BetBlocker, the UK-based charity known for its free and anonymous gambling-blocking software, has announced the development of its support services for the Italian language market. This marks another step in the charity’s ongoing effort to extend its reach and provide essential tools for gambling harm prevention across various regions.
The introduction of an Italian-language version of BetBlocker’s software is an important milestone, particularly given the significant number of native Italian speakers—over 67 million as of 2024. Research published in Minerva Medica in 2021 highlighted that 3% of the Italian population could be classified as problem gamblers, underscoring the need for localized support solutions to address gambling-related harm.
The addition of Italian language support further enhances BetBlocker’s global outreach, enabling users in Italy to have greater control over their gambling behavior. This expansion aligns with BetBlocker’s mission to provide users with tools in their native languages, which is critical for effective intervention and prevention efforts.
This initiative was made possible through the efforts of Francesco Casartelli, a Safer Gambling Analyst, who identified the language gap in BetBlocker’s offerings and volunteered his translation services. His selfless contribution has played a key role in helping BetBlocker extend its impact, ensuring that users in Italy can now access the vital support they need.
Mr. Casartelli said: “I am extremely pleased that I could give my contribution to an app like BetBlocker. As soon as I noticed that my native language was missing in the website, I could not say no to extending the protection that BetBlocker provides for free to Italian speakers. Safer gambling is founded on giving helping a help, and being able to do that makes me proud of myself. My thanks go to Mr. Garvie for giving me this opportunity.”
Founder and Trustee for BetBlocker, Duncan Garvie, was enthusiastic in his praise of the newly launched Italian version of the app: “I’m overwhelmed by the charitable spirit of Francesco. We’ve encountered some operators, some regulators, and some other charities/treatment providers that were prepared to invest the time to help translate BetBlocker into a new language. But rarely have we encountered a private person willing to sacrifice their own free time to help us deliver the service to a new audience.
I can’t thank Francesco enough. His actions will help improve the day-to-day lives of thousands of Italian speakers that use BetBlocker’s service every day and I’ve no doubt that they would be happy to extend thanks on their behalf. He is a credit to the ethos of collaboration that will make the industry a safer place.”
