BetBlocker, an internationally recognized charity focusing on promoting safer gambling and empowering consumers to say no to excessive gambling, has launched its latest localized version, this time in French.
French becomes the 20th language supported by BetBlocker
The arrival of the BetBlocker app in France comes at a crucial time when the country is wrestling with laws that could see it expand the reach of gambling in general. BetBlocker has long touted the value of offering responsible gambling and self-exclusion services in a player’s mother tongue.
In the United Kingdom, for example, the app launched several Eastern European languages, as BetBlocker feared that some immigrants, despite their stay in the United Kingdom, may not be able to benefit fully from the resources available in English.
BetBlocker also launched a regional version in Catalan in another groundbreaking move, and the company also moved on to the US charity market. The addition of French as the latest language now adds to the portfolio of available localized versions of the app – to 20 in total.
In France, there are some34m gamblers, the charity says, and it’s important to protect them. Duncan Garvie, Founder and Trustee of BetBlocker, said that he was pleased to have been able to see the launch of the new app version and make it available to French-speaking countries, or countries that have adopted French to some extent.
"I’m really pleased to open up BetBlocker to French-speaking communities. With the recent launch of the US arm of our charity, raising our profile in North America is a strategic priority. This launch helps us support our French Canadian friends," Garvie said.
He added that he was also keen to expand BetBlocker’s reach in Africa, where emerging markets would necessitate such a powerful tool to exist and help protect locals.
"I want to personally thank Xavi D. and Christina Theophilos for their tireless work supporting us to deliver this translation. BetBlocker could not have done this without them," Garvie wrapped up."
BetBlocker takes strides to back gambling research and operate in more markets
Garvie has recently published a LinkedInpoll in which he queried his followers whether BetBlocker ought to switch to charging users a small fee. The majority of respondents – 56 votes in total – said that the app ought to remain free (86%), with 14% seeing the logic behind generating additional income.
BetBlocker has relied on a mix of third-party funding to spearhead the new language launches as they allow it to reach ever more consumers and offer them assistance when they feel compelled to continue gambling to their own detriment. BetBlocker has been helping fix much of that.
Most recently, BetBlocker launched a Portuguese version of the app, and appointed two more Trustees, which have been instrumental in the charity’s success. BetBlocker also launched its US charity earlier in March, and it further expanded the area of evidence-based research as opposed to "anecdotal evidence" by offering funding to the UNLV’s International Gaming Institute.
