US Partner Spotlight Series

<p>Welcome back to our partner spotlight series, which highlights some of the fantastic organizations we work with to help our users better understand the support available.</p><p>Each of our partners does amazing work across the gambling harm space and explains, in their own words, how and when you can access these services. </p><h3>Organization Name</h3><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vpgh.vcu.edu/"><u>Virginia Partnership for Gaming &amp; Health</u></a></p><h3>What We Do</h3><p>The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) provides coordinated access to problem gambling awareness, treatment, and recovery support across Virginia.</p><p>We support recovery by:</p><ul><li>Connecting individuals/families with clinicians, peer specialists, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vpgh.vcu.edu/#resources"><u>tools</u></a> (financial counseling, blocking software, support groups and self-exclusion forms). A complete Resource Handbook is available.</li><li>Strengthening the statewide workforce through <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vpgh.vcu.edu/research/"><u>research</u></a>, training, and community education.</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/9823d587-00a3-4017-a1ed-c927ee2d311a.jpg" /></figure><p><i>Sean Fournia and Carolyn Hawley were interviewed on a CBS Morning show in Virginia.</i></p><h3>Where These Services Are Available</h3><p>VPGH services are available statewide across the Commonwealth of Virginia through a regional provider and peer recovery network, including both in-person and virtual <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vpgh.vcu.edu/support/"><u>support options.</u></a></p><h3>Who Can Access These Services</h3><p>Anyone in Virginia affected by gambling-related harm can access services, including individuals experiencing challenges with gambling, family members or loved ones seeking support, and professionals looking for training or consultation.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/616b9934-cbde-4cef-b67a-0b35d7ff77e9.jpg" /></figure><p><i>Azeem Majeed and Matthew Britt, facilitated the first "Chances &amp; Choices: Understanding Gambling, Recovery, and Reentry Workshop" for probationers at the Cold Springs Community Corrections Alternative Program within the Virginia Department of Corrections.</i></p><h3>How People Can Access These Services</h3><p>Individuals can complete a confidential referral form at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><u>vpgh.org</u></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vpgh.vcu.edu/contact-us/"><u>contact</u></a> the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline, or be referred directly by healthcare providers, community organizations, or behavioral health agencies.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/875aef52-79de-4116-9bfe-0dc242cd81dd.jpg" /></figure><p><i>Elizabeth Childress, CPRS, presented on "The Impact of Peer Specialists and Virginia's Partnership for Gaming and Health."</i></p><h3>Are These Services Free</h3><p>Many VPGH services are provided at no cost, including peer recovery support, resource navigation, and referrals. Financial assistance for treatment services are also available for eligible individuals in need.</p><h3>How have we made a difference? </h3><p>One individual reached out feeling overwhelmed by financial stress and isolation related to gambling.</p><p>Through VPGH, they were quickly connected with a trained clinician, a peer recovery specialist with lived experience, and financial counseling resources. With ongoing follow-up support, they were able to stabilize their finances, rebuild family relationships, and begin long-term recovery.</p><blockquote><p>“This is a powerful resource provided to people who find themselves in need. The guidance that was given provided me with the necessary tools to put myself back on track.”</p></blockquote>

Virginia Partnership for Gaming &amp; Health

Partner spotlight featuring the Virginia Partnership for Gaming & Health (VPGH), offering statewide support, treatment, and recovery resources for those affected by gambling harm.

The Next Step

<p>We are very pleased to announce that Gamban will now be free for all Louisiana residents through the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.helpforgambling.org/"><u>Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling.</u></a></p><p>This is part of a wider initiative in Louisiana that combines three crucial services into one accessible platform to help heal, block and budget. </p><h3>How can I get Gamban for free in Louisiana?</h3><p>With Gamban installed, users from Louisiana can block legal and illegal gambling sites and apps globally, across all major devices.</p><p>This can be accessed for free via: </p><ul><li>Telephone - (877) 770-7867</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://m2.icarol.com/ConsumerRegistration.aspx?org=66046&amp;pid=453&amp;cc=en-US"><u>Chat</u></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://m2.icarol.com/ConsumerRegistration.aspx?org=66046&amp;pid=453&amp;cc=en-US"><u>Text</u></a> </li><li>Email - <a href="mailto:lacg@helpforgambling.org"><u>lacg@helpforgambling.org</u></a></li></ul><h3>The Next Step</h3><p>The Next Step is a new, free program for Louisiana residents to take total control of their gambling. </p><ul><li>Step 1: HEAL with 24/7 <a href="tel:(877) 770-7867"><u>confidential helpline support </u></a>from LACG.</li><li>Step 2: BLOCK access to gambling sites and apps across all devices with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/apps"><u>Gamban</u></a>.</li><li>Step 3: BUDGET with financial counselling from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamfin.org/"><u>GamFin</u></a> to rebuild your finances.</li></ul><p>These services are completely FREE for Louisiana residents, funded in collaboration with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ldh.la.gov/"><u>Louisiana Department of Health</u></a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nlhsd.org/"><u>Northwest Louisiana Human Services District.</u></a></p><h3>A multi-layered approach </h3><p>Louisiana's new initiative of heal, block and budget is a more sustainable approach to your recovery. We always recommend a multi-layered strategy, which gives you the best chance for success. </p><p>Don Pledger, Executive Director, Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, said:</p><p>“When someone makes that very hard call to a helpline they are overwhelmed with reality. So many are just asking <i>How can I stop this</i>? For others who are starting their recovery journey the question turns to <i>How can I protect my recovery</i>? Gamban is an amazing tool in the recovery journey. It is exciting that this is here for Louisiana, our neighbors, our families.”</p><p>Matt Zarb-Cousin, Director of External Affairs at Gamban, said:</p><p>“We are delighted to partner with the LACG to make Gamban free for residents of Louisiana. <i>Heal, Block, Budget </i>advances a layered approach to gambling abstinence and recovery that has worked so well in other jurisdictions. It’s so important that when someone takes the first step toward quitting gambling, whichever door they enter first they are made aware of all the services available in their jurisdiction and this will improve their chances of maintaining abstinence.”</p>

Gamban Partners with Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Free Gamban access is now available to Louisiana residents via the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling. Block gambling sites and apps, access 24/7 support, and get financial counselling through a free Heal, Block, Budget recovery programme.

US Partner Spotlight Series 

<p>Welcome back to our partner spotlight series, which highlights some of the fantastic organisations we work with to help our users better understand the support available.</p><p>Each of our partners does amazing work across the gambling harm space and explains, in their own words, how and when you can access these services. </p><h3>Organization Name</h3><p>Problem Gambling Support Group.</p><p>PGSG is sponsored and supported by the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.deproblemgambling.org/"><u>Delaware Council on Gambling Problems. </u></a></p><h3>What do you do?</h3><p>PGSG is a confidential, peer-led online recovery community for individuals who want to stop gambling. We believe that meaningful connections with others who share lived experience play a powerful role in rebuilding one’s sense of self after gambling-related harm. </p><p>Our community provides a safe, judgment-free space rooted in respect, understanding, and shared experience. We follow an abstinence-based approach to recovery, centred on connection, encouragement, and accountability.</p><h3>Where are these services available?</h3><p>PGSG is fully online, allowing us to support individuals both nationally and internationally. Because our meetings are virtual, anyone with internet access can participate from anywhere. </p><h3>What services are available?</h3><p>We host nine <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.deproblemgambling.org/Events"><u>one-hour meetings</u></a> each week across multiple time zones, including two meetings specifically for younger members (ages 35 and under). </p><p>Members receive access to a dedicated PGSG WhatsApp room where meeting links and topics are shared. In addition, a members-only WhatsApp group chat is available for those who are actively attending meetings, offering connection and support between sessions. </p><h3>Are these services free?</h3><p>PGSG is always free. There are no dues, fees, or costs to participate. Anyone interested in joining can simply email us at joinus@dcgp.org to get started.</p><h3>How have we made a difference? </h3><p>Here is a message shared by one of our members:</p><p><i>This week, I hit 90 days of gambling sobriety, the longest I’ve ever been clean. While I know my journey is just starting, I am filled with such gratitude at this moment. I finally feel like I have a life worth living. Last night, I came clean to my mom about everything… I was finally honest about all of my relapses over the years. In our younger person meeting yesterday, we talked about telling others about our addiction, and something just woke up in me to be honest with the closest person in my life: my mom.</i></p><p><i>I truly believe this is all because of you. You started these groups years ago and sought out the ‘sick’ like me, and you gave us love. The majority of my addiction, I felt alone, worthless, broken. You and these groups have shown me I’m not alone and that I am worthy to be part of this world. So with all that, I just want to say thank you.</i></p><p>Read more success stories <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.deproblemgambling.org/Recovery/Stories"><u>here</u></a>. </p>

Problem Gambling Support Group - Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

Confidential online peer support for people who want to stop gambling. Learn how Problem Gambling Support Group (PGSG) provides free recovery meetings, community connection, and global support.

US Partner Spotlight

<p>Welcome back to our partner spotlight series, which highlights some of the fantastic organisations we work with to help our users better understand the support available.</p><p>Our partners are recognized leaders in advancing responsible gambling practices through education, awareness, and access to support resources. </p><h3>Organization Name</h3><p>Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling</p><h3>What do you do?</h3><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.helpforgambling.org/"><u>LACG</u></a> is a non-profit organization providing education, prevention and treatment services for individuals and families affected by problem gambling. </p><p>At LACG, we are neither for nor against gambling — we believe in informed decision-making and ensuring individuals have the tools and help they need, especially those facing challenges with problem gambling.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/bc203536-72b9-4d82-b6d7-9a149eaf3ad4.jpg" /></figure><p><i>Our Director of Helpline Services, Gregory Below, and 988 Project &amp; Helpline Manager, Roszereo Seamster (not pictured) celebrated 988 Day with the community.</i></p><h3>Where are these services available?</h3><p>Our services are provided across the state of Louisiana, including residential and outpatient facilities and regional counseling services.</p><p>Helpline services are delivered statewide in Louisiana and also support multiple other US states, territories, and national helplines. </p><h3>What services are available?</h3><ul><li>24/7 helpline support for problem gambling and emotional crisis</li><li>Residential treatment for gambling addiction (CORE)</li><li>Outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment programs</li><li>Suicide prevention and emotional crisis support, including 988 crisis line response</li><li>Counselling from certified gambling counselors and licensed clinicians</li><li>Education, prevention, and community outreach programs</li><li>Treatment referral programs through judicial and state partnerships</li><li>Support for substance use and behavioral/emotional crises</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/dea666d5-9d32-49a3-a7f3-9ff914387e8a.jpg" /></figure><p><i>Our 988 Helpline Director, Heather Kleckinger, joined the Northwest Louisiana Out of Darkness Walk &amp; Community Event at Betty Virginia Park. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Louisiana Chapter, this event embodies the mission of saving lives and offering hope to those affected by suicide.</i><br /><br />How can people access these services?</p><ul><li>By calling or contacting the 24/7 helpline (<a href="tel:(877) 770-7867"><u>calls</u></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.helpforgambling.org/#:~:text=Chat-,Text,-Email"><u>texts</u></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://m2.icarol.com/ConsumerRegistration.aspx?org=66046&amp;pid=453&amp;cc=en-US"><u>chats</u></a> answered live)</li><li>Through referral programs, including court and state partnerships</li><li>By enrolling in residential or outpatient treatment programs</li><li>Through community outreach and education initiatives</li></ul><h3>Are these services free?</h3><p>Yes. For adults in Louisiana seeking help for problem gambling, services are free and prepaid through state funding.</p><h3>How have we made a difference? </h3><p>We are proud to have answered 2.5 million calls, texts, and chats across helplines, typically within one minute. Our empathetic and highly trained team uses evidence-based crisis intervention models to support our clients.</p>

Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling 

Meet the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, providing free problem gambling and emotional crisis support through 24/7 helplines, 988 services, certified counselling and prevention programmes.

US Partner Spotlight 

<p>We are very pleased to introduce our partner spotlight series, where we highlight some of the fantastic organisations we work with to help our users better understand the support that’s available.</p><p>Each of our partners does amazing work across the gambling harm space and explains, in their own words, how and when you can access these services. </p><h3>Organisation Name</h3><p>Nicasa</p><h3>What do you do? </h3><p>We provide public awareness/prevention and counselling for people with concerns about their gambling or the gambling of a loved one.</p><h3>Where are these services available? </h3><p>Our services are available via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nicasa.org/contact/"><u>telehealth</u></a> or at any of our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nicasa.org/contact/#:~:text=Submit-,Our%20Locations,-31979%20N.%20Fish"><u>Illinois locations</u></a>. We also offer awareness presentations/public speaking via Zoom, or out of state/country for a speaker's fee.</p><h3>Who can access these services? </h3><p>Anyone aged 12+ in the state of Illinois, US.</p><h3>How can people access these services? </h3><ul><li>By calling +1-847-546-6450 and pressing the prompt for gambling</li><li>Emailing <a href="mailto:gambling@nicasa.org"><u>gambling@nicasa.org</u></a></li><li>Completing the contact form on our webpages <ul><li>Adult page:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nicasa.org/program/adult-gambling-treatment/"> https://nicasa.org/program/adult-gambling-treatment/</a> </li><li>Youth page:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nicasa.org/program/youth-gambling-treatment/"> https://nicasa.org/program/youth-gambling-treatment/</a></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Are these services free? </h3><p>Yes, we will process insurance. If anyone does not have insurance, has insurance that doesn't cover services, or cannot afford their copay or deductible, services can be provided at no cost with proof of gambling-related financial hardship.</p><h3>How do we help?</h3><p>Because so many of our clients have been adversely impacted by gambling online, we help them reclaim their lives by leveraging the very technology that has contributed to gambling harm. </p><ul><li>We offer telehealth services from any connected device, will pay for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/apps"><u>Gamban</u></a> for our clients for one full year, as well as one-year of the Evive gambling recovery app. </li><li>We have a locked webpage just for our clients, where they can access Gamban and Evive redemption codes, web-based skill-building programs, virtual reality programs that help them learn and practice relapse prevention skills, and other content. </li><li>We also help our clients reset their device algorithms to show less gambling content and more recovery-friendly or neutral content. </li></ul><h3>What do our clients say?</h3><p>One of our clients told us about prediction markets when they first emerged. At first, they didn’t realise it could be risky for them, especially as someone recovering from gambling-related harm.</p><p>Because of this, we worked with Gamban to make sure the platform was blocked. We also created a workshop for our clients to explain prediction markets and other gambling or gambling-like products that could affect their recovery.</p><h3>PGAM</h3><p>We are encouraging local young people during PGAM to take a pledge not to gamble underage. Those who take the pledge will be provided with stats about underage gambling and a resource sheet with tips for navigating gambling decisions. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/84350f3a-5435-483b-8548-116bfdcd1066.jpg" /></figure><h3>Our Offices</h3><p>We are also making our office space more youth-friendly by updating the decor and adding virtual reality headsets. </p><p>We are excited to be working toward launching a podcast at the office that focuses on emerging athletes and their unique risk of gambling-related harm. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/e15c7331-cc4e-4acd-9716-a384ca70f543.jpg" /></figure><p>The research in Illinois shows us that, for every person with a gambling disorder, there are twice as many who are experiencing harm, but do not yet meet the criteria for the disorder. So, they may not be in need of "recovery" as we understand it. Many may need to learn more about how gambling works, how it impacts them on a neurochemical level, how to set healthier boundaries around it, and how to take a step back from or break from it.</p>

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

Learn how Nicasa supports those affected by gambling harm with free counselling, prevention work and innovative digital recovery tools in our latest partner spotlight.

A Trusted Partner in Gambling Harm Prevention

<p>Gamban was built to block gambling apps and websites.</p><p>In the past ten years, we’ve had over half a million users, our apps have been downloaded more than one million times and Gamban’s blocking software has been used by people across the world, protecting our users from gambling harm. </p><p>Regulators globally have recognised the importance of Gamban in bolstering self-exclusion, and we work with many of them to provide free access to our blocking software for users in their jurisdictions.</p><h3>Why Gamban?</h3><p>Gamban's software is robust, and we are constantly improving and evolving what we do. This includes regular updates, hundreds of new additions to the blocklist per day and an excellent support team who are on hand when our users need it. </p><p>Gamban is also independent of the commercial gambling industry. The people Gamban was set up to help have been harmed by operators, which are not sufficiently protecting their customers. If anything, the sector is making it worse: 35% of people suffering “problem gambling” receive <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingwithlives.org/key-gambling-stats/"><u>daily incentives to gamble</u></a>, compared to 4% of those not suffering gambling harm. Flimsy self-exclusion measures and no care for vulnerable people is why we believe our independence is important, enabling us to work in the best interests of our users and support their recovery.</p><p>Our blocklist isn’t country-specific, nor does Gamban only block legal websites. Both regulated and black market gambling apps and websites won’t be accessible when you install Gamban. Once it's on your devices, it will work regardless of where you are, so you are always covered. We have servers enabled all over the world, ensuring no impact on the performance of their devices.</p><p>Gamban also provides our partners with the necessary training and account management to take full advantage of distributing our blocking software, including access to real-time activation data through a portal.</p><h3>People First</h3><p>Gamban was built on lived experience. Jack founded Gamban in 2015 when struggling with online gambling. He noticed there wasn’t any dependable blocking software available for Mac and wanted to create one. Read more about Jack's story <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/jack-symons-story"><u>here</u></a>. </p><p>Lived experience is embedded across our team, which helps us understand and create a better product and service for our users. We also work closely with addiction experts to help understand more about gambling addiction and to address any emerging trends. Our independence allows us to engage openly about the industry’s role in exacerbating harm through the products and practices that are being adopted. </p><p>Gamban’s values are based on putting people first, which is why we strive to make our employee experience the best it can be. In 2024, we were awarded Platinum by Investors in People, the highest level of recognition possible under the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.investorsinpeople.com/accreditations/we-invest-in-people/"><u>We Invest In People Accreditation. </u></a></p><p>Gamban is also a B-Corp, the first gambling blocking software to receive that certification. This is due to our high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.</p><h3>Our Technology</h3><p>When it comes down to it, the most important thing we need to prove is how well Gamban blocks and how difficult the software is to remove by users wanting to create the necessary frictions to help them quit. Independent testing has revealed that Gamban has the most extensive blocking coverage of our peer group.</p><p>Additionally, Gamban is ISO 27001 certified, one of the world's most recognised information security management standards. Gamban also received ISO 9001 certification, making our gambling-blocking software the first to achieve both.</p><p>Privacy is something we take very seriously. The nature of Gamban means that we want to use as little customer data as possible. This is why we’ve also recently moved our analytics software from Google Analytics to Plausible. Find out more about this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/gamban-make-the-move-from-google-analytics-to-plausible">here</a>. </p><p>We collect only what is necessary to verify licence entitlement and device identity, provide customer support where needed, maintain product integrity and prevent circumvention.</p><h3>What Do Our Partners Say?</h3><p>Amanda Blackford, former Director of Operations &amp; Problem Gambling Services at the Ohio Casino Control Commission, said: <i>"As regulators, we must acknowledge that our jurisdiction and authority can only go so far. The black market, along with social casinos, can be a serious problem for people, and before Gamban, we had no solution to offer our citizens that could aid in that struggle. Gamban has been a game-changer for us and a huge step forward in the support services we can offer Ohioans."</i></p><h3>Where is Gamban free?</h3><p><strong>Wales</strong> – Gamban is available free through the Welsh Government</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://allwalesgamblinghelpline.org.uk/"><u>https://allwalesgamblinghelpline.org.uk/</u></a></p><p><strong>Norway</strong> – Gamban is available free through Spillavhengighet Norge and Helplinjen</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://hjelpelinjen.no/"><u>https://hjelpelinjen.no/</u></a></p><p><strong>Ohio</strong> – Gamban is free in the state of Ohio through Timeout Ohio</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://timeoutohio.com/">www.timeoutohio.com</a></p><p><strong>Louisiana</strong> – Gamban is free in the state of Louisiana through the Louisiana Association of Compulsive Gambling (LACG)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.helpforgambling.org/">www.helpforgambling.org</a></p><p><strong>Michigan</strong> – Gamban is available free through the Michigan Gaming Control Board</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.michigan.gov/mgcb/resources/responsible-gaming/gamban">https://www.michigan.gov/mgcb/resources/responsible-gaming/gamban</a></p><h3>How can you work with Gamban?</h3><p>If you’re a regulator and would like to have a chat with our team about how we can make Gamban more accessible to people in your jurisdiction, please don’t hesitate to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/contact"><u>get in touch</u></a>. We’d love to hear from you.</p>

Why Regulators Choose Gamban

Learn why regulators across the world partner with Gamban to block legal and illegal gambling sites and support people in recovery.

Brazil Introduces Self-Exclusion

<p>Brazil has just launched its own self-exclusion program. This means that anyone from Brazil can now ban themselves from licensed online gambling. </p><h2>What is self-exclusion?</h2><p>When you sign up for self-exclusion, your personal details are added to a register that prevents you accessing licensed gambling services in Brazil, for a set time that you choose.</p><p>Once set up, licensed online casinos and betting websites must prevent you from creating new accounts and must restrict access to any existing accounts for the entire duration of your exclusion.</p><p>Many countries offer self-exclusion, with thousands of people using it every day.</p><h2>How to sign up</h2><p>You can sign up to the Brazilian self-exclusion register using your <u>Gov.br account</u>. After logging in, you select the length of your exclusion and confirm that you accept the system terms. Your exclusion begins as soon as you complete this step.</p><p><strong>Register for self-exclusion</strong> (https://www.gov.br/fazenda/pt-br/composicao/orgaos/secretaria-de-premios-e-apostas/autoexclusao)</p><h2>How long can you self-exclude for?</h2><p>When you sign up, you can choose how long you want your self-exclusion to last.</p><ul><li>You can pick a set period, with a minimum of one month.</li><li>You can also choose to stay excluded for as long as you need, with no end date.</li></ul><p>You cannot end a fixed period early, and the open-ended exclusion will remain in place until you request its removal after the required minimum period.</p><p><i>Note: To use certain Government services, including the national self exclusion system, you need a silver or gold Gov.br account. You can get this by verifying your identity through the steps provided on Gov.br.</i></p><h2>Why does this matter?</h2><p>This is a big step for Brazil, with the gambling market growing quickly, the country is making a move to protect its players and reduce gambling harm. Considering <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/en/almost-11-million-brazilians-gamble-in-ways-that-put-their-health-and-finances-at-risk/"><u>almost 11 million Brazilians gamble in ways that put their health and finances at risk</u></a>, this step feels like it’s come at the right time. </p><h2>Is self-exclusion enough?</h2><p>Self-exclusion stops access to gambling sites and apps authorised by the Prizes and Betting Secretariat. But while it curtails exposure to licensed operators, it does not block unregulated gambling.</p><p>This is why we recommend a multi-layered approach. Signing up to the national self-exclusion program restricts access to licensed platforms, and installing blocking software such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/apps"><u>Gamban</u></a> extends that protection to <strong>all</strong> online gambling, including the black market.</p><p>Gamban blocks gambling websites and apps globally, whether licensed or unlicensed, legal or illegal, and regardless of where they operate from. We update our blocklist daily and add around 700 new websites on average, helping cover platforms that the national system cannot include.</p><p>Using self-exclusion alongside Gamban provides wider coverage for anyone who wants to stop gambling online.</p>

Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Just Launched in Brazil

Why this matters for people and for support services

<p>Play 971 has entered the UAE market as the country’s first officially licensed and regulated online gaming platform.</p><p>According to industry reports, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) added Play 971 to its public licence list on 28 November.</p><p>Many of the games on the platform come from companies that already hold a licence. However, the live-casino section includes games from suppliers that do not yet appear on the public list of approved providers. </p><p>What does that mean? In most regulated markets, casinos <i>and</i> the companies that make their games are licensed separately.</p><p>It raises the question of whether every part of the site has actually been approved by the regulator.</p><h2>Why this matters</h2><p>This launch is significant in the UAE’s move towards a regulated gambling sector. Until now, the UAE Lottery has been the only legal option.</p><p>For a country that has long maintained strict prohibitions, granting an online-gaming licence is a notable policy shift.</p><p>Sources suggest regulations allow for one online licensee per emirate, so there could be up to seven operators in the market. That assumes, of course, that every emirate opts to back an online gaming offering in the first place.</p><p>Even though the rules bar Emiratis from gambling, the country’s population is around 88% expat, giving operators a sizeable potential customer base. </p><p>Given the history and context, an online gambling rollout carries both promise and risks. Promise for regulators and operators looking for new revenue streams, and risks for individuals and communities who may face harm from exposure to gambling. Especially in a region where support services and addiction-awareness infrastructure may not yet be well established.</p><h2>Why this matters for people and for support services</h2><p>For products like Gamban, aiming to support people at risk and suffering from gambling harm, this kind of shift is a sign that more people may soon have access to online gambling.</p><p><strong>Legal changes don’t necessarily mean safe changes</strong></p><p>Just because a government grants a licence does not guarantee protection for players. If the UAE is opening its doors to online gambling, that could expose new groups to real risks.</p><p>As more operators enter newly regulated markets, it becomes even more important for people to have practical ways to stay in control or to quit altogether, such as blocking tools and self-exclusion options. The new platform has already been added to Gamban’s blocklist, keeping users protected from day one. Services focused on harm prevention will only become more crucial as markets like the UAE evolve.</p>

The UAE Just Licensed Its First Online Casino

Play 971 has entered the UAE market as the country’s first officially licensed and regulated online gaming platform.

Making online gambling blocking accessible to millions in Japan

<p>We’re excited to announce that Gamban is now available in <a href="gamban.jp">Japanese</a>, making it easier for Japanese speakers to access our blocking software and take steps toward a life free from gambling harm.</p><h3><strong>More Than Just a Translation</strong></h3><p>With the help of designers based in Tokyo, we’ve created a dedicated website built to feel familiar for people in Japan. By tailoring the experience this way, we have made it easier for more users to navigate the website, understand Gamban and take their first step towards recovery.</p><p>While Gamban was created to block gambling sites, we also want to provide as many people as possible with the right information, in the right language, at the right time.</p><p>This update is part of our continuous aspiration to make Gamban accessible to as many people as possible, wherever they are and whatever language they speak. By offering Gamban in Japanese, we aim to remove barriers for those who may otherwise struggle to find the right tools to help them quit online gambling.</p><blockquote><p>Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, said: “We are committed to not only translating but also localising Gamban so it looks and feels familiar to people, wherever they might be. Our mission is not only to make blocking software as good as it can be, but also as accessible as possible.”</p></blockquote><p>We’ve been fortunate to receive input and support from Japanese organisations such as The Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction, helping us ensure the translation is accurate, accessible, and culturally appropriate for users in Japan.</p><blockquote><p>We are a Japanese private organisation that supports people with gambling addiction and their families. Through this collaboration with Gamban, we expect to be able to further support the recovery of those with addiction by using a cutting-edge app that has never been available in Japan before.</p></blockquote><p><strong>Noriko Tanaka, Representative, The Society Concerned About Gambling Addiction</strong></p><p> </p><h3><strong>Why This Matters for Japan</strong></h3><p>Behind the statistics are real people and families affected by gambling harm. Although most gambling is illegal in Japan, the rise of online casinos has made it easier than ever to gamble, often in secret and without clear warnings about the risks.</p><h4><strong>The hidden scale </strong></h4><p>A March 2025 National Police Agency survey estimated that 3.37 million Japanese have used overseas online casinos, with around 2 million active users wagering an average of ¥630,000 per person per year, totalling roughly ¥1.24 trillion (approximately US $8.4 billion) annually.</p><h4><strong>Low awareness of illegality</strong></h4><p>Around 40% of users believe online casinos are legal, and 75% first try free-play apps before moving to real-money gambling.</p><h4><strong>Addiction and harm</strong></h4><p>Almost 60% of users report addictive symptoms, and nearly half borrow money from family, friends or consumer finance to keep gambling.</p><p>By making Gamban available in Japanese, we hope to offer more people a practical, stigma-free first step, helping people block gambling sites before the harm gets worse and giving them space to seek support and begin recovery.</p><p>Gamban is already available in several other languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Dutch, Norwegian, and Finnish. Adding Japanese expands that reach even further, helping us deliver on our commitment to supporting people worldwide.</p><p>If you’re in Japan and want to learn more about how Gamban can help, visit <a href="gamban.jp"><strong>gamban.jp</strong></a></p>

Gamban Now Available in Japanese!

Gamban is now available in Japanese with a fully localised website, helping more people in Japan block gambling sites and begin recovery.

Announcements

Virginia Partnership for Gaming & Health

Gamban Partners with Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Problem Gambling Support Group - Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

Why Regulators Choose Gamban

Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Just Launched in Brazil

The UAE Just Licensed Its First Online Casino

Gamban Now Available in Japanese!

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

Announcements

List of Articles

Virginia Partnership for Gaming & Health

Gamban Partners with Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Problem Gambling Support Group - Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

Why Regulators Choose Gamban

Online Gambling Self-Exclusion Just Launched in Brazil

The UAE Just Licensed Its First Online Casino

Gamban Now Available in Japanese!

Protect ALL Of Your Devices

Sign Up To The Gamban Newsletter