The ‘Safer Gambling Week’ will see more than 210 official supporting organisations across the UK promote messages online and on their social media platforms to create awareness on safer gambling

The Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage – Nigel Huddleston and the Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission – Neil McArthur have supported this year’s initiative of ‘Safer Gambling Week’ which will begin on November 19 and end on Nov 25.

This years initiative is supported by a number of associations and 210 official supporting organisations. These associations and supporting organisations are led by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacat) and the Bingo Association (BA) while the Association of Irish Bookmakers are all also supporting the cause. It is very important to have all these influential associations and organisations come together to support such an important cause especially since responsible gambling is such a pressing issue in the UK.

During the ‘Safer Gambling Week’ organisations and associations will display messages to make gamblers aware and ‘drive the national conversation’ on safer gambling. The messages will be displayed online and all over their social media platforms with the slogan of the campaign being ‘Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling’

The main messages set to be promoted by the associations will be:

1. Ask yourself – have you carried on past your spending limit?
2. Just a heads up – it’s good to set yourself limits
3. Just a heads up… it’s easy to lose track of time when gambling
4. Play smart… know when to stop
5. Remember… friends and family are more important than gambling
6. Remember… gambling is not a way to make money

Huddleston said: “Gambling operators have a responsibility to keep customers safe from harm. I’m pleased that the industry is coming together to recognise the importance of clear and consistent safer gambling messaging and to help those who need it find support.”

In addition to Huddleston’s statement, the Chief of the Gambling Commission and Chief Executive of the Bingo Association also shared their delight with the initiative due to the importance of safe gambling and their associations’ commitment to social responsibility.

McArthur had this to say, “we welcome the emphasis on safer gambling and it is encouraging to see operators from all sectors collaborating to raise awareness of the need to put consumer safety at the heart of everything they do.”

While Miles Baron (pictured), chief Executive of The Bingo Association stated, “Safer Gambling Week is an important part of the bingo industry’s commitment to social responsibility and provides a useful focal point for highlighting activity and support that is available throughout the year.

“Despite the challenges faced by operators in the sector with physical premises, we remain committed to raising awareness of safer gambling and Safer Gambling Week.’

“The support from the Minister and Commission is welcomed and I am sure will encourage yet wider participation in this important campaign.”

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