UK Gambling backs full coverage of SGWeek 2024

The industry prepares for a significant rise in responsible betting messaging both online and in land-based venues, as Safer Gambling Week gets in full swing for the eight consecutive year.

The initiative is organised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the Bingo Association, and BACTA, as well as with backing from the UKGC, with comments having poured in from across the industry welcoming this year’s period of safer gambling projects, which will run from 18 – 24 November.

Starting off with the UK Government, Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, commented: “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 Government is currently considering the full range of gambling policy and will update in due course.”

Highlighting the importance of the Safer Gambling Week was also Louie French MP, Shadow Sport and Gambling Minister, who said: “This week marks the eight annual Safer Gambling Week. Here in the United Kingdom we have made good progress over those eight years in tackling problem gambling. 

“Looking to other European countries, we have a comparatively low problem gambling rate, thanks to the work done by the BGC, BACTA and the Bingo Association – alongside the previous Conservative Government – all year round. 

“Safer Gambling Week is one of the most effective ways the industry has found to get the safer gambling message across to those 22.5 million adults who enjoy a flutter each month. With more than 50 million impressions on social media in Safer Gambling Week 2023, the message is far reaching. 

“BGC, BACTA, and the Bingo Association should be proud of the work they do to promote safer gambling and the impact this continues to have on increasing safer gambling all year round.”

Finally, Andrew Rhodes, UKGC’s Chief Executive, added: “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.”

This year’s initiative will try and build on the 2023 iteration of the Safer Gambling Week, which saw an increase in customers using safer gambling tools, with 54% of those setting up deposit limits during the week doing so for the first time. 

Last year was also record breaking when it comes to social media, with Safer Gambling Week 2023 messaging reaching more than 50 million impressions across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

Another record to match is the number of players setting a reality check, which in 2023 rose by 300% for the second year in a row. 

“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,” said Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the BGC.

“Previous years have shown that this campaign leads to increased use of those popular safer gambling tools – like time-outs and deposit limits.”

BACTA’s own Executive Director, George McGregor, described the week as a great 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.”