BetBlocker has expanded its free gambling self-exclusion software to include Italian-language support, furthering its mission to make responsible gambling tools more widely accessible. This update means that 67 million Italian speakers can now navigate the tool in their native language, reducing barriers for those seeking help with gambling addiction.
Bringing Responsible Gambling Support to More Players
Unlike commercial blocking software, which prioritizes markets with higher financial returns, BetBlocker focuses on accessibility—ensuring its tools are available to as many people as possible, regardless of location. This latest expansion follows the charity’s previous multilingual efforts in Africa, where it introduced support for Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga, making the tool available to Zambian communities in partnership with Entain and Fresh Start Zambia.
The Italian translation was entirely voluntary, completed by Safer Gambling Analyst Francesco Casartelli, who saw a need for the tool in his native language. Reflecting on his contribution, Casartelli said:
“As soon as I noticed that my native language was missing on the website, I could not say no to extending the protection that BetBlocker provides for free to Italian speakers. Safer gambling is founded on giving help and being able to do that makes me proud.”
BetBlocker publicly thanked Casartelli for his work, emphasizing how this translation will directly help thousands of new users.
A Growing Commitment to Multilingual Support
Italy has one of Europe’s most active gambling markets, yet problem gambling remains a significant issue. A 2021 study published in Minerva Medica found that 3% of the Italian population could be classified as problem gamblers. BetBlocker’s expansion aims to provide these individuals with an accessible and anonymous solution to control their gambling habits.
BetBlocker’s Founder and Trustee, Duncan Garvie, acknowledged the importance of this project, stating:
“We’ve encountered some operators, regulators and charities willing to invest time to help translate BetBlocker into a new language. But rarely have we encountered a private person willing to sacrifice their own free time to help us deliver the service to a new audience.”
This latest expansion aligns with BetBlocker’s broader European initiatives. During European Safer Gambling Week 2024, the charity partnered with EveryMatrix to launch a Maltese-language version of the tool. Additionally, BetBlocker was selected as Clarion Gaming’s official charity partner for 2025, incorporating responsible gambling advocacy into key industry events like ICE Barcelona and iGB Live.
Prioritizing Accessibility Over Profit
In an official LinkedIn post, BetBlocker reaffirmed its commitment to responsible gaming, stating:
“Gambling addiction is no different in Zambia, Brazil or Serbia than it is in the UK, US or the Netherlands. It is critical that we remove unnecessary friction to our free, anonymous support for as many people as possible.”
By expanding language support, BetBlocker continues to ensure that problem gamblers worldwide, regardless of their native language, have access to free, anonymous, and effective self-exclusion tools.
Source: LinkedIn, February 2025.