DraftKings looks to responsible gambling growth with BetBlocker agreement
US sportsbook heavyweight hails “commendable” not-for-profit charity in international partnership
DraftKings has agreed to partner with UK-based safer play not-for-profit charity BetBlocker, a free tool which encourages responsible gambling by players.
Precise details of the collaboration have not been confirmed by either party, however DraftKings has said it will work to “advance awareness” of the BetBlocker software in the US market by encouraging its at-risk players to utilize the service.
The financial element to the partnership which has also not been disclosed, is understood to include DraftKings making a donation to the charity.
“BetBlocker’s contributions to safer play are commendable, and DraftKings is pleased to team up with this enterprising and disruptive not-for-profit charity that is advancing responsible gaming in a comprehensive and consumer-friendly way,” DraftKings senior director of responsible gaming Chrissy Thurmond said.
“We share BetBlocker’s vision that technology and innovation are critical to promoting safer play, and we extend a warm welcome to BetBlocker as they build their footprint in North America, following widespread success across the pond,” she added.
BetBlocker achieved charity status in the UK in November 2019.
In March, the charity recruited ex-888 and William Hill safer gambling head Pedro Romero to develop long-term collaborations and partnerships with charities, service providers, operators, and any other stakeholders interested in minimizing gambling-related harm.
The software, which is currently free, is available on Amazon and the Google Play Store, and allows players to voluntarily self-exclude from 6,700 gambling sites in the UK. Once activated, this exclusion cannot be lifted until the period ends.
BetBlocker technology allows users to download the software anonymously without having any of their personal data stored. Self-exclusion periods on offer include 1-5 days, 1-3 weeks, 1-6 months, 1-5 years or using the calendar blocking function (e.g. blocking Saturdays, Sundays every week).
This service focuses on restricting the mobile or desktop device being used, rather than individual operator sites, allowing players to exclude even from black-market operators.
Speaking about the partnership, Romero noted the boon this would afford BetBlocker in expanding its software out of the UK and Europe and into North America.
“We’ve been impressed with DraftKings’ leadership in responsible gaming and we are grateful for their collaboration and financial support as we look to expand awareness of safer play technology.
“We encourage other operators to follow DraftKings’ example of going above and beyond what is required region by region, to ensure all players have the knowledge and tools to bet responsibly,” Romero added.