Safer Gambling Week generates 30 million social media impressions
Data on engagement with posts related to Safer Gambling Week, which took place from 17-23 October, showed that there had been a 21% increase compared to 2021, when 25 million impressions were recorded.
In addition, the official Safer Gambling Week 2022 website received tens of thousands of visits.
A large number of public figures supported the campaign and promoted safer betting. These included cross-party senior MPs and peers, including gambling minister Damian Collins MP, as well as well-known sporting figures such as former football manager Harry Redknapp.
The success of the event has been accompanied by support from multiple stakeholders across the UK gambling sector, including the BGC, Bacta and the Lotteries Council and Bingo Association.
The aim behind this event is to kick-start a conversation between staff, customers and their loved ones about safer gambling and highlight the tools that are available to help people control their betting behaviours.
BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said: “The campaign has once again raised awareness about safer gambling and showcased increasingly popular safer gambling tools – like timeouts and deposit limits – that only exist in the regulated industry.
“Importantly, we have also once again signposted all the professional help and support services, funded by the industry, that are available to those who need it, ensuring the millions of people who enjoy a regular flutter continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment.
“But the regulated industry’s commitment to safer gambling is not just for one week of the year. It is our mission for every week of the year.
“Millions of people enjoy a bet safely and responsibly, and the falling and low rates of problem gambling suggests that the work we have done at the BGC to promote safer gambling is having an impact.”
Earlier this week, the BGC also called on recently appointed prime minister, Rishi Sunak, to deliver “sensible” gambling reforms as part of the Gambling Act review.