BGC Outline Record Engagement During Safer Gambling Week 2023

The 2023 edition of Safer Gambling Week, an annual initiative promoting responsible gambling practices, achieved a significant milestone, surpassing previous records in social media engagement. The campaign, which ran from November 13 to 19, garnered over 50 million impressions across major social media platforms, including Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram. This represents a remarkable 70% increase compared to 2022, when the event reached nearly 30 million impressions.

Safer Gambling Week, now in its seventh year, also saw half a million visits to its official website. The website serves as a crucial resource, providing guidance and tools for safer gambling, such as deposit limits and time-outs, and offering assistance for those facing gambling challenges.

The initiative received widespread support from various sectors, including cross-party senior MPs and peers. Notable political figures backing the campaign included Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew MP, Shadow Gambling Minister Stephanie Peacock MP, and other shadow ministers. The independent regulator, the Gambling Commission, and its Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes also endorsed the event.

Prominent football clubs, including West Ham United, Brighton, Southampton, Middlesborough, and Blackpool from the Premier League and EFL, supported Safer Gambling Week 2023. Blackpool notably featured the Safer Gambling Week logo on their shirts during their League One match against Shrewsbury Town.

The primary goal of Safer Gambling Week is to initiate a nationwide conversation about responsible gambling among staff, customers, friends, and family. It also aims to raise awareness about the various tools available to maintain control over betting activities.

Organized by the Betting and Gaming Council, BACTA, and the Bingo Association, Safer Gambling Week’s campaign comprised a widespread dissemination of safer gambling messages in both online environments and land-based venues.

In conjunction with Safer Gambling Week, the EGR Safer Gambling Forum was held, providing an opportunity for industry professionals to exchange knowledge and best practices. The forum featured speakers from various organizations, including GamCare, Deal Me Out, YGAM, Kindred, and Betknowmore, and focused on advancements in safer gambling initiatives.

In Britain, approximately 22.5 million adults engage in some form of betting each month. This includes activities ranging from purchasing lottery tickets and playing bingo to visiting casinos, engaging in online games, and betting on sports like football and horse racing.

Despite the widespread participation in gambling, problem gambling rates in Britain have remained consistently low and stable, with the latest NHS Health Survey reporting a problem gambling rate of 0.4% among adults in England.

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “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.

“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.”