The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has highlighted the promotion of Safer Gambling Week and the significant impact it is having on the conversation and support of responsible play with its annual data from the 2024 campaign week.
Data released by BGC revealed that during Safer Gambling Week – 18 to 24 November 2024 – more than 1.5 million unique accounts used a safer gambling tool, a 22% year-over-year increase in comparison to 2023 figures.
The number of deposit limits set during the week of the initiative rose by 14% YoY, with limits set by 47% of players for the first time. Safer Gambling messages delivered throughout the week increased by 10% YoY to 7.2 million.
“Safer Gambling Week has proved its worth once again by making a real impact, encouraging even more punters to make the most of the broad range of safer gambling tools only available in the regulated sector,” commented Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC.
Over 60 million impressions were generated during Safer Gambling Week on social media – X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram – up 21% in comparison to the previous year. The Safer Gambling Week website saw more than half a million visits, providing advice to those who may be struggling, as well as offering guidance on safer gambling tools.
Hurst continued: “These new figures are a testament to its ongoing success, and this industry’s commitment to raising standards and ensuring the millions of customers who enjoy a regular flutter do so in a safe and responsible environment.”
Many stakeholders across the UK and Irish regulated gambling industry take part in the Safer Gambling Week campaign every year – including operators, suppliers, charities, politicians, regulators and football clubs – helping to raise awareness, highlight help and tools, encourage responsible play and kickstart conversations.
Notable participants in 2024 included the UK Gambling Commission and its CEO Andrew Rhodes, Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Stuart Andrew, Shadow Sport and Gambling Minister Louie French, as well as Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Hurst added: “Our members promote safer gambling every day of the year, but a single dedicated week, bringing together the whole sector with support from MPs, peers, the regulator and other stakeholders, promotes that work in a uniquely powerful way.”
