Safer Gambling Week 2021 Set for 1-7 November

Safer Gambling Week 2021 is set to take place from 1 to 7 November and it is being organized by the Gaming Council (BGC), Bingo Association, and British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta).

During this year’s event, numerous safer gambling messages are set to be displayed online and in UK land-based gambling venues with the aim of stimulating a nationwide conversation about how to gamble responsibly.

Last year’s event resulted in19 million social media impressions, an increase of 19% on the previous year, despite the fact that most venues were closed when it took place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Furthermore, traffic to the Safer Gambling Week website last year was up by 18% year-on-year, and operators reported a rise in the number of players making use of safe gambling tools, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion.

Last year’s event was a huge success despite the pandemic and, with the prospect of betting shops and casinos being open when this year’s takes place, I’m sure Safer Gambling Week 2021 will be even better. Our members already demonstrate their commitment to safer gambling through things like increased funding for research, education and treatment, the whistle-to-whistle ban on TV betting commercials during live sport and strict ID and age verification checks. Safer Gambling Week is a great opportunity to highlight this fantastic work and emphasises the difference between the regulated industry and the unlicensed and illegal online black market, which has none of the safeguards which are commonplace among our members.

Michael DugherBGC Chief Executive

The chief executive of the Bingo Association, Miles Baron, said that the week is a key part of the bingo industry’s commitment to social responsibility and that he believes it is an important opportunity to engage directly with customers. Similarly, John White, the chief executive of Bacta, said that the week is an opportunity to highlight safe gambling tools to customers.