Gambling behaviour tool developer BetBlocker appointed John Wright and Darrell Helyar to its board of trustees.
Gambling behaviour tool developer BetBlocker appointed John Wright and Darrell Helyar to its board of trustees.
Founded by Duncan Garvie in 2017, the UK-registered charity helps players block and customise access to gambling websites via free software. It was named Clarion Gaming’s charity partner for ICE, iGB Affiliate and iGB L!VE last year, and recently formed a strategic partnership with Casino Guru, winner of the Safer Gambling Initiative at the iGB Affiliate Awards 2024.
Wright and Helyar are co-founders of StatsDrone and long-term volunteers for BetBlocker. Wright also serves on the advisory board of OnlineBet.com and produces the Affiliate BI podcast. Helyar’s volunteer work extends beyond the igaming space and has earned him multiple awards in Montreal, including recognition from the Canadian House of Commons.
Garvie described the appointments as “a big win for BetBlocker”, highlighting Wright’s contribution to the app and website design and Helyar’s expertise in people management and strategic guidance.
“John Wright has been foundational in the BetBlocker project. He was the person who challenged me to create a free, anonymous way to use blocking software,” Garvie says.
“Darrell Helyar has been equally significant. His empathetic approach to people management has provided sound strategic advice that has allowed BetBlocker to build a positive and hungry team that is up to the challenge of tackling the issue of gambling harm reduction.”
Wright said he was “honoured to be considered for the board of trustees” and called for stronger player protections across the igaming sector.
“I hope that my participation in responsible gambling encourages others to get involved and especially to encourage more affiliates to list RG resources on their sites. If the industry knows how to help players, then everyone benefits,” he added.