Portuguese Launch Spurs Explosive Growth in Latin America
UK-based gambling harm prevention charity BetBlocker has reported remarkable uptake in Brazil, with over 20,000 active users recorded since January 2025. This development marks Brazil as BetBlocker’s fastest-growing market globally, a milestone the organization attributes to its recent localization efforts aimed at Portuguese-speaking audiences.
Following the launch of a Portuguese-language version of its gambling self-exclusion software in September 2024, BetBlocker has focused heavily on Latin America—particularly Brazil, where online gambling and sports betting are undergoing rapid expansion due to recent regulatory changes. With more than 200 million Portuguese speakers worldwide, the strategic language rollout significantly broadened BetBlocker’s reach and accessibility.
Digital Self-Exclusion Gaining Traction Amid Market Growth
BetBlocker’s software enables users to block over 90,000 gambling websites and 1,500 gambling apps, offering a free and anonymous tool for those seeking to regain control over their gambling behaviors. In Brazil’s developing online gambling ecosystem, demand for such harm prevention tools has grown alongside the legalisation of sports betting and iGaming platforms.
The Brazilian government is currently finalizing regulatory frameworks that include mandatory responsible gambling provisions, and BetBlocker’s rise suggests that public awareness and individual desire for control are increasing in parallel.
BetBlocker’s founder, Duncan Garvie, has long emphasized the importance of localization in digital mental health tools, noting that native language support increases user engagement by as much as tenfold, especially during moments of vulnerability.
Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Brazil’s milestone is only one chapter in BetBlocker’s broader international strategy. In 2025 alone, the platform has launched Serbian, Japanese, and French versions of its app and extended its impact to North America through its membership in the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), where it holds the distinction of being the only Gold Non-Profit Member.
This strategic alliance boosts BetBlocker’s visibility in the US, a highly competitive gambling market, and positions the tool as a valuable complement to industry-led responsible gambling efforts.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Accessible Gambling Support
As more countries regulate online gambling, the need for scalable, free harm-reduction tools grows. BetBlocker’s success in Brazil may serve as a case study for how language access, regional targeting, and partnerships with regulatory and advocacy bodies can rapidly expand impact.
With continued investment in localization, platform improvements, and strategic collaborations, BetBlocker is well-positioned to become a cornerstone in the global fight against gambling-related harm, especially in emerging markets like Latin America.
