Safer Gambling Week 2023, marking its seventh consecutive year, kicked off from 13-19 November, solidifying its standing as an instrumental annual event for promoting responsible betting. This initiative, driven by the collaborative efforts of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), and the Bingo Association, aims to unite industry members in advocating for safer gambling practices.
The BGC, reflecting on last year’s event, highlighted it as the most successful edition up to that point. This year, however, the week-long initiative has surpassed previous achievements, with newly released data illustrating a significant surge in the application of responsible gambling tools.
During the 2023 event, the industry witnessed an 18% increase in the number of deposit limits set by consumers compared to the previous year. The initiative’s impact was even more pronounced in terms of players setting reality checks, which soared by an astounding 300%, as did the use of maximum stake limits. Furthermore, a total of 83,242 unique account holders set deposit limits, reflecting a 12.5% rise from the previous year’s figures.
The BGC also reported substantial engagement on social media platforms, contributing to raising awareness and reinforcing the message of responsible gambling. Collectively, activities across X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram garnered more than 50 million impressions. Messaging on these major social media sites was disseminated almost 30 million times, showing a remarkable 70% increase in outreach.
Michael Dugher, the BGC’s CEO and acting chair, lauded the collective efforts of industry participants in furthering the cause of Safer Gambling Week. He noted that the initiative covers both online and land-based sectors, with participation from bookmakers, amusement arcades, bingo clubs, casinos, and online gaming operators.
“The new figures illustrate that Safer Gambling Week continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for the increased use of safer gambling tools within the regulated industry,” Dugher emphasized.
. “Millions of customers now utilize tools such as deposit limits and time-outs, which are essential components of the regulated industry. This stands in stark contrast to the unsafe, unregulated, and expanding online gambling black market, which offers no safer gambling support, contributes no tax, and provides no support to sport.”
Dugher underlined that industry members promote these responsible gambling tools year-round. However, he acknowledged that having a dedicated week significantly amplifies these efforts, bringing together the entire sector along with considerable backing from MPs across parties, government, and the independent regulator, the Gambling Commission. “The record numbers for both impressions and use of safer gambling tools underscore the industry’s unprecedented commitment to ensuring that the millions who enjoy gambling continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment,” he added.
Safer Gambling Week not only draws participation from within the gambling industry but also garners support from various stakeholders, charities, MPs and peers, and sports teams. This year, Premier League football clubs West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion actively championed the initiative, showcasing the expanding influence and acceptance of the event.
Looking forward to the future, Dugher expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the success of this initiative in the forthcoming Safer Gambling Week 2024, scheduled to take place from 18-24 November. He holds a positive outlook on further broadening the initiative’s reach and impact.
Safer Gambling Week continues to be an essential event in the calendar for everyone involved in the gaming and betting industries. The sustained and growing involvement from various sectors showcases a unified commitment to promoting and practicing responsible gambling, ultimately ensuring a safer environment for all participants. The data reflecting this commitment is not only a testament to collective industry efforts but also acts as an encouragement for continuing and expanding responsible gaming practices in the future.
With each passing year, the ever-increasing engagement and usage of responsible gambling tools reveal a determined industry’s pledge to the safety and well-being of its consumers. As the baton passes on to Safer Gambling Week 2024, the industry looks set to build on this year’s monumental success, further embedding the culture of responsible gambling into its core operations.
