Safer Gambling Week 2024 Highlights the Importance of Responsible Play
The UK and European Safer Gambling Week 2024 is in full swing, running from November 18 to 24. The campaign brings together online and land-based operators to promote responsible gambling practices. With a focus on providing tools and support to help individuals stay in control, this initiative aims to foster safer gambling environments across the industry.
Organisers and Industry Support
In the UK, Safer Gambling Week is in its eighth year, spearheaded by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), BACTA, and the Bingo Association. Meanwhile, in Europe, the initiative is coordinated by the European Betting and Gaming Association (EGBA).
Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, expressed support for the event, stating:
“Safer Gambling Week is a good opportunity to recognise the important work being done to help protect those at risk of gambling harms. We welcome the industry using this week to highlight the tools and support available to prevent people suffering potentially life-changing harm.”
The Gambling Commission’s Chief Executive, Andrew Rhodes, emphasized the week’s value:
“Ensuring safety should always be central to every aspect of gambling. However, Safer Gambling Week offers a valuable chance to emphasise this priority even further. It also enables operators to exchange best practices, helping to make gambling in Britain among the safest experiences worldwide.”
Raising Awareness Amid Criticism
While the campaign garners significant industry and governmental support, it also faces scrutiny.
Critics argue that such initiatives should extend beyond a single week, becoming a year-round priority. Questions have been raised about the campaign’s tangible impact, with little evidence directly linking it to increased long-term use of safer gambling tools.
Despite this, last year’s campaign generated over 50 million impressions across social media platforms, demonstrating its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness.
Tools and Resources for Safer Gambling
The Betting and Gaming Council highlighted the efforts of regulated operators:
“Regulated betting and gaming operators already work tirelessly all year round to promote safer gambling, including by encouraging deposit limits and time-outs, as well as directing customers to the range of self-exclusion services that exist.
Safer Gambling Week provides an opportunity to go even further by encouraging businesses and organisations to start a conversation, not only with staff and customers, but also with their friends and family. The annual campaign provides a consistent voice to raise awareness of safer gambling, highlighting the help, support and tools that are available throughout the year.”
CEO Grainne Hurst added:
“Safer Gambling Week is about showcasing safer gambling tools that exist in the regulated industry all year round to ensure that the millions of people who enjoy a regular flutter, continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment. Previous years have shown that this campaign leads to increased use of those popular safer gambling tools – like time-outs and deposit limits.”
