Duncan Garvie, Founder of BetBlocker, has cautioned that a lack of cohesion within the UK’s gambling sector is undermining player protection strategies and putting safer gambling efforts at risk.

Speaking to iGaming Expert following BetBlocker’s record first half of 2025, Garvie stressed that balance is critical in regulation — both to protect players and to prevent them from being pushed toward the black market.

Lessons from the Black Market

Garvie acknowledged that licensed operators could learn from certain engagement strategies used in the unregulated market. In particular, black market operators have leveraged influencers and streamers to build one-to-one communication with players, something regulated operators have struggled to replicate.

However, he cautioned that it is unrealistic to expect influencers to promote licensed gambling brands at the same level, as the financial incentives offered by unlicensed operators are far higher.

This imbalance also extends to affiliates. Ethical affiliates, Garvie explained, often earn less, rank lower in SEO, and struggle to compete with aggressive, less ethical marketing strategies.

BetBlocker’s Rapid Growth in 2025

The comments come after a landmark start to the year for BetBlocker, a free charity tool that helps players control gambling activity.

1. 109,000 active users were recorded in the first half of 2025.
2. More than 1,000 new activations per day were logged, with user numbers expected to exceed 250,000 by year-end.

Garvie attributed this surge largely to grassroots support from treatment providers and charities, who now use BetBlocker as an initial step in problem gambling treatment.

Interestingly, the UK — BetBlocker’s home market — represents less than 10% of users, with rapid adoption instead coming from Africa and North America.

UK Player Protection Falling Behind

Despite BetBlocker’s global growth, Garvie was critical of the UK’s disjointed approach to safer gambling. The transition from the RET model to the new Levy system has, in his view, caused uncertainty, poor communication, and funding instability.

“Too much time is being spent on lobbying instead of helping people,” Garvie said.

He warned that the departure of GambleAware, previously a key coordinator under the RET model, risks leaving dangerous gaps in harm minimisation. Unless new funding commissioners collaborate effectively with GambleAware during the transition, the UK risks losing progress in gambling harm reduction.

Weak Regulation in Developing Markets

While uptake in emerging regions has been strong, Garvie expressed concern over the lack of financial support from operators active in those areas.

1. In Nigeria, underage gambling remains widespread, with bookmakers reportedly acting as pawn shops — a sign of exploitation and weak regulation.
2. In Brazil, the gambling market is booming, but investment in harm-reduction infrastructure has not kept pace with industry profits.
3. In Kenya and other African nations, BetBlocker has a large user base but no direct funding from local operators.

“Blocking tools alone are not a complete solution,” Garvie noted. “The industry must commit to proper safeguards, especially where regulation is weak.”

Looking Ahead

Garvie confirmed that BetBlocker will continue expanding globally while committing to “aggressive transparency” in the way it shares data to improve regulatory frameworks and safer gambling practices.

As global gambling markets grow — particularly in emerging regions — the need for cohesive player protection strategies remains critical. Without collaboration, Garvie warned, both developed and developing markets risk exposing players to greater harm.