GC CEO reiterates how “safety should be at the heart of all gambling”
As Safer Gambling Week 2023 gets under way, industry stakeholders reaffirm the importance of promoting responsible practices
Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, has reaffirmed the importance of Safer Gambling Week as the annual industry-wide event begins.
Speaking on this year’s campaign, Rhodes said: “Safety should be at the heart of all gambling at all times.
“But Safer Gambling Week affords the unique opportunity to draw even more attention to its importance.
“It also provides the opportunity for operators to share best practice and ensure people in Britain are provided with the safest gambling opportunities in the world.”
The BGC, British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) and the Bingo Association have been organising Safer Gambling Week for seven years.
Michael Dugher, CEO of the BGC, added: “Safer Gambling Week is now a well-established annual event, promoting the vital safer gambling tools only available in the regulated betting and gaming sector and signposting help to those that need it. Core to this is our commitment to empower customers with the knowledge and tools to bet safely all year round.”
During last year’s event, around 200,000 accounts set deposit limits during October, an increase of 12.5% compared to the same month the year previous. Meanwhile, 61% of players setting deposit limits, did so for the first time.
Additionally, the number of players actively using reality checks – on-screen alerts tracking how long customers are playing – rose by 300%.
Dugher also explained that the week provides an opportunity to draw attention to the work being done by industry charities like GamCare, Gordon Moody and YGAM.
He said: “We also use the week to highlight the outstanding work that third-sector organisations deliver; such as GamCare which provides treatment and operates the National Gambling Helpline, Gordon Moody which provides residential treatment, and YGAM which educates young people on the dangers of harmful gambling.”
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew used the platform of Safer Gambling Week to reiterate the message that the measures outlined in the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review are there to help protect those players most at risk from gambling-related harm.
Andrew noted: “We are taking action to prevent gambling addiction, improve safer gambling tools and strengthen messaging to stop people incurring potentially life-changing losses.
“We welcome the gambling industry using this week to increase uptake and awareness of this important issue.”