DraftKings Partners With BetBlocker To Support Responsible Gambling – Play NY

DraftKings has collaborated with UK-based BetBlocker to bring more awareness to responsible gambling.

BetBlocker is a free software that enables users to set restrictions on their gaming activity. It also restricts access to thousands of both regulated and unregulated gaming sites.

As detailed by the news release:

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).

We think this partnership is a tremendous step forward in providing players with access to a wide variety of responsible gambling tools, Keith Whyte, executive director for the National Council on Problem Gambling, told PlayNY via email.

Blocking software is one important line of defense, particularly for people who are in recovery from a gambling problem. We know that preventing and treating gambling addiction requires a multi-layered approach and that tools like BetBlocker are most effective when combined with the use of limit setting and self-exclusion features on a gambling site, community-based prevention and education, therapy from a certified counselor and of course participation in self help groups to promote behavior change and sustain recovery.

Chrissy Thurmond, senior director of responsible gaming at DraftKings, praised BetBlockers contributions to safer play for customers. All while advancing responsible gaming in a comprehensive and consumer friendly way, according to the news release.

We share BetBlockers 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.

There has been an increase in calls to the HOPEline since the Jan. 8 launch of legal online sports betting in New York. But state agencies like the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), New York Council on Problem Gambling(NYCPG) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) continue to promote responsible gaming.

Signage featuring thefirst-ever Quick Response (QR) coderecently debuted at Resorts World Catskills, MGM Empire City and several other gaming facilities. The QR code enables problem gamblers to connect with locally trained professionals in real time. You simply need to point your phone camera at the code. The phone will ask if you would like to open a link to the website NYProblemGamblingHelp.org.

On May 16,Sen. Joe AddabboandAssemb. Gary Pretlowhad a roundtable discussion with OASAS and NYCPG to discuss how to properly allocate the additional$6 million in addiction fundingfrom online sports betting. That $6 million representsless than 1% ofstate tax revenuefrom NY online sports betting. NYCPG had called for 3% or about $20 million to provide proper resources for problem gamblers.

AsNYCPG Executive Director Jim Maneypreviously toldPlayNY: Were going to have to deliver services 24/7 now.

Addabbo agreed, tellingPlayNY that New York needs to reach a point where were offering 24/7 services for problem gambling.

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DraftKings Partners With BetBlocker To Support Responsible Gambling - Play NY