DraftKings partners with UK non-profit BetBlocker on global responsible gaming efforts

Sports gaming giant DraftKings and BetBlocker, a responsible gaming and safer play not-for-profit charity, announced Tuesday an intercontinental collaboration in responsible gaming to further raise awareness of, and provide access to, BetBlocker's software. 

In what DraftKings calls "a first for the gaming industry globally," consumers using BetBlocker are able to set restrictions on their gaming activities across all of their devices at no cost to them, and these restrictions will apply across thousands of gaming sites, whether regulated or not, anywhere in the world. 

In an official press release, Chrissy Thurmond, Senior Director of Responsible Gaming, DraftKings, said: “BetBlocker’s contributions to safer play are commendable and DraftKings is pleased to team up with this enterprising and disruptive not-for-profit that is advancing responsible gaming in a comprehensive and consumer-friendly way."

"We share BetBlocker’s vision that technology and innovation are critical to promoting safer play, and we extend a warm welcome to BetBlocker as they build their footprint in North America, following widespread success across the pond," Thurmond added.

.@DraftKings and safer play charity @BetBlocker reach intercontinental collaboration in #responsiblegaming (RG) – advancing access to consumer friendly RG software. Read the release & statement from our Sr. Director of RG @ChrissyThurmond here: https://t.co/iiU2PMxayp pic.twitter.com/XjM7rJNMpX

— DraftKings News (@DraftKingsNews) June 14, 2022

Developed in the UK, BetBlocker is the first and only no-cost tool that enables individuals to set restrictions on their play on all of their personal devices. BetBlocker is free and encompasses the thousands of gaming sites that exist, including unlicensed operators, across all regions. Its technology allows users to download the software anonymously without having any of their personal data stored.

"Consumers are empowered to use BetBlocker to manage how long or in what capacity they choose to play, including choosing a range of restriction lengths (1-5 days, 1-3 weeks, 1-6 months, 1-5 years) or using the calendar blocking functionality (e.g. blocking Saturdays, Sundays every week)," the parties explained.

Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships for BetBlocker, added: "BetBlocker is thrilled to have the support of sports betting and gaming industry giant DraftKings to extend our software outside of the U.K. and Europe to players in the United State and Canada."

"We’ve been impressed with DraftKings’ leadership in responsible gaming and we are grateful for their collaboration and financial support as we look to expand awareness of safer play technology," added Romero. "We encourage other operators to follow DraftKings’ example of going above and beyond what is required region by region, to ensure all players have the knowledge and tools to bet responsibly."

Through the DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. corporate social responsibility program -standing for Service, Equity, Responsible Gaming, Vitality, Entrepreneurship, and Sports- DraftKings’ responsible gaming focus is "to foster safer play through technology, staff training, education and resources for consumers," as well as collaboration with not-for-profits like BetBlocker and other external stakeholders, and through the support of evidence-based research.