The gambling industry has once again united for Safer Gambling Week 2022.
This year’s event, announced in May and organised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), BACTA, and the Bingo Association, will run from October 17th to October 23rd.
The campaign, now in its fifth year, will see online and brick-and-mortar venues promote safer gambling messages to “spark a nationwide conversation about betting responsibility”.
In a post, the BGC states that this year’s campaign will build upon last year’s by encouraging businesses and organisations, who already work to promote safer gambling all year round, to strike conversations with staff, customers, friends, and family to raise awareness of safer gambling and highlight the tools and support available.
Meanwhile, Microgaming today (October 18th) reiterated its commitment to Safer Gambling Week by highlighting several charities that provide support and assistance to anyone who has experienced gambling-related harm.
The firm pointed to its corporate responsibility arm PlayItForward, which backs and has helped charities like Gordon moody, Anonymind, Betknwmore UK, Motiv8, and others in offering treatment and services to gamers.
In addition to the above, Southampton Football Club partnered with Better Change to promote safer betting amongst the club’s fans for Safer Gambling Week, and operator Kindred has replaced its logo on two football clubs’ shirts with Zero & Mission branding.
The organisation also highlighted the latest statistics from the Gambling Commission, which has shown that the rate of problem gambling in the year to June was 0.2% of the population, down from 0.4% the previous year.
However, the BGC says that “one problem gambler is one too many” and reiterates that the industry is committed to going further to support customers and hopes to do it with Safer Gambling Week.
Michael Dugher, the Chief Executive of the BGC, said in a statement: “We know that at 0.2%, rates of problem gambling have fallen and are low by international comparisons, which is welcome news, but Safer Gambling Week is further evidence of the regulated industry’s determination to keep raising standards.
“Safer Gambling Week is about showcasing safer gambling tools – like time-outs and deposit limits – that exist in the regulated industry to ensure that the millions of people who enjoy a regular fluter continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment. It’s also, most crucially, about signposting the professional advice, support and help that is out there for anyone who may be struggling with gambling.”
Andrew Rhodes, the Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, added: “Any opportunity to shine a national spotlight on the importance of gambling safely and securely is important.
“Safer Gambling Week provides that platform but also gives an additional chance for operators to collaborate and share best practices around how they protect their customers. The safety of customers should be at the heart of each and every decision operators make.”
Miles Baron, the Chief Executive of the Bingo Association, said: “The Bingo Association is delighted to be working alongside BACTA and the Betting And Gaming Council to once again support and promote Safer Gambling Week.”
John White, the Chief Executive of BACTA, commented: “Safer Gambling Week provides an opportunity to highlight what the gambling sector does all year round to ensure customers can enjoy their recreational wagering safe in the knowledge that operators are there for them and their peers if things start to get out of control.”
Andy Clucas, the CEO at Microgaming, said: “Responsible gaming has always been a key focus for Microgaming. Safer Gambling Week offers us the perfect chance to highlight Responsible Gambling charities who do amazing work in the field of problem gambling treatment and research.
“Importantly, people who may be struggling with gambling issues need to know there are lots of organisations who can offer support and help them regain control of their lives.”
