible gambling initiatives worldwide, providing players with tools to self-exclude from gambling websites and applications. The software is unique because it offers free and anonymous support—a rarity in the world of gambling-blocking tools, where many apps or programs require fees or subscriptions.
The Portuguese language update is the latest in a series of developments that showcase BetBlocker’s commitment to extending its services to a global audience. Over the summer, the organisation forged new data-based collaborations with various industry stakeholders, including Blask and Stake in June, and Casino.Guru in July. These partnerships focus on enhancing responsible gaming practices by combining BetBlocker’s blocking capabilities with data analytics to help identify players at risk of gambling-related harm earlier.
In a more recent development, BetBlocker also received a major pledge of support from Aristocrat, a global gaming content and technology company. Such partnerships not only help BetBlocker improve its tools but also promote industry-wide efforts to encourage responsible gambling practices and protect players from the potential dangers of problem gambling.
The Broader Impact of the Brazilian Online Gaming Market Opening
The decision to launch the Portuguese version of BetBlocker’s software comes as Brazil’s online gaming and sports betting market is set to open in the coming months. The opening of this market is expected to generate significant excitement, both from players and operators. However, with the growth of the market comes the increased risk of gambling addiction, making tools like BetBlocker’s application even more vital.
Brazil has the largest population of Portuguese speakers in the world, with over 212 million people, representing a massive potential user base for BetBlocker’s software. By offering a Portuguese version of the app, BetBlocker ensures that these individuals have access to immediate and effective support in their native language.
The online gambling market in Brazil, once fully established, is projected to generate billions of dollars in revenue. However, this comes with a responsibility to address potential harms related to gambling. Research has shown that gambling addiction rates tend to rise in regions where gambling is legalised, especially where it is rapidly expanding. Therefore, tools like BetBlocker will play an essential role in protecting players who may find themselves vulnerable to these risks.
Breaking Down Barriers: The Importance of Language in Gambling Harm Prevention
One of the most significant barriers for individuals seeking help with problem gambling is often the language in which support services are provided. Many gambling harm prevention tools and services are only available in English, which can create a disconnect for non-English speakers who are in need of immediate assistance.
BetBlocker’s founder Duncan Garvie pointed out the importance of launching the software in languages that reflect the demographics of its users. “The truth is that most of the people who need BetBlocker’s support are in a state of crisis. They are not able to think clearly and trying to set up a tool like BetBlocker, with instructions that they either don’t or only partially understand, presents a significant barrier to accessing that support.”
With this in mind, BetBlocker has made a concerted effort to expand its language offerings. Garvie’s observation that user engagement increases by 4-10 times after launching the software in a new language underscores the critical role that language accessibility plays in the effectiveness of problem gambling support tools. By removing this barrier, BetBlocker enables a greater number of individuals to take control of their gambling habits and seek the help they need.
A Year of Growth for BetBlocker
2023 has been a remarkable year for BetBlocker in terms of growth and expansion. Beyond the launch of its Portuguese version, the organisation has actively pursued partnerships that enhance its ability to deliver responsible gambling solutions. These collaborations have allowed BetBlocker to integrate more advanced data-based strategies into its operations, enabling the identification and prevention of problem gambling at earlier stages.
Partnerships with companies like Blask and Stake have furthered BetBlocker’s mission by leveraging data to better understand player behaviour and predict potential risks. By working with Casino.Guru, BetBlocker has also been able to reach a wider audience of users who are already engaged with responsible gambling platforms, ensuring that those most at risk have the tools they need to protect themselves.
Looking ahead, BetBlocker’s partnership with Aristocrat provides further industry support for the charity’s mission. Aristocrat’s backing highlights the growing recognition within the gaming industry of the importance of responsible gambling measures and the need for effective harm prevention tools. With the support of major players in the gaming industry, BetBlocker is well-positioned to continue its expansion and development, providing crucial support to millions of players around the world.
As the global online gaming and sports betting markets continue to grow, the demand for responsible gambling tools like BetBlocker’s blocking software is likely to increase. The launch of a Portuguese version of the app is just one example of how BetBlocker is evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and expanding user base. With the opening of Brazil’s online gaming market, the timing of this update could not be more critical.
In addition to providing immediate support to Portuguese-speaking players, BetBlocker’s continued collaboration with industry stakeholders and its focus on expanding its services to other languages and regions will ensure that it remains a key player in the fight against gambling harm.
As BetBlocker Founder Duncan Garvie notes, “Our goal is to make gambling harm prevention tools accessible to everyone, no matter where they live or what language they speak.” This latest update represents a significant step forward in achieving that goal and marks the beginning of a new chapter for BetBlocker as it continues to expand its reach and impact worldwide.