Gambling ad-blocking tool BetBlocker has been approved as a prevention charity by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
This follows on from the initiative being listed as a charity in November 2019.
Comprehensive blocking features
BetBlocker is a free app which allows users to block over 12,400 gambling operator sites. It’s one of six organisations to be recognised by the UKGC as a “prevention” charity.
Through BetBlocker, users can opt to self-exclude from gambling for between 24 hours and five years.
After the news was confirmed, the company distributed a press release. In this, it said the following.
“Gambling operators, other organisations, and even the general public can now donate to BetBlocker.org in order to fund its activities. Donations from UKGC licensed gambling operators can also be counted towards the license required RET donations.
“This is especially significant as the regulator has been sign-posting for some time the possibility that their licensees may soon be required to offer a free license to a blocking software to any self-excluding player.
“As BetBlocker is currently the only free blocking software, by donating to the charity the generosity shown by the operator can be reciprocated by ensuring that a free blocking software remains available should the regulator choose to make this a license requirement. In this manner donating to BetBlocker may actually save operators money in the long run.”
Increasing its presence in the field of responsible gambling
At the beginning of 2020, BetBlocker received its first corporate donation via CasinoGuide – an online casino comparison site.
The extension is available via Android, iOS, Windows, Apple, Linux and Fire OS. It registered with Scotland’s charity regulator, OSCR, in August last year. According to the OSCR, BetBlocker’s main intentions are “the prevention or relief of poverty” and “the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage”.
