DraftKings and BetBlocker Announce Intercontinental Collaboration in Responsible Gaming to Expand Awareness of, and Access to, Safer Play Technology

DraftKings Inc. and BetBlocker, a leading responsible gaming and safer play not-for-profit charity, today announced their collaboration to advance awareness of, and access to, BetBlocker’s acclaimed software. In 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.

“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,” said Chrissy Thurmond, Senior Director of Responsible Gaming, DraftKings. “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.”

Developed in the U.K., 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. BetBlocker 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).

“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,” said Pedro Romero, Chief of Safer Gambling Partnerships, BetBlocker. “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. 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, collaboration with not-for-profits like BetBlocker and other external stakeholders, and through the support of evidence-based research. DraftKings incorporates responsible gaming into its brand and marketing strategy, working to educate customers across a broad range of consumer touchpoints including its digital social media channels and retail sportsbooks. Additionally, DraftKings is proud to be the first U.S. gaming operator to offer financial support to all of the U.S. state councils and affiliates of the National Council on Problem Gambling through its State Council Funding Program.