New data unveiled today highlights a significant uptick in the adoption of safer gambling tools during Safer Gambling Week, indicating a heightened awareness and commitment to responsible gambling practices.
Key findings from last year’s Safer Gambling Week underscore the effectiveness of the campaign in promoting safer gambling habits:
- During Safer Gambling Week, the number of punters setting deposit limits surged by an impressive 18% compared to the same period in 2022.
- Notably, 54% of players who set deposit limits did so for the first time.
- The implementation of reality checks witnessed a remarkable increase of over 300% for the second consecutive year.
- Similarly, the utilization of maximum stake limits saw a notable rise of over 300% during Safer Gambling Week 2023.
- A total of 83,242 unique account holders set deposit limits, marking a substantial increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year.
- Safer Gambling Week 2023 achieved unprecedented reach on social media platforms, generating over 50 million impressions across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- The event garnered support from prominent political figures, including Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew and Shadow Gambling Minister Stephanie Peacock, emphasizing bipartisan endorsement for the campaign’s objectives.
- Regulator support from the Gambling Commission, led by Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes, further underscored the initiative’s credibility and importance.
- Safer Gambling Week 2024 is scheduled to take place from November 18 to 24, 2024, continuing its mission to promote responsible gambling practices.
Safer Gambling Week, an annual collaborative effort involving the UK and Irish regulated betting and gaming industry, alongside charities and stakeholders, aims to foster a culture of safe and responsible gambling. With the backing of notable football clubs and cross-party political support, the initiative serves as a catalyst for promoting informed discussions and leveraging available tools to empower individuals to manage their gambling activities responsibly.
Amidst a landscape where approximately 22.5 million adults in Britain engage in various forms of gambling monthly, initiatives like Safer Gambling Week play a pivotal role in promoting awareness and facilitating constructive dialogues surrounding responsible gambling practices. With the latest NHS Health Survey for England highlighting that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers, initiatives promoting responsible gambling are more crucial than ever.
BGC CEO and Acting Chair Michael Dugher, said: “These new figures show Safer Gambling Week continues to be a powerful advert for increasing use of safer gambling tools in the regulated industry.
“Millions of customers now use safer gambling tools including deposit limits and time outs. This is a pillar of the regulated industry and is in marked contrast to the unsafe, unregulated and growing online gambling black market, which provides no safer gambling support, contributes zero tax and does not support sport.
“Our members promote these tools all year round, but a single dedicated week, bringing together the whole sector alongside huge support from cross-party MPs, from the Government and the independent regulator the Gambling Commission, really turbocharges that work – and these figures show it makes a real difference.
“The record numbers for both impressions and use of safer gambling tools show 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.”
