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Gamban Hits 1 Million Downloads as Demand for Gambling Blockers Surges

A decade after its launch, Gamban's milestone reflects a rising tide of awareness—and controversy—around gambling addiction. Can tech outpace the industry's pushback?

The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a...
The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a board with text and pictures of fruits, suggesting that he is playing online casino games.

Gamban Hits 1 Million Downloads as Demand for Gambling Blockers Surges

Gamban, a self-exclusion software designed to block gambling sites, has now been downloaded over 1 million times. The company, founded in 2015, recently marked its 10th anniversary just before hitting this major milestone. CEO Jack Symons celebrated the achievement as a sign of growing support for problem gamblers worldwide. Gamban's software works by preventing access to online gambling platforms across devices. The tool has gained recognition for its role in helping people struggling with addiction. Dr Matt Gaskell, clinical lead of the NHS Northern Gambling Service, praised the app for its positive impact on users trying to quit gambling.

The company has also expanded its team to 17 members as demand for its services grows. However, Gamban has clashed with industry groups over gambling harm statistics. It rejected the Betting and Gaming Council's claim that only 280,000 people in the UK have a gambling problem. Gamban also criticised the council's statement that 'gambling isn't a cause of social harm', pointing to higher addiction risks in online casinos compared to other forms of betting. Co-founder Matt Zarb-Cousin stressed that Gamban remains independent from the gambling industry. Unlike some self-exclusion programmes, which are limited to specific countries, Gamban operates globally. The company continues to push for stronger protections against gambling-related harm.

The 1 million download mark highlights Gamban's role in supporting problem gamblers. Its software provides a widely accessible way to block gambling sites, while debates with industry bodies persist. The company's growth reflects increasing awareness of gambling addiction and the need for effective solutions.

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