Safer Gambling Week prompts rise in use of safer gambling tools

New figures show a significant increase in the use of safer gambling tools during Safer Gambling Week (SG Week).

Analysis of last year’s campaign revealed an 18% increase in the number of deposit limits set during SG Week compared to the same month in 2022. Notably, 54% of players setting deposit limits did so for the first time.

Additionally, the number of players setting reality checks rose by over 300% for the second consecutive year, with the use of maximum stake limits also increasing by more than 300% during SG Week 2023.

Safer Gambling Week 2023 also achieved a greater social media presence, generating over 50 million impressions across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The annual initiative brings together the UK and Irish regulated betting and gaming industry with charities and stakeholders to promote safe and responsible gambling.

The campaign received strong backing from cross-party MPs, including Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew and Shadow Gambling Minister Stephanie Peacock, as well as the independent regulator the Gambling Commission and its Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes.

Michael Dugher, CEO and Acting Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), stated: “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.”

The initiative, now in its seventh year, saw half a million visits to the Safer Gambling Week website, which offers help and advice for those struggling with gambling issues and information on safer gambling tools.

Safer Gambling Week 2024 is scheduled to take place from 18 to 24 November.