Safer Gambling Week 2020 kicks off amid flurry of RG-led activity
UK operators, football clubs and gambling-related harm charities unveil responsible gambling initiatives
The UK gambling industry’s annual Safer Gambling Week is underway as the sector looks to build responsible gambling partnerships and encourage safer gambling.
The event, which began in 2017, will take place from 19 to 25 November across UK retail gambling premises and on UK-licensed operator sites, while several high-profile announcements have already been made.
GVC and 888 have launched new safer gambling initiatives to coincide with Safer Gambling Week, with more operators expected to follow suit shortly.
Professional UK football clubs including Southampton, West Ham, Derby County, Crewe Alexandra, Colchester United, Rochdale AFC and Milton Keynes Dons have also committed to supporting Safer Gambling Week.
Football Index has agreed to donate its shirt sponsorship of QPR and Nottingham Forest to gambling-related harm education charity YGAM, with both sides wearing shirts emblazoned with the YGAM logo for matches at the weekend. In addition, the betting operator has donated £5,000 to the charity.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has reiterated its support for the annual initiative, with BGC CEO Michael Dugher citing an industry commitment to maintaining safer gambling standards.
“Safer Gambling Week is incredibly important, but safer gambling should not be seen by anyone as simply something we support for one week of the year – it is a commitment for every week of the year,” Dugher explained.
“Some 30 million people in Britain enjoy a flutter every year – whether that’s in betting shops, casinos, playing bingo, betting and gaming online or on the National Lottery – and the vast majority do so perfectly safely.
“However, one problem gambler is one too many, which is why we are delighted to support Safer Gambling Week.
“The various lockdowns across the UK will inevitably mean that Safer Gambling Week 2020 will be different from those which have gone before, but its central theme remains as important as ever and will still be heard loud and clear,” the BGC chief concluded.
Safer Gambling Week has also partnered with the EGR UK Summit, which takes place on 24 November.
Details of how to register for the event can be found here.