Safer Gambling Week 2023 kicks off today with members of the British gaming industry gearing up to launch a series of campaigns aimed at promoting responsible betting. This annual initiative, which is jointly run by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), and the Bingo Association, aims to encourage industry members to promote safer gambling practices.
Running from 13th to 19th November, Safer Gambling Week 2023 covers both the land-based and online gambling markets. Last year, the initiative saw a 12.5% increase in the number of players setting deposit limits, with 61% of players setting deposit limits for the first time. Additionally, there was a 300% year-on-year increase in the number of players actively using reality checks. Social media engagement also saw a 21% rise, with nearly 30 million impressions across various platforms.
BGC chief executive Michael Dugher emphasized the importance of Safer Gambling Week, stating, “Safer Gambling Week is now a well-established annual event, promoting the vital safer gambling tools only available in the regulated betting and gaming sector and signposting help to those that need it.”
The event has garnered support from across the industry, government, and beyond. Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting the work already underway by the government, industry, and the regulator to prevent harm related to gambling. Gambling Commission chief executive Andrew Rhodes stressed that safety should be at the heart of all gambling at all times, and Safer Gambling Week provides a unique opportunity to draw attention to its importance.
One of the operators participating in this year’s initiative is Betfred. The bookmaker has partnered with creative and production agency Zút to launch a new safer gambling campaign titled ‘How Do You Keep It Fun?’. The campaign aims to encourage players to take a proactive approach to keeping their betting safe by promoting healthy habits such as setting personal limits and limiting gaming session time.
Safer Gambling Week 2023 is an important initiative that highlights the commitment of the gaming industry to promoting responsible betting and ensuring the safety of players.