BetBlocker has launched its latest version of the eponymous self-exclusion tool that will now be available in Japanese and cover an even wider audience. The not-for-profit has focused on providing local communities with the means to self-exclude from gambling anonymously and for free and, importantly, receive help in their mother tongue.
BetBlocker goes ahead with the Japanese version of its software
As the charity continues to pursue its commitment to launch into as many languages as possible, with the addition of French and Catalan most recently, the Japanese version now joins the list of localized support services. This is a watershed moment for BetBlocker as the tool is potentially available to 123m speakers of the language, with Japanese speakers gambling in 2019, according to the organization.
The organization explains that anestimated 4.4 million people sufferfrom gambling-related harm in Japan.
BetBlocker has been working with private and public stakeholders to launch more versions of its tool. For the Japanese rollout, the company paid special gratitude to Kenta Shintani, whom it hailed for his pro bono philanthropy.
BetBlocker felt confident that with this release, the lives of many Japanese citizens would be impacted for the better. Duncan Garvie, BetBlocker Founder and Trustee, hailed the new milestone achieved by the company, pointing to the increased momentum by the charity and the multiple translations achieved over the past several months.
"BetBlocker has managed to translate its services into many languages and has significantly accelerated the rollout of new language support over the last 6 months. However, the vast majority of our support has been focused on languages originating in Europe."
BetBlocker has been receiving help from civic-minded citizens such as Shintani, and others who have contributed significant resources, and backed the charity’s ultimate goal which is to make its tool available for everyone who may need to slow down their pace of play and do so while accessing resources available in their mother language.
BetBlocker previously launched its tool in Italy specifically with the help and backing of a private person, one Francesco Casartelli, a Safer Gambling Analyst.
BetBlocker seeks to address problem gambling beyond exclusion
BetBlocker has been expanding further, with the charity marking a significant leap forward with the introduction of its version for the market in the United States in early March, and just in time for Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an annual campaign.
BetBlocker has also teamed up with the University of Nevada Las Vegas and its International Gaming Institute to support the latter’s research program and provide a more evidence-based approach to important issues that have to do specifically with researching addiction and gambling problems, moving away from anecdotal evidence.
BetBlocker recently appointed John Wright and Darrell Helyarto its Board of Trustees, hailing both as drivers of the charity’s success.
