BetBlocker Deepens Self-Exclusion Services in Slovakia Through Strategic Local Partnership

BetBlocker, a charitable organization dedicated to providing global self-exclusion tools and support for individuals grappling with problem gambling, has significantly enhanced its service accessibility within Slovakia. This expansion is the result of a strategic collaboration with Linka pomoci pre problémy s hraním, the country's national gambling helpline.

The charity has consistently advocated for the importance of delivering support in native languages, a principle that guided its previous initiatives, such as offering services to immigrant communities in the United Kingdom. This latest partnership in Slovakia adheres to the same core belief: that all individuals requiring assistance for gambling problems should receive it in a manner that resonates culturally and linguistically.

Duncan Garvie, BetBlocker's Founder and Trustee, underscored the critical nature of local engagement in these efforts. "Collaborating with local stakeholders is the most effective strategy for raising awareness about BetBlocker's offerings and reaching those who stand to benefit most," Garvie stated. He emphasized that national support organizations possess invaluable insights into their communities and the most impactful ways to communicate support messages, capabilities that BetBlocker's smaller team would find challenging to replicate independently.

Globally, BetBlocker has already achieved considerable reach, registering 250,000 users by the close of 2025, with the adoption of its self-exclusion solution anticipated to continue its upward trajectory into 2026. In Slovakia specifically, the charity reports that it is on course to double its user uptake this year, building upon its existing support for Slovakian gamblers.

The imperative for robust self-exclusion mechanisms in Slovakia is highlighted by recent statistics. As of July 2025, the national self-exclusion register listed 20,000 individuals. Furthermore, an August 2025 report by the Institute of Gambling Regulation in Slovakia (IPRHH) estimated that up to 300,000 Slovakian citizens might be involved in illegal gambling activities.

Garvie extended his sincere appreciation to Linka pomoci pre problémy s hraním, acknowledging their pivotal role in enabling BetBlocker to communicate more effectively with those experiencing gambling harm in Slovakia. Erik Kovac, a psychologist affiliated with the Linka pomoci pre problémy s Hraním gambling hotline, welcomed the collaboration, confirming that BetBlocker is frequently among the initial tools recommended to callers seeking assistance.