Safer Gambling Week will see collective efforts from the gambling industry, government and regulators to promote responsible gambling.
Organised by the BGC, BACTA and the Bingo Association, this marks the seventh year of the event, focusing on safer gambling tools and support services.
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew discussed the ongoing collaborative efforts to prevent harm, citing measures outlined in the UK Government's White Paper to protect those vulnerable to gambling-related harm while ensuring a safe gambling environment.
The 2022 Safer Gambling Week showcased a notable increase in responsible gambling actions, with approximately 200,000 accounts setting deposit limits – a 12.5% rise from the previous year.
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, stressed the significance of safety in gambling, mentioning that Safer Gambling Week provides a unique opportunity to draw attention to responsible gambling practices and encouraging operators to share best practices.
The annual campaign serves as a platform to extend efforts already undertaken by regulated betting and gaming operators throughout the year, promoting safer gambling through deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion services.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) support for Safer Gambling Week 2023 aligns with its endorsed measures in July 2023 to tighten regulations on unlawful online advertising, restricting football teams from promoting betting odds directly on social media.
Safer Gambling Week aims to encourage businesses to engage in conversations about responsible gambling with staff, customers, friends and family.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC, said: “We also use the week to highlight the outstanding work that third sector organisations deliver, such as GamCare who provide treatment and operate the National Gambling Helpline, Gordon Moody who provide residential treatment and YGAM who educate young people on the dangers of harmful gambling.”
Betfred also plans to collaborate with Zút on a campaign for Safer Gambling Week 2023. The campaign, titled ‘How Do You Keep It Fun?’ focuses on real customers sharing techniques to maintain responsible gambling habits.
