Encouraging Sharing of Effective Strategies for Responsible Gaming During Safer Gambling Week 2024 within the Gaming Sector

** Revamped Article:**

In its eighth round, Safer Gambling Week 2024 kicks off from 18th to 24th November, spanning across all of Europe. This outreach is being spearheaded once more by the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), and the Bingo Association.

Get ready for a barrage of safer gambling warnings during this week, popping up at both brick-and-mortar and digital betting spots. This, they claim, aims to spark a nationwide discussion about playing responsibly.

Expect messages with nudges about self-control tools and pointers towards help and support. As Andrew Rhodes, Chief of the Gambling Commission, puts it, "Safety should always be the focal point in everything related to gambling. Safer Gambling Week serves as an excellent platform to emphasize this fact further, and to help operators swap best practices, making British gambling one of the safest worldwide experiences."

Driving for success: The Safer Gambling Week 2024 comeback

The event's organizers are hoping for a repeat of last year’s positive response. In the context of Safer Gambling Week 2023, a whopping 54% of gamblers chose a deposit limit for the first time, and players actively setting reality checks skyrocketed by more than 300%. Additionally, the event broke social media records, with over 50 million impressions on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

As BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst explains, "Safer Gambling Week is all about demonstrating the resources available in the regulated industry round the year, enabling millions of regular bettors to continue their gamble in a safe and responsible space. Last year's uptick in engagement with safer gambling tools clearly shows that this campaign produces real results."

Labour government on board:

Baroness Twycross, the UK minister for gambling, wholeheartedly supports the campaign, marking the first time it's taking place under a Labour government, after their electoral victory in July.

“Safer Gambling Week offers an important opportunity to recognize the tireless efforts being made to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling harms,” Baroness Twycross said. “We warmly welcome industry leaders using this week to shed light on the resources and support available to prevent people from experiencing potentially devastating harm.”

George McGregor, Executive Director of Bacta, also underscored the impact of the project. He stated, "SG Week offers a chance to highlight the ongoing efforts by the gambling sector to ensure customers enjoy a fun, secure environment where operators are always ready to lend a hand if things start spiraling out of control."

Andrew Lee, Chief Operating Officer at QiH Group, a London-based igaming affiliate company, emphasized the importance of a cooperative approach to responsible gambling. He said, "As affiliates are often the initial point of contact for bettors, our priority is maintaining a secure, compliant space that not only benefits our partners but also their customers. We support the idea of a balanced approach, where gambling remains merely a form of enjoyable entertainment."

What's brewing across Europe?

The wider Safer Gambling Week initiative radiates across Europe, with an array of events, industry-wide webinars, and information exchange sessions planned during the week ahead. The week is packed with events and webinars centering on crucial safer gambling topics, like recognizing problem gamblers, fostering responsible wagering, and AI's role in enhancing safety measures.

A social media campaign will run concurrently, spreading key safety messages and resources across Europe, backed by translated campaign graphics. Notable entities supporting this broader European effort include the European Betting & Gaming Association, the International Betting Integrity Association, EveryMatrix, and EPIC Global Solutions.

The United Kingdom, under a Labour government, wholeheartedly welcomes the Safer Gambling Week 2024 and recognizes its significance in the fight against gambling harms.
Operators across Europe, including those in the UK, are eagerly preparing for Safer Gambling Week, aiming to create a safer and more responsible casino-and-gambling environment for their customers.
Amidst the various activities scheduled during Safer Gambling Week 2024, industry leaders will work together, sharing best practices and leveraging AI to further enhance safety measures within the gambling industry.