Problem gamblers who have had trouble keeping away from gaming websites can now get the help they need with a new app by BetBlocker that lets them restrict their access to the said websites.
Operating on Android devices, the app lets users block gambling-related apps on their mobile devices and desktop computers.
Devices can be barred from accessing almost 6,000 websites that are operated by gambling operators. It can also block more than 1,000 apps that have gambling content.
Duncan Garvie, the BetBlocker manager, confirmed the new feature has been officially released and added that the firm is looking to provide customers with products that help them to gamble responsibly.
He said, “Whilst there are a few services available for desktop devices, this new launch is a great opportunity for problem gamblers to extend their restrictions to other devices that would otherwise have been tempting for them to use to access sites that were blocked on their computers. Increasing numbers of people are using mobile devices to access gambling websites, so the feature will likely be welcomed by many people who suffer from self-regulating their access to these sites.”
The levels of participation in gambling and gambling-related activities are on the rise all over the world, so it is crucial for tech firms to see how they can put up safeguards for users who suffer from gambling addiction. The new BetBlocker app is geared to become a community endeavor over time, with users reporting websites they believe should also be blocked.
BetBlocker will block not just websites but also apps, which some gambling addicts use to access gaming despite other safeguards that have been already put in place. The self-exclusion feature can be utilized on apps that were earlier downloaded as well as those that are released in the future.
The free service at the moment only limits websites that have confirmed gambling-related content on them. However, once the community aspect is put in place, the app will cast a much wider net. Once triggered, the BetBlocker can run anywhere from 24 hours to five years and there is no way for users to deactivate it until the time period has expired. Users will also be protected from gambling adverts or other websites that could be triggers for them.
The feature was developed after exhaustive research that showed BetBlocker’s team that most problem gamblers are vigorously seeking to place barriers between themselves and gambling-related content. These barriers keep them from spending and losing money and also affords them the time they need to seek professional treatment.
