source: pexels.com The Safer Gambling Week 2020, taking place between the 19th and 25th of November, is a week-long initiative aimed at raising awareness of responsible gambling that is gathering industry support and beyond.
Coincidently, the Safer Gambling Week 2020 is being held during a second lockdown with nearly all of the UK unable to attend bingo halls, casinos or betting shops until December 2nd. With many people turning to the internet for their wagering, raising awareness of responsible gambling could not be more relevant.
The initiative is led by some of the gambling industry's leading bodies and beyond. At the forefront are the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), The Bingo Association (BA) and the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA). More recently, the Association of Irish Bookmakers joined the campaign along with 210 other organisations.
Key Messages of Safer Gambling Week 2020
Throughout the week, all the top bingo sites and other online gambling brands will ‘drive the conversation' on safer gambling. Posts and messages via social media channels and elsewhere online will be presented under the ‘Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling' strapline.
Some of the key messages to be promoted this year include:
- Ask yourself… have you carried on past your spending limit?
- Just a heads up… it’s good to set yourself limits
- Just a heads up… it’s easy to lose track of time when gambling
- Play smart… know when to stop
- Remember… friends and family are more important than gambling
- Remember… gambling is not a way to make money
Industry Figures Speak
A number of industry figures and interested parties commented on the initiative. Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage said:
“Gambling operators have a responsibility to keep customers safe from harm. I’m pleased that the industry is coming together to recognise the importance of clear and consistent safer gambling messaging and to help those who need it find support.”
Meanwhile, Neil McArthur the CEO of the UKGC said:
“We welcome the emphasis on safer gambling and it is encouraging to see operators from all sectors collaborating to raise awareness of the need to put consumer safety at the heart of everything they do.”
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive, Betting and Gaming Council said:
“We are delighted to be supporting this year’s Safer Gambling Week.”
“We have made huge strides at the BGC in our first year in raising standards, including a requirement that at least 20% of all TV and radio betting ads are safer gambling messaging, cooling-off periods on gaming machines, encouraging deposit limits, new ID and age verification checks and massively increasing funding for research, education and treatment”
“But we are eager to go further – and look forward to working with the Government on the Gambling Review to introduce further changes that ensure that the millions of people who enjoy an occasional flutter, do so enjoyably and safely.”
Miles Baron, Chief Executive of our very own The Bingo Association who run the national bingo game, said:
”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.
“Despite the challenges faced by operators in the sector with physical premises, we remain committed to raising awareness of safer gambling and Safer Gambling Week. The support from the Minister and Commission is welcomed and I am sure will encourage yet wider participation in this important campaign.”
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
