BetBlocker Contributes to UNLV's International Gaming Institute

BetBlocker, an international organization dedicated to assisting problem gamblers in managing their behaviors, has made a donation to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This contribution is intended to support the International Gaming Institute and its research initiatives.

The company has praised this groundbreaking partnership between its own efforts and those of the internationally renowned academic institute, as BetBlocker described in a press release shared with Casino House Group News. Both organizations are intensely focused on advancing innovative research on problem gambling and gambling-related harm. This has led to transformative insights across the industry and formed the foundation for evidence-based policies that guard consumers at a regulatory level while helping to eliminate harmful practices in the industry. Commenting on this promising collaboration, BetBlocker Chief of SG Partnerships, Pedro Romero, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with UNLV IGI: We are thrilled to collaborate with UNLV IGI and Dr. Ghaharian’s research team on this project. This marks our first research partnership in the U.S., and we are excited to support a study that offers genuine insights into the role of free and anonymous blocking software in harm prevention and minimization. This research aligns with our commitment to enhancing safer gambling tools and reducing gambling-related harm. Romero also emphasized the crucial role of quality research, especially as some reports are produced to validate commercial products. Supporting independent research is vital, he added. International Gaming Institute Director of Research, Dr. Kasra Ghaharian, echoed this sentiment and warmly welcomed the new partnership.

Ghaharian, the Director of Research at IGI, expressed gratitude to BetBlocker for their support, emphasizing that it will not only advance research in the field but also provide graduate students with valuable skill-building opportunities. I am excited to share the findings from this important work, which will benefit operators, policymakers, and the public, Ghaharian stated. Duncan Garvie, the Founder and Trustee of BetBlocker, also welcomed the news, appreciating the opportunity it presents. He highlighted the significant impact BetBlocker has had on many lives but noted that anecdotal evidence is insufficient in today's context. Effectiveness must be demonstrated, Garvie emphasized, expressing strong support for academic efforts to gather evidence on how free, anonymous blocking software improves user outcomes.