GambleAware welcomes support for Responsible Gambling Week
Gambling smart will be the key focus this week as thousands of businesses around the UK and Ireland mark this year’s Responsible Gambling Week.
More than 127,000 staff at more than 11,000 gambling venues and online sites will be promoting five key messages to punters, including that “gambling is not the answer to any problem”. The campaign runs from today (Thursday) until next Wednesday (November 7).
The event is organised by the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG), and is supported by its member trade associations, covering online, amusement arcades, bingo clubs, bookmakers and casinos. The campaign is also supported by gambling charities, GambleAware, GamCare, and YGam (Young Gamblers Education Trust), and by the Gambling Commission and a number of high-profile football clubs.
GambleAware chief executive Marc Etches told iGamingBusiness.com that the campaign plays an important role in highlighting how problem gambling can impact people’s lives and how gamblers can make better decisions.
“We welcome industry collaboration in raising the awareness of gambling related harms,” he said. “The harms created by problem gamblers affect families, friends and communities.
“The industry plays an essential role in ensuring everyone better understands the nature of gambling, the risks associated and where to go for help if it is needed.”
At every gambling venue in the country, responsible gambling literature will be made available to customers, designed to “trigger conversations about how to keep gambling fun and safe”. JPJ Group is donating advertising space at key London Underground stations throughout the week.
John Hagan, chairman of the IGRG, said: “It is heartening to see the support of leading operators for Responsible Gambling Week.
“Our aim is to make the event bigger and better than last year and we are using the collective networks, venues and staff of all gambling sectors, and our digital channels, to reach a wider audience and raise awareness.”
Operators are combining to promote a common message about the five responsible gambling ‘behaviours’, which relate to affordability, setting limits and advising people that “gambling is not the answer to any problem”, should not be done when people are angry or upset and should not affect relationships.
Betway will be backing Responsible Gambling Week by donating a range of its match day advertising assets at West Ham United’s London Stadium for two high-profile matches.
Betway CEO Anthony Werkman said: “Responsible gambling is at the heart of everything we do at Betway. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a fun and informed betting experience, supported by a safe and secure environment.”