BetBlocker and Casino.Guru Launch Finnish Support to Tackle Problem Gambling

In a significant move to make responsible gambling tools more accessible, international charity BetBlocker has teamed up with leading online casino portal Casino.Guru. The partnership has kicked off with the launch of Finnish language support for BetBlocker’s free and anonymous gambling-blocking software.

The main goal of this project is to knock down the language barriers that can stop people from getting the help they need to manage or prevent problem gambling. BetBlocker has always offered its software completely free of charge and without any need for registration, making sure that support is available straight away for anyone who needs it.

The timing is crucial. According to a 2023 Finnish government report on gambling, around 4% of the population was found to be at a moderate risk of developing gambling-related issues. By adding Finnish to the platform, BetBlocker is set to make its service readily available to hundreds of thousands of potential users, providing a vital tool for a safer gambling environment.

“Casino.Guru has always been a real benchmark for promoting responsible gaming,” said Duncan Garvie, founder of BetBlocker. “Their Global Self-Exclusion Initiative has really pushed the conversation forward on harm prevention in the sector and shown how responsible gambling messages can be built into the affiliate model. We’re stoked to be teaming up with them to offer our service in Finnish and help thousands of people get on top of their gambling.”

Simon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling at Casino.Guru, also highlighted the importance of the collaboration. “Our partnership is all about backing the push for international self-exclusion systems. A single global system is still a fair way off, but BetBlocker is doing a brilliant job of providing a free and anonymous solution for anyone who needs it, wherever they are. We’re proud to get behind this initiative and reckon it will have a massive impact on promoting responsible gaming in Finland.”

Groupe Casino Signals a Turnaround with “Renewal 2028” Plan

Meanwhile, in the European retail sector, French supermarket giant Groupe Casino is showing strong signs of a comeback. The first half of 2025 has marked a significant turning point for the company, which sold off 287 stores to rivals Les Mousquetaires, Auchan, and Carrefour in 2024. For the first time under its new management led by CEO Philippe Palazzi, the group has posted like-for-like growth, hitting +2.4% in the second quarter amid more favourable market conditions.

In a LinkedIn post, Palazzi noted that the company’s “Renewal 2028” strategic plan is already starting to pay off across all of the Group’s brands. He explained that Casino’s revival strategy is built on three key markets: everyday groceries, takeaway food, and daily life services.

“We are in the right market—the convenience market—with the right brands and at the right time. Our developments in takeaway food will accelerate our recovery,” Palazzi stated, giving a big thanks to the franchise partners and all the teams for their hard work and dedication.

Financial Footing Strengthened

On the financial front, the group confirmed in an official statement that it has repaid €23.5 million of secured debt from its subsidiary, Quatrim. The payment included €3.5 million on June 25th and a further €20 million on August 1st. The move, which covers €23 million in principal and €0.5 million in interest, brings Quatrim’s outstanding guaranteed bonds down to a nominal amount of €198 million.

A Look Ahead with ‘La Cantine’

Looking forward, Groupe Casino is focused on cementing its position in the convenience retail space, which it sees as a strategic driver for future growth. Among the new projects already underway is La Cantine, an innovative takeaway restaurant concept launched by the group’s Monoprix brand, which combines healthy food with quick service.

After very promising results from three pilot projects in Paris Beaugrenelle, Neuilly-sur-Seine, and Colombes, the format has now opened in Les Halles, right in the heart of the French capital. Palazzi revealed in another post that the new two-storey space spans over 400 square metres and is designed to serve thousands of customers.

“This transformation is taking shape day by day,” Palazzi wrote, referring to the group’s relaunch strategies, “thanks to the hard work, adaptability, and commitment of our teams and franchise partners.”