BGC sees drastic increase in safer gambling tools use during RG Week

The UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has observed a spike in the use of safer gambling tools during last year’s Safer Gambling Week. 

Analysing the data from the 2023 SG Week and pitting against the year prior, BGC reported noticing a 18% YoY increase in the number of deposit limits set during that seven-day period. 

The total number of deposit limits were set by 83,242 unique account holders, which represents a 12.5% increase YoY. The majority of those limits (54%) were set by players who were doing so for the first time. 

What’s more, the BGC also reported that the use of maximum stake limits went up by more than 300% YoY, with that number being similar among the amount of players who were actively setting up a reality check that shows on-screen the amount of time being spent gambling. 

In terms of SG Week’s promotion on social media channels, the number of impressions generated across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram totalled more than 50 million. 

Major social media sites displayed SG Week messaging around 30 million times – which is a 70% increase from 2022. 

Acting Chair and BGC CEO, Michael Dugher, said: “These new figures show Safer Gambling Week continues to be a powerful advert for increasing use of safer gambling tools in the regulated industry.

“Millions of customers now use safer gambling tools including deposit limits and time outs. This is a pillar of the regulated industry and is in marked contrast to the unsafe, unregulated and growing online gambling black market, which provides no safer gambling support, contributes zero tax and does not support sport.

“Our members promote these tools all year round, but a single dedicated week, bringing together the whole sector alongside huge support from cross-party MPs, from the Government and the independent regulator the Gambling Commission, really turbocharges that work – and these figures show it makes a real difference. 

“The record numbers for both impressions and use of safer gambling tools show the industry has never been more committed to ensuring the many millions who enjoy a regular flutter continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment.”

In 2023, the initiative ran for a seventh year in a row, directing half a million visits to the Safer Gambling Week website for advice on safer gambling tools, deposit limits and time outs. 

Safer Gambling Week’s ultimate goal is bringing together the UK and Irish regulated betting and gaming industry to encourage safe and responsible play – with the support of the UK Gambling Commission. 

The next planned event is the week between 18-24 November 2024.