The UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) on Monday announced that over 30 cross-party parliamentarians, including ministers and shadow ministers, came out to support this year’s edition of Safer Gambling Week.
“Safer Gambling Week saw the whole industry coming together to further promote safer gambling, by highlighting the tools available so customers can stay in control and signposting help and advice to those who need it,” the council noted.
Organized by the BGC, BACTA, and the Bingo Association, Safer Gambling Week saw a blitz of safer gambling messages both online and in land-based venues, with the aim to spark a nationwide conversation about betting responsibly.
It’s the last day of #SGWeek23 but please use safer gambling tools all year round!
For help, advice & information visit: https://t.co/ba9t2EpLb3 pic.twitter.com/cSUelDAGhx
— Safer Gambling Week (@SGWeek) November 19, 2023
The annual event, which took place from November 13th to 19th, aims to intensify efforts in promoting responsible gambling. The focus of the event was to showcase available tools that empower customers to remain in control of their gambling activities and provide assistance to those seeking help and advice.
At the time of this year’s week announcement, UK Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew stated: “Safer Gambling Week is a good reminder of the work already underway by the Government, industry, and the regulator to prevent harm. The measures outlined in our white paper will help protect those most at risk of gambling-related harm while allowing those that choose to gamble to do so safely.”
The National Gambling helpline is run by @GamCare.
If you want to have a chat with someone, call 0808 8020 133.
Visit https://t.co/ba9t2EpLb3 to find out more.#SGWeek23 pic.twitter.com/9rUCbfDzH6
— Safer Gambling Week (@SGWeek) November 19, 2023
The annual campaign built on the success of previous years, with the 2022 event witnessing a substantial increase in accounts setting deposit limits. Over 200,000 accounts set deposit limits in October, marking a 12.5% rise from the previous year. Notably, 61% of these were first-time limit setters.
Initiatives promoted during the week included encouraging deposit limits, and time-outs, and directing customers to various self-exclusion services. The week serves as a catalyst to encourage businesses and organizations to engage in conversations with staff, customers, friends, and family about responsible gambling.