UK and US charity, BetBlocker, is dedicated to providing its free and entirely anonymous blocking software in as many languages as possible.  The addition of a Japanese language variant takes the charity closer to its goal of catering to all users in their native tongues.

The team at BetBlocker are thrilled that they have been able to develop several new language versions of their tool in the early part of 2025. Understanding how vital it is to the prevention of gambling harms that users are able to exert control over their gambling habits, BetBlocker fully recognises the need to offer services in its users’ native languages.  To this end, the team will continue to strive to add further language versions in 2025.  In 2020, the figure for native Japanese language speakers amounted to around 123 million people. In 2024, the journal BMC Public Health published the results of a study into the national burden of gambling in Japan and concluded that of 126.8 million Japanese citizens, 39 million had gambled in 2019.  Of that 39 million it was extrapolated that 4.4 million experienced financial harm as a result of gambling. It is, therefore, of vital import that BetBlocker’s gambling management tools be made available in Japanese.

The release of the Japanese version of BetBlocker’s software has only been possible due to the support of Kenta Shintani.  BetBlocker is indebted to Mr. Shintani for taking on this translation project pro bono and thanks him profusely for his philanthropy. There is no doubt that his work will benefit the lives of many Japanese nationals.

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Founder and Trustee for BetBlocker, Duncan Garvie, was approached for a comment on this latest language release and he was effusive in his thanks of Mr. Shintani: “BetBlocker has managed to translate its services into many languages and has significantly accelerated the rollout of new language support over the last 6 months. However, the vast majority of our support has been focused on languages originating in Europe.

Being able to extend the service to an important Asian community is a significant milestone for BetBlocker, helping us move towards the truly international ethos that the service has always wanted. We’re very honoured to have the support of civic minded citizens like Mr. Shintani. Their support invariably has a positive impact on hundreds of lives every single day, ensuring that the people of Japan can access the support that blocking software offers.”

In a significant boost for Indian esports, Lokesh Suji has been re-elected unopposed as Vice President for South Asia in the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) during its recent online Electoral General Assembly in Hong Kong for a four-year term. Holding this position since AESF’s inception, Suji’s re-election highlights India’s growing influence in international esports, reinforcing the Esports Federation of India’s (ESFI) role in shaping the region’s competitive gaming landscape.

The AESF Electoral General Assembly, chaired by outgoing President Kenneth Fok, convened representatives from 38 member nations and OCA Deputy Director General Vinod Tiwari. Thailand’s Santi Lothong secured the AESF Presidency with a simple majority, alongside new Vice Presidents for different Asian zones.

“I am deeply grateful for the continued trust placed in me and extend my sincere thanks to Kenneth (Fok) for his leadership and guidance over the years. I also look forward to working closely with Santi (Lothong) for this next phase. This re-election is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the remarkable growth of esports in India and South Asia. Esports in Asia is entering a defining era, and I am committed to ensuring that our players, federations, and stakeholders receive the recognition, opportunities, and platforms they deserve,” said Lokesh Suji, Vice President, South Asia, of AESF and Director of ESFI.

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As Asia’s esports governing body, recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), AESF has been instrumental in getting esports included in Asian Games and hosting major tournaments like the Asian Esports Games 2018 and the Asian Games 2022, featuring top titles such as Dota 2, Street Fighter 6, and FIFA Online. AESF has also been selected as the Technical Delegate for Esports at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Commenting on Suji’s re-election, Santi Lothong, the incoming AESF President, said: “Having worked alongside Lokesh for years, I have witnessed his unwavering dedication to developing esports in South Asia and beyond. His leadership, vision, and relentless efforts have helped shape the region’s competitive landscape. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening esports across Asia under this new leadership phase.”

Kenneth Fok, the outgoing AESF President, added: “Lokesh has been a steadfast pillar in AESF’s journey, always pushing to elevate esports across Asia. His passion and commitment have left a lasting impact, shaping key initiatives and strengthening our community. It’s been a pleasure working alongside him, and I am confident he will continue driving esports forward.”

Under Suji’s leadership, India has made significant strides in esports, with historic medal finishes in the Commonwealth Esports Championship 2022, BRICS Esports Championship and Asian Esports Games and strong performances in the Asian Games 2018 and 2022, where Indian athletes proved their mettle against the world’s best. ESFI is further cementing India’s esports dominance with the WAVES Esports Championship (WESC) —a pioneering initiative that fosters homegrown talent and provides Indian players with an international platform to compete at the highest level. WAVES Esports Championship is one of the ‘Create in India Challenge’ as part of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s marque event ‘World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit’ (WAVES) to be held on 1-4 May 2025, Mumbai.

Recognized by and Member of the International Esports Federation, Asian Esports Federation, and Global Esports Federation, ESFI remains dedicated to strengthening India’s position on the global esports stage.

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Gamban has started providing services in Finnish language.

Gambling is deeply embedded in Finnish culture, and while there are efforts to curb the harms arising from it, many still struggle to find practical tools. By adding Finnish, Gamban is ensuring that more people can take control of their gambling habits without language barriers standing in the way.

“Language should never be a barrier to accessing help. By introducing Finnish to Gamban, we’re ensuring that more people in Finland can access the tools they need. We hope this update makes the process of blocking gambling on devices more intuitive and effective,” Jack Symons, CEO of Gamban, said.

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In Finland, Gamban is partnered with Veikkaus, the government owned betting agency which currently holds a monopoly in the country. Through this partnership fully paid for Gamban licences are distributed free of charge to customers.

“Veikkaus has built a comprehensive and unique safer gambling environment for our customers, and Gamban is an additional service to those who want to make a self-exclusion to all Veikkaus games. It’s also offered to customers with signs of risky behaviour when they are contacted through care calls. Gamban has been a really helpful service, and we are happy that it’s now available in Finnish,” said Susanna Saikkonen, VP Sustainability at Veikkaus.