BGC: Safer Gambling Week promotion up 70 per cent in 2023

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The Betting & Gaming Council has stated that the promotion of Safer Gambling Week has increased by 70 per cent year-over-year with more than 50 million social media impressions recorded across Facebook, Instagram and X.

Safer Gambling Week, which took place this year between November 13-19, is in its seventh year, bringing the gambling industry together to highlight the resources available to players and help them stay in control of their gambling, as well as provide them with advice, encouraging conversation amongst friends and family about safer gambling.

Organised by the BGC, BACTA and the Bingo Association, the initiative’s website received half a million visits during the week, several cross-party senior MPs and peers backed the campaign, and the UK Gambling Commission supported the event as well.

The more than 50 million impressions on social media for Safer Gambling Week this year is a 70 per cent increase in comparison to the nearly 30 million recorded in 2022.

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher commented: “This year’s Safer Gambling Week campaign has proved another huge success, achieving new records for promoting the safer gambling tools available to customers and signposting the help and support available to those who need it.

“It is proven that the success of the campaign leads to increased use of popular safer gambling tools – like time-outs and deposit limits – that only exist in the regulated industry.

“The record numbers for both impressions and website visits show that the industry has never been more committed to ensuring the many millions who enjoy a regular flutter continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment.”

Football clubs across the country supported Safer Gambling Week too, including West Ham United, Brighton, Southampton and Middlesbrough, as well as Blackpool who featured the initiative’s logo on their shirt during their game last weekend.

Several events took place during the week as well, with speakers from safer gambling charities providing knowledge and best practices for responsible play.

Dugher added: “Thanks to Safer Gambling Week, we can be confident millions of people are better informed about the ways they can enjoy their hobby even more safely and responsibly, that’s something the entire industry can be proud of.

“But the regulated industry’s commitment to safer gambling is not just for one week of the year. It is our mission for every week of the year.”