Key points:
- BetBlocker has donated funds to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to support research into gambling blocking software
- The study will be led by UNLV’s International Gaming Institute (IGI) and focus on the effectiveness and user profile of self-exclusion tools
- The initiative reflects BetBlocker’s broader strategy to support independent, academically rigorous research on gambling harm reduction
BetBlocker has announced a donation to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) to support research into gambling blocking software, marking its first academic collaboration in the US.
The funding will contribute to a study led by the International Gaming Institute (IGI), focused on understanding how blocking software is used and its role in gambling harm prevention.
The initiative is intended to fill a research gap around free, anonymous gambling blockers by providing evidence-based insights to operators, policymakers and the public.
The study will examine the effectiveness of tools such as BetBlocker in reducing gambling-related harm, contributing to the wider regulatory and public health discussion.
Pedro Romero, Chief of SG Partnerships at BetBlocker, said: “We are delighted to support a study that provides genuine insights into the role of free and anonymous blocking software in harm prevention and minimisation.”
Kasra Ghaharian, Director of Research at IGI and lead investigator on the project, said: “Gaining a better understanding of individuals who use gambling blocking software is critical, as there is little to no published research on this population. We are truly grateful to BetBlocker for its support.”
Good to know: In 2024 and 2025, BetBlocker expanded its multilingual offerings with support for Italian, Maltese and several Zambian languages
BetBlocker was also named Clarion Gaming’s official charity partner for 2025, integrating responsible gambling messaging into major industry events including ICE Barcelona.
