The Betting & Gaming Council, Bingo Association and amusements trade body Bacta are once more to join forces in promoting responsible gaming this November, as part of Safer Gambling Week 2021.
The regulated betting and gaming industry is to come together once more for Safer Gambling Week 2021, set to be held both online and in landbased venues from 1 to 7 November.
Bacta, the Betting and Gaming Council and the Bingo Association will join forces to promote responsible gaming and customer safety standards following the “huge success” of last year’s campaign.
“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,” said BGC CEO Michael Dugher.
“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.”
Despite Safer Gambling Week 2020 taking place during a period of nationwide shop and casino closures, social media impressions hit 19 million, an increase of 19 percent on 2019, while the number of sessions on the Safer Gambling Week website was 18 percent higher than the year before.
Following the event, the number of safer gambling messages on betting websites has more than doubled, while direct interventions by operators increased by 25 percent.
As with previous years, Safer Gambling Week will also look to encourage businesses and organisations to start a conversation, not only with staff and customers, but also with their friends and family.
“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,” said Bingo Association CEO Miles Baron.
As venue-based businesses, the sector recognises the important opportunity we have to promote safer gambling messages and engage directly with customers.”
Commenting on the methods and strategies championed by the campaign, bacta CEO John White added “those tools continue to grow as we learn more about safer gambling and form part of our ambition to cement social responsibility at the heart of our offer to the consumer.”
