BGC CEO says RG is “top priority all year” as Safer Gambling Week begins

Dugher also promised to use Safer Gambling Week, which has been running since 2017, to improve on the two million people using deposit limits – a safer gambling tool offered by BGC members.

Dugher pointed out the effectiveness of this and similar tools, citing data by the GB Gambling Commission that found that rates of problem gambling had declined – dropping from 0.6% to 0.3% in the past year.

The report also showed that the number of people classed as being at ‘moderate risk’ of harm fell from 1.2% to 0.7% during the same period.

Dugher said: “Safer Gambling Week is now an established annual event. We know that rates of problem gambling are low and are now falling, which is great news, but Safer Gambling Week is further evidence of the regulated industry’s determination to keep raising standards.

“Safer Gambling Week brings together everyone who genuinely wants to see safer gambling including the regulator, the Government and so many cross-party MPs. For the regulated industry, safer gambling isn’t just an issue for one week of the year, it’s our top priority all year round.”

The BGC has taken a number of efforts recently to promote safer gambling initiatives. In addition to launching the Take Time to Think campaign – which replaces the ‘When the Fun Stops, Stop’ initiative and encourages players to consider safer gambling tools – the BGC also highlighted its commitment to safer gambling before the start of the football season.

Gambling minister Chris Philp added: “We need to find ways of doing more to protect those with severe gambling addiction from the life changing damage they can suffer. Our ongoing review of the Gambling Act will ensure our laws are fit for the digital age, and strike the right balance between protecting those most at risk and giving adults the freedom to choose how they gamble safely.”