It’s time for Safer Gambling Week!

Safer Gambling Week 2024, which aims to promote responsible betting and foster a collaborative approach to player protection, is finally here! If you've missed our previous article, check it out before learning what will happen this week. 
Now in its eighth year, the initiative runs until November 24, spanning Europe and focusing on enhanced messaging, tools for players, and best practice sharing.

A blue banner that invites people to talk about Safer Gambling Week

The campaign is organized by the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), and the Bingo Association. Both online platforms and physical venues will amplify safer gambling messages to encourage discussions across (and beyond!) the country. The aim is to educate users on self-regulation tools, such as deposit limits and reality checks while directing those in need to available support.

Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, said the campaign is a pivotal moment to reinforce the gambling industry’s commitment to safety. He also highlighted the importance of fostering secure environments while enabling operators to share effective strategies to ensure that British gambling remains safe for everyone.

Building on Past Success

Last year’s Safer Gambling Week recorded impressive milestones, including a 54% rise in new users setting deposit limits and a 300% increase in players activating reality checks. Social media engagement exceeded expectations, with over 50 million impressions across platforms, further proof of the campaign’s success in driving awareness and behaviour change.

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst emphasized the campaign's role in promoting year-round tools designed to keep gambling safe and enjoyable. She added that safer gambling tools rose in popularity during past campaigns, proving their efficacy.

The Government has also shown strong support for the initiative. Baroness Twycross, UK Minister for Gambling, commended the industry for its efforts in preventing gambling-related harm, particularly highlighting the importance of accessible tools and advice for at-risk individuals.

George McGregor, executive director at Bacta, said: “SG Week provides an opportunity to highlight what the gambling sector does all year round to ensure customers can have some fun, safe in the knowledge that operators are there for them and their peers if things start to get out of control.”

Safer Gambling in Europe

Safer Gambling Week features an array of activities, including webinars and discussions on issues like identifying problem gamblers and integrating AI into responsible betting measures. A Europe-wide campaign will support these efforts, distributing translated graphics and safety messages through social media.

Social media posts created for Safer Gambling Week

The initiative is backed by prominent organizations, including the European Betting & Gaming Association, the International Betting Integrity Association, EveryMatrix, and EPIC Global Solutions. These groups aim to foster a unified approach to safer gambling across borders.

By promoting education, collaboration, and practical tools, Safer Gambling Week 2024 seeks to further strengthen the industry’s commitment to responsible betting and safeguard player welfare.