ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone Awards €20,000 to BetBlocker International for Evidence-Based Harm Minimisation Research
BetBlocker International received a €20,000 donation from the ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone at the 2026 event to fund evidence-based research on enhanced protection tools. The contribution is part of €462,500 total raised from 11 brands. BetBlocker supported over 300,000 users in 2025 but notes more consistent industry engagement is required.
SCCG Take — The funding validates harm minimisation as core industry responsibility, yet greater operational adoption of research outputs is needed to close the gap between public support and reduced gambling harm.
BetBlocker International received a €20,000 donation at ICE Barcelona ’26. The funding will support research to develop new tools for individuals seeking additional layers of protection. The donation is part of a wider contribution from 11 brands that brought the cumulative industry total to €462,500.
Pedro Romero, Head of SG Partnerships at BetBlocker International, described the zone as a platform that elevates player protection. Launched in 2018 as the Consumer Protection Zone, the feature has become central to the ICE experience. According to reporting by iGaming Future, Romero stated that the visibility challenges the industry to improve and ensures harm minimisation remains part of the main conversation rather than a marginal activity.
Recognising Existing Efforts and Funding Targeted Research
Romero viewed the donation as recognition of BetBlocker International’s ongoing work and as encouragement to build on it. The funds will specifically support research into features that better assist at-risk individuals. The goal is to ensure new tools are informed by evidence, lived experience and expert input. In 2025, BetBlocker International supported over 300,000 active users worldwide.
Persistent Need for Wider Industry Engagement
While the Sustainable Gambling Zone and related initiatives demonstrate a willingness to back knowledge, research and solutions, Romero confirmed that substantial work remains. These steps represent progress, yet more organisations must engage consistently. Public support alone is insufficient; operators and stakeholders need to apply the resulting knowledge and tools to deliver meaningful changes in player protection and harm reduction. This gap between visibility and implementation defines the current limitation in translating industry events into operational impact across the sector.
The donation underscores that sustainable progress requires both funding and the consistent adoption of evidence-based measures by a broader range of participants.
Reporting: iGaming Future
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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