Some of the most well-known US sportsbooks are now offering access to a problem gambling program that blocks access to thousands of gambling sites.
On Tuesday, the Responsible Online Gaming Association announced its partnership with BetBlocker. The service, which launched in the UK in 2019, helps those struggling with problem gambling by letting them voluntarily block access to sports betting and online casino websites and apps.
BetBlocker restricts access to both regulated and unregulated gambling operators. More than 118,000 gambling sites and 1,500 gambling apps are currently blocked by BetBlocker.
“ROGA was established to raise the standard for responsible online gaming through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to evidence-based practices,” said Dr. Jennifer Shatley, executive director of ROGA. “Making resources like BetBlocker more visible and accessible is one way we put that mission into action.”
Eight US sportsbooks offering BetBlocker
The eight sportsbooks that make up ROGA account for the vast majority of US market share:
ROGA launched in March 2024 and has already undertaken multiple responsible gambling initiatives. So far, the group has rolled out an education campaign focused on college students and issued VIP guidelines.
How does BetBlocker work?
BetBlocker takes just a few minutes to set up, offering a time-based restriction for gamblers to set up themselves and password-based restrictions for parental controls.
It can then be personalized to block gambling on certain days or for a fixed period of time and choose whether the ban should apply to just gambling websites or sites that offer information on gambling as well.
BetBlocker allows users to block additional sites of their choosing as well as suggest new websites they think should be blocked by default.
As part of the partnership with ROGA, BetBlocker is going to add a system that allows gamblers to plan ahead and schedule certain dates and times to block gambling access.
