Safer Gambling Week 2024 Breaks Records in Industry Engagement
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced that Safer Gambling Week 2024 has surpassed all previous campaigns in terms of online engagement. The annual initiative achieved 60 million impressions across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, marking a 21 percent increase from last year.
Significant Growth in Safer Gambling Advocacy
Using the hashtag #SGWeek2024, the campaign promoted awareness about safer gambling tools and services, including deposit limits and time-outs. This year’s campaign also saw the involvement of prominent football clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Southampton, further amplifying its reach.
The Safer Gambling Week website experienced significant traffic, with over half a million visits. The site serves as a central hub for resources, linking users to intervention services and offering practical advice on responsible gambling practices.
BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst expressed pride in the campaign’s achievements:
“These outstanding and record-breaking results prove once more that our industry is serious about promoting the safer gambling tools available to customers and signposting the help and support available to those who need it.”
Hurst highlighted the ongoing impact of Safer Gambling Week:
“Thanks to Safer Gambling Week, we can be confident millions of people are better informed about the ways they can safely enjoy their hobby. That’s something the entire industry can be proud of. As I said at the beginning of the week, our commitment to safer gambling is not just for one week of the year. It is our mission for every week of the year.”
Key Developments in UK Gambling Regulations
The campaign’s success coincides with significant changes in UK gambling regulations. From April 2025, a statutory levy on gambling revenue will fund research, education, and treatment (RET) of gambling-related harms. Gambling minister Baroness Twycross confirmed the levy rates as follows:
- 1.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY) for online operators and suppliers.
- 0.4% for betting shops and land-based casinos.
- 0.1% for land-based arcades, bingo operations, and society lotteries.
New Limits for Online Slot Stakes
In December, new online slot stake limits were introduced. Players aged 25 and over now face a £5 limit, while those aged 18 to 24 have a £2 limit, reflecting proposals from last year’s consultation.
