The UK gambling industry is gearing up for the seventh edition of Safer Gambling Week, scheduled to take place from November 13th to 19th, 2023. This annual event, organized by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), BACTA, and the Bingo Association, aims to promote responsible gambling practices and provide support to individuals seeking help and advice.
UK Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew highlighted the importance of Safer Gambling Week, stating that it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by the government, industry, and regulators to prevent harm related to gambling. He emphasized the measures outlined in the white paper aimed at protecting those most at risk of gambling-related harm while still allowing individuals to gamble safely.
The chief executive of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, emphasized the importance of safety in gambling and noted that Safer Gambling Week provides a unique opportunity to draw attention to this vital aspect. The event also allows operators to share best practices and ensure that people in Britain are provided with the safest gambling opportunities in the world.
The success of previous Safer Gambling Weeks has been remarkable, with the 2022 event witnessing a significant increase in accounts setting deposit limits and the use of reality check alerts. The campaign also broke social media records, generating nearly 30 million impressions on various platforms.
Initiatives promoted during Safer Gambling Week include encouraging deposit limits, time-outs, and directing customers to self-exclusion services. The week also serves as a catalyst to encourage businesses and organizations to engage in conversations with staff, customers, friends, and family about responsible gambling.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, highlighted the significance of Safer Gambling Week in promoting vital safer gambling tools unique to the regulated betting and gaming sector. Similarly, John White, Chief Executive of BACTA, emphasized that the week provides an opportunity to showcase the year-round efforts of the gambling sector to ensure customers can enjoy recreational wagering safely.
