UK’S Responsible Gambling Week Rebrands To Safer Gambling Week
The UK’s Responsible Gambling Week has been rebranded to Safer Gambling Week.
Industry organisations the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA), and the Bingo Association (BA) announced this year’s responsible gambling campaign which has been rebranded to Safer Gambling Week.
The campaign, which first launched in 2017, will run from November 19th to 25th and will feature the strapline “Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling”, a message that has been praised by supporters and researches for striking the “right chord with the wide and diverse range of audiences”.
Safer Gambling Week will encourage gambling operators, websites, shops, and venues to speak with staff, customers, and friends and family. The campaign will provide businesses with posters, leaflets, digital media for websites and social channels, and more. It will also include six messages encouraging people to regulate their gambling behaviour with limitations.
Miles Baron, the Chief Executive of the Bingo Association, said in a statement: “Safer Gambling Week is an important part of the bingo industry’s commitment to social responsibility and provides a useful focal point for highlighting activity and support that is available throughout the year. As businesses with venues, the sector recognises the important opportunity we have to promote safer gambling messages and engage directly with customers.”
“A Fantastic Initiative”
John White, the CEO of BACTA, added: “Safer Gambling Week allows BACTA members to highlight their year-long commitment to safer gambling, the safer gambling tools available to customers and the quality of staff that engage with our customers on a daily basis.”
Michael Dugher, the Cheif Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “As the new body representing the betting and gaming industry, the BGC is committed to driving up standards and promoting safer gambling. Safer Gambling Week is a fantastic initiative which the BGC are proud to play a leading role in. This awareness campaign is now in its fourth year and it has achieved a significant increase in engagement at all levels on the tools and support available to customers.”
“We achieved over 25 million impressions on social media in 2019, setting a new benchmark for the campaign, which demonstrates the breadth and reach of the campaign. Our members are determined to raise standards and as part of this year’s campaign, can point to significant changes that we have introduced, including new cooling-off periods on gaming machines, substantially increased funding for research, education and treatment; a ‘whistle to whistle’ ban on advertising during sport; new ID and age-verification checks and a ban on betting with credit cards.”
Dugher ended the statement by saying: “As businesses emerge from lockdown, I’m looking forward to this year’s Safer Gambling Week being a tremendous success.”