BetBlocker

History & Mission

BetBlocker was launched in 2017 by ThePOGG, a recognized Alternative Dispute Resolution provider for the online gambling industry. The charity’s core mission is to provide equitable access to gambling-harm reduction tools, ensuring that cost or complexity never prevents someone from managing their gambling behaviour. Unlike commercial blocking products, BetBlocker is funded purely through grants and donations, making it sustainable without charging users.

How It Works

The tool functions as a local VPN on the user’s device, filtering traffic to block gambling-related domains and apps. No account creation or personal information is required. Users select a blocking duration ranging from a few hours to several years. Once activated, the restriction cannot be removed until the chosen period expires. This “hard block” design removes the temptation to disable protection impulsively. The database of blocked sites is updated regularly to include new gambling operators.

Key Features

BetBlocker supports cross-platform availability across iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire OS. It requires no registration and ensures anonymity – all data stays on the device, and no personal details are collected or stored. The interface is multilingual, supporting over 20 languages, making it accessible globally. Parental controls allow parents to block gambling content on children’s devices in addition to self-exclusion. An upcoming calendaring and scheduling tool will enable users to plan restrictions in advance for periods when they anticipate needing them. The tool’s extensive coverage blocks over 350,000 websites and 1,800 apps, including both regulated and unregulated operators.

Partnerships & Impact

In August 2025, BetBlocker partnered with the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), which represents 90% of the U.S. legal sports betting industry by handle. ROGA prominently features BetBlocker on its resources page and works with its eight member operators to integrate the tool into their responsible gaming offerings. BetBlocker has also expanded its presence in the United States more broadly, with the partnership including financial backing as confirmed by founder Duncan Garvie to SiGMA News. As of 2025, the tool reports 63,300+ active devices.

Licensing & Governance

BetBlocker is a registered charity in Scotland. It operates independently from any gambling operator and receives no funding from the gambling industry, ensuring impartiality. The charity’s structure allows it to focus solely on harm reduction without commercial conflicts.