The airwaves and social media channels were abuzz with messages promoting mindful betting behavior as Safer Gambling Week 2023 made its mark across the UK. A concerted effort by the gaming industry aimed to turn the spotlight on the importance of responsible gambling practices. With global digital advancements continuously evolving, the potential for gambling harm is a pressing concern, and Safer Gambling Week centered its efforts on addressing these risks head-on.
This community-conscious initiative, now in its seventh iteration, is the collective brainchild of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), and the Bingo Association. With each year, their commitment to propagating responsible gambling norms strengthens, evident in the surge of support from operators and industry bodies rolling out tailored responsible gaming campaigns and messaging.
On the digital front, the Safer Gambling Week Twitter account was at the forefront of raising awareness, offering regular posts about responsible play tools. By advocating for practical measures such as deposit limits and suggesting break times, it pushed for reformative action. Furthermore, the National Gambling Helpline was spotlighted as a beacon of support for those seeking help.
The BGC, as a key organizer, vocalized its robust backing of the week’s activities. Michael Dugher, the organisation’s chief executive, extolled the event as a cornerstone annual occasion and lauded entities like GamCare and Gordon Moody for their tireless work in combating gambling-related harm.
Streams of support also flowed from regulatory bodies. Andrew Rhodes, the chief executive of the GB Gambling Commission, acknowledged that while safer gambling should be an industry priority year-round, Safer Gambling Week offers a heightened period of focus on these crucial matters.
Solidarity from across the political spectrum emerged when over thirty cross-party Parliamentarians pledged their endorsement of the initiative’s goals, including Lord Lipsey, a Labour Party peer and chair of Premier Greyhound Racing, who has famously opposed proposed affordability checks feared to be detrimental to greyhound racing.
Betfred seized the moment to launch its campaign, “How Do You Keep It Fun?,” featuring real customers sharing their strategies for a responsible gambling experience. In unison, Southampton FC announced their partnership with Better Change for the second consecutive year to promote safer gambling practices. Charlie Boss, chief commercial officer at Southampton FC, emphasized the club’s responsibility to safeguard fans and their dedicated efforts alongside Better Change to cultivate a responsible gambling culture.
With the aim of better understanding gambling behaviors, BetMGM UK’s commissioned research dove into the perceptions of UK gamblers, discovering that a majority viewed their betting account money as distinct from their bank savings. Moreover, a significant percentage of the surveyed younger demographic proactively imposed restrictions on their gambling activities—an encouraging sign of self-awareness.
Throughout the week, even non-gambling establishments like The Health Lottery joined the cause, delivering messages on social media and directly to their audience. Lebby Eyres, their CEO, championed the event as an invaluable chance for the public to reflect on their gambling habits—both the time invested and the financial implications.
Undoubtedly, Safer Gambling Week 2023 has fostered an environment conducive to discussion and education around responsible gambling. As industry stakeholders, operators, and participants echoed the initiative’s message, the collective aim of preventing gambling-related harm and ensuring a safer gaming landscape seemed well within reach, underlining a clear path for future actions.
