- Safer Gambling Week to run from November 13 until November 19
- Focus on highlighting tools available to customers
- High profile support from world of sport
The UK gambling sector has pledged the highest participation and coverage to promote Safer Gambling Week (#SGWeek23) taking place from 13th – 19th November 2023.
Safer gambling message to be spread across the nation
Organised by trade bodies such as the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), bacta, and the Bingo Association, Safer Gambling Week is set to take place from November 13th to 19th, 2023. This initiative, now in its sixth year, brings together the entire gambling industry to promote safer gambling practices. The focus is on highlighting tools available for customers to stay in control and providing help and advice for those in need.
Supported by the government and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Safer Gambling Week aims to spread safer gambling messages both online and in land-based venues to encourage a nationwide conversation about responsible gambling.
DCMS Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew expressed support for the initiative, noting that it serves as a reminder of the ongoing collaborative efforts by the government, industry, and the regulator to prevent harm related to gambling. The government is actively working to prevent gambling addiction, enhance safer gambling tools, and strengthen messaging to prevent individuals from incurring potentially life-changing losses.
Key achievements from the previous year’s campaign include a 12.5% increase in accounts setting deposit limits, with over 200,000 doing so in October alone. Additionally, there was a 300% increase in the use of ‘reality checks’ alerts that monitor play duration.
The UKGC CEO Andrew Rhodes emphasized the unique opportunity that Safer Gambling Week provides to draw attention to the importance of responsible gambling. The week serves as an occasion for operators to share best practices and ensure the provision of the safest gambling opportunities in the world.
This year’s theme involves expanding social engagement with businesses and community organisations to initiate complex dialogues about responsible gambling with employees, customers, and their social circles. The goal is to strengthen a unified message of awareness and the availability of support resources throughout the year.
Safer Gambling Week represents a collective effort by industry stakeholders to maintain responsible gambling practices and keep problem gambling rates in the UK at minimal levels, currently recorded at 0.4% of the adult population in England, according to the latest NHS Health Survey.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC, highlighted the event’s role in promoting safer gambling tools in the regulated betting and gaming sector. He emphasised the commitment to empowering customers with knowledge and tools for safe betting throughout the year, as well as acknowledging the outstanding work of third-sector organisations such as GamCare, Gordon Moody, and YGAM. These organisations provide treatment, operate helplines, and educate young people on the dangers of harmful gambling.
Support from the world of sport
The initiative has generated high profile support from the sporting world, including Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and the Rugby Football League. As well as gambling companies and bookmakers many media outlets from the world of horse racing, including the “Racing Post” have lent their support.
Safer gambling practices are for the whole year, not just one week
It’s worth noting that betting and gaming operators in the UK actively advocate for safer gambling practices not only during Safer Gambling Week, but throughout the entire year. They employ various tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options, to aid individuals in managing their gambling activities responsibly.
During this week, bookmakers go the extra mile by offering additional support to those facing challenges with gambling addiction, going beyond their usual set of tools. The ultimate aim is to facilitate open and honest conversations about gambling, and to encourage individuals from all walks of life to seek help and support when needed.
Recognising Responsible Gambling:
Understanding and identifying the signs of problem gambling is crucial, as it can manifest in different forms. Setting limits on both time and money before engaging in gambling is recommended to maintain control and prevent the temptation to chase losses. It’s important to refrain from gambling when feeling upset, angry, or disappointed. In such situations, individuals are encouraged to reach out for support through the National Gambling Helpline, the contact information of which is provided below.
For those curious about their gambling tendencies, the Gamalyze test can provide instant insights into their gambling behaviour.
Safer Gambling Tools
Bookmakers offer a range of safer gambling tools to help individuals manage their habits. These include setting time and deposit limits, allowing users to control how much money they deposit with gambling sites. Additionally, individuals have the option to self-exclude from bookmakers and block gambling websites from their browsers to prevent access.
Taking it a step further, individuals can limit the gambling content they encounter on other parts of the web, and can even contact their bank to block payments to gambling sites.
Betting.com encourage responsible and safe gambling
Betting.com would like you to enjoy your sports betting experience in the UK. However, we consider it to be of huge importance that you do this responsibly. Sports betting should be a leisure activity, something that you do for enjoyment. We therefore urge you to gamble safely and responsibly. Our Responsible Gambling page outlines what responsible gambling is. It provides information on how to keep your betting under control and on how and where to seek help if you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem.
