Exclaim Recovery, a responsible gambling service, has launched a dedicated app that is available from the App Store.
The app has a multi-faceted approach to gambling harm that includes community message boards and group conversations, a real-time progress tracker, daily messages of encouragement and check-ins.
Most importantly, the Exclaim Recovery app contains Hope, an AI chatbot that has been specifically built to support people as they tackle gambling harm.
Global Gambling Insider previously covered Hope and interviewed Dan Real, Exclaim Recovery Founder and CEO, to assess how well the chatbot functioned.
On the launch of his app, Real said: “Gambling is expanding faster than at any time in human history. Thankfully, a large majority of those who gamble do so for fun and entertainment.
“Unfortunately, there are tens of millions of people around the world suffering with some form of gambling harm.
“How can we possibly scale to reach all of those people? Responsible AI.”
Unlike traditional human-based live chats, Hope is available 24/7 as long as the user has an internet connection.
This can be a solid first step for an individual who feels too ashamed, confused or reluctant to reach out to friends or a helpline.
Real gave an exclusive insight to Global Gaming Insider: ""Today, you can place a legal wager from your phone on a tennis match between two teenagers halfway around the world.
"They may be ranked outside the world's top 1,000, retrieving their own tennis balls between points and sharing a hotel room because even winning the tournament won't cover their expenses.
"The same technology that delivers a bet in seconds can now deliver support in seconds."
Hope has been trained to identify behavioural patterns and warning signs in users.
The AI chatbot is completely confidential and non-judgemental in the advice it gives.
Real continued: “Many people who would never call a helpline, attend a meeting, or speak to a counsellor may be willing to send a message to Hope. If that first conversation leads them toward recovery, then AI has created an opportunity that otherwise may never have existed.
“The question isn't whether AI should replace human recovery support. It shouldn't.
“The question is whether we should use every responsible tool available to reach people who are suffering and currently receiving no help at all.”
Real believes that answer is yes.
The app is compatible with models operating iOS 15.1 or later and is currently 43.8MB in size
