Providing some background to the launch, Pedro Romero, Chief of SG Partnerships at BetBlocker, explained: “The Catalan version has been designed to be culturally sensitive and is distinct from the Spanish version.
“We were fortunate to work closely with Dr. Laura Maldonado, a Catalan gambling and gaming expert, who helped ensure that the translation and adaptation went beyond language. Her insights were crucial in tailoring the tool to reflect local values, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances.
“The Catalan version isn’t just a translation—it’s been created with the specific needs of Catalonia’s population in mind, ensuring it feels intuitive and relatable for users.”
Romero believes that aligning the launch with ICE Barcelona was a natural fit underscoring BetBlocker’s commitment to Catalonia. He stated: “Given that ICE is hosted in Barcelona from this year, we felt it was a meaningful way to acknowledge the cultural richness of Catalonia and support the local community with a fully accessible version of BetBlocker in their native language.
“In 2024 we were fortunate enough to receive funding from the sponsors of the ICE Consumer Protection Zone which has subsequently been rebranded the Sustainable Gambling Zone.
“We utilised that donation to help fund the Catalan version of the app, so there’s a perfect symmetry to the highly positive relationship that we enjoy with the team at Clarion Gaming and specifically with ICE Barcelona.”
Looking ahead to ICE Barcelona, BetBlocker is focussed on building strong collaborations with local organisations, including charities, support services, and gambling operators.
Pedro Romero confirmed: “Our aim is to ensure that the tool becomes widely available to anyone in Catalonia who might need it, whether directly or through partner organisations.
“By establishing these partnerships, we hope to create a sustainable impact and demonstrate the value of accessible, localised solutions in promoting safer gambling practices. This launch is just the beginning—we’re eager to see how we can work together to support local communities further.”
Source: GMB
