What does it mean to be named ICE/iGB Affiliate/iGB L!VE Charity Partner?
Being named the charity partner for ICE Barcelona 2025 is a fantastic honour and recognition of our commitment to promoting safer gambling worldwide. This partnership underscores the gaming industry’s growing awareness and commitment to social responsibility. This is particularly important now when a wedge has been driven between parties after years of talking about collaboration it seems that that’s no longer the possibility in some jurisdictions, and we head to a time of more extreme points of view. ICE provides us with a global platform to amplify our message, connect with key stakeholders, and showcase how BetBlocker can make a real difference in minimising gambling harm. This opportunity strengthens our resolve to collaborate with all stakeholders, including the gambling industry, to prioritise the well-being of players.
 

How will you deploy the partnership both at the three shows and also during the course of the year?
At the three events, we aim to host engaging sessions on safer gambling to highlight BetBlocker’s role and its impact, demonstrate the functionality and effectiveness of the BetBlocker tool through live demos from our stand and facilitate networking opportunities with stakeholders to explore collaborations and funding opportunities.

Throughout the year, we’ll leverage the visibility and connections from this partnership in order to expand awareness campaigns globally, develop educational materials and initiatives targeting operators, affiliates, and players and enhance our technology to ensure that BetBlocker remains at the forefront of innovation in player protection.
 

BetBlocker is an international charity – which jurisdictions/countries in your opinion have the most developed appreciation of the importance of safer gambling, and are there countries that you will be targeting both in January and the course of the partnership?
The UK, Sweden, and Australia lead in implementing comprehensive safer gambling frameworks, with their pro-active regulatory measures and focus on consumer protection. However, countries such as Canada, Spain, and parts of South America are emerging markets where we see significant opportunities to foster greater awareness and adoption of safer gambling practices. During the course of the partnership, we’ll prioritize expanding BetBlocker’s reach and impact in these jurisdictions, aiming to collaborate with local stakeholders to address their unique challenges.
 

Clarion Gaming was the first event organiser to embrace Safer Gambling with the then Consumer Protection Zone introduced to the ICE show floor in 2018 – how important was that first move, and what has it led to?
Clarion Gaming’s creation of the Consumer Protection Zone in 2018 was a pivotal moment for the industry, signalling a shift towards prioritising player well-being. This initiative set a benchmark for other events and stakeholders to integrate safer gambling discussions into the heart of the gaming agenda. It has led to greater interest and awareness in harm prevention, innovation in player protection tools, and an industry-wide commitment to fostering sustainable gambling environments.
 

Do you agree with the rationale for the rebrand to the Sustainable Gambling Zone with an emphasis on identifying potential problems/issues earlier in the player journey?
Absolutely. The rebranding to the Sustainable Gambling Zone reflects an evolved understanding of the importance of early interaction with customers. By focusing on the identification of potential risks earlier in the player journey, we can prevent harm before it escalates. This approach aligns with BetBlocker’s philosophy of empowering individuals to make informed decisions, promoting autonomy, and encouraging healthier behaviours.

Do you have any specific plans to address the Affiliate market?
Yes, affiliates play a critical role in shaping the player’s journey and can significantly influence safer gambling outcomes. Betblocker has been collaborating with Casino Guru’s projects, in particular, global self-exclusion, with Betblocker as their chosen solution.

We plan to collaborate with affiliate networks to integrate BetBlocker as a recommended resource for players.
 

As the Clarion Gaming official charity partner, what does success look like – what do you want to achieve?
Success for us means raising substantial awareness about gambling-related harm and of the free resources available through BetBlocker. Our goal is to increase BetBlocker’s user base globally by reaching communities that need it most. Establish meaningful collaborations with industry stakeholders to secure ongoing support and funding and influence positive changes in gambling policies and practices across jurisdictions. Ultimately, success is measured by the tangible reduction in gambling-related harm and the empowerment of individuals to make safer choices.
 

Are there any special projects or new features BetBlocker plans to release during ICE Barcelona 2025?
Yes, we are very happy to announce that during ICE Barcelona 2025, BetBlocker will be releasing its Catalan version. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that individuals in Catalonia can access our safer gambling tools in their native language. By introducing the Catalonian version, we aim to better support local communities and foster deeper connections with the region while promoting player protection.