Industry backs Safer Gambling Week, leading to increased focus on responsible gaming initiatives
Safer Gambling Week (SGW) is set to run from the 18th to the 24th of November, marking its eighth year. This annual campaign, which targets land-based low-stake gambling environments, aims to raise awareness about responsible gambling and reduce the incidence of problem gambling.
The initiative has garnered significant support, with various MPs, peers, and Premier League clubs lending their backing. Notable supporters include West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion. Organisers for SGW 2024 include Bacta, the Betting and Gaming Council, the Lotteries Council, and the Bingo Association.
Last year's SGW generated over 50 million impressions across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, smashing previous social media records. The campaign also saw half a million visits to the Safer Gambling Week website, demonstrating its growing reach and impact.
George McGregor, Executive Director (Government Relations) at Bacta, made a statement, expressing his belief that SGW makes a significant contribution to reducing the incidence of problem gambling in the industry.
The consumer-facing Safer Gambling website offers a series of questions to consider and outlines how to use safer gambling tools such as setting time and deposit limits and self-exclusion from gambling. These resources aim to empower individuals to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
Safer Gambling Week primarily targets more traditional, land-based gambling venues, where low-stake games are common. Measures promoted during the week often include setting betting limits, self-exclusion options, and education on recognizing problem gambling signs. Responsible gambling initiatives overall have led to enhanced operator reputations and built greater trust among customers, contributing to safer gambling environments.
Industry leaders and advocates discuss the importance of education, technology (like AI), and public health policy integration to reduce gambling-related harm. By fostering a culture of openness and responsibility, the campaign supports the adoption of technological tools for player protection, including monitoring and intervention systems.
Although no direct quantitative impact figures were found, the ongoing dialogue and investments in treatment and responsible gambling technologies indicate a positive trend toward harm reduction in the sector. The campaign's contributions include reinforcing protective measures, educating players and operators, and supporting policy efforts that collectively aim to reduce problem gambling.
This year, SGW will feature a 'blitz' of safer gambling messages online and in land-based venues, continuing its mission to promote responsible gambling and reduce problem gambling across the industry.
The Betting and Gaming Council, along with Bacta, the Lotteries Council, and the Bingo Association, will organise Safer Gambling Week 2024, aiming to reduce the incidence of problem gambling within the casino-and-gambling industry. With a focus on land-based gambling environments, the week will promote responsible gambling practices such as setting betting limits, offering self-exclusion options, and educating players on recognizing problem gambling signs, as part of its mission to create safer gambling environments.
