UK ministry and regulator back Safer Gambling Week

Safer Gambling Week takes place from November 19 to 25.

UK.- Nigel Huddleston, the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, and Neil McArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, have backed this year’s Safer Gambling Week, which begins on November 19.

Led by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), The Bingo Association (BA) and the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), this year’s initiative is also supported by the Association of Irish Bookmakers and 210 official supporting organisations.

Operators will promote messages online and on social media throughout the week in a bid to “drive the national conversation” on safer gambling. 

The strapline for the initiative remains “Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling”. 

The key messages being promoted are:

➣ 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

Huddleston 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.”

McArthur 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.”

Miles Baron, chief Executive of The Bingo Association 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.”