Anyone accessing gambling sites or visiting gambling venues this week will see traditional marketing taken down in favour of Safer Gambling posters, but does anyone actually notice – and more importantly does anyone actually care?
- Conversations We Are Often Reluctant to Have
- Always Put on Your Seatbelt
- Critics
- What Do Players Think of Safer Gambling Week?
- My Background
- Does Anyone Care?
conversations we are often reluctant to have
From every angle I believe strongly that Safer Gambling Week is a vitally important campaign designed to raise awareness of safer gambling and to open up conversations that maybe we are often reluctant to have, because we are worried that the subject of gambling is somewhat taboo.
It is true that sometimes gambling is portrayed in a negative light especially in the mainstream media and we may hear stories that gambling has caused harm to individuals often leading to some sharing the sentiment that safer gambling should be 52 weeks of the year and not just one!
For the majority of those involved with gambling this is actually the case, it is 365 days a year, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, but it is still essential in my opinion that Safer Gambling Week provides an opportunity for the industry to come together and share best practice, reduce stigma and of course raise awareness of the importance of gambling safely across all areas of our industry.
always put on your seatbelt
For gambling operators it is an opportunity to educate players on how to consume products safely.
Often the safer gambling tools and player protection messages can alienate players who do not believe that these support resources are for them.
The truth is safer gambling tools should be embraced by all who play regardless of whether they are needed or not.
Think about driving a car, you always put on your seatbelt even though you are not planning to have an accident.
It is also an opportunity for the industry to demonstrate their commitment to safer gambling and distance themselves from unregulated markets who do not take part in the campaign. Put it this way, if you are playing on a gambling site during safer gambling week and you don’t see the campaign branding you might want to change who you play with!
You can find the best operators on WhichBingo.
For those involved in the research, prevention and treatment of gambling harm Safer Gambling Week provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of the services available to educate and support people. Many people are unaware that there are a wide range of services out there to help people who may be affected by gambling harm. If you are worried about your own or a loved ones gambling the National Gambling Helpline is available 24/7. Call free on 0808 8020 133.
Critics
Safer Gambling Week does have its critics of course and more anti-gambling groups portray it as a token gesture by the industry.
In its first guise as Responsible Gambling week back in 2017 it was suggested that the name suggested that it was solely the consumers responsibility to gamble responsibly and that there should be a duel accountability from the industry and its consumers. This led to the change to Safer Gambling Week in 2020.
Whilst it has not completely silenced the voices, this was a change the industry embraced and have supported since it is also a sentiment I agree with, safer gambling is not any single person or organisation’s responsibility it is all of our responsibility.
what do players think of Safer Gambling Week?
Finally, what about the players? Does safer gambling actually mean anything to them?
As part of our partnership with WhichBingo, Better Change have provided a players panel at the past two WhichBingo Awards nights and our players all spoke of the importance of using safer gambling tools, setting limits and having regular breaks.
Gambling is great fun for the majority of those who play and a few simple actions can help keep it that way without causing harm. Bingo itself is one of the most popular forms of gambling played by millions of people who form part of a vibrant and fun community.
Using a safer gambling tool such as a deposit limit or a time out is not a sign of a gambling issue it is simply a sensible thing to do.
There should also be no stigma in speaking to someone if you are worried about gambling in any way. There are hundreds of people employed by gambling companies today with a focus on keeping gambling safe, a far cry from where we were 10 years ago.
My Background
I have worked in gambling since Safer Gambling Week’s inception back in 2017 and have been fortunate enough to have seen it from a number of different angles. When it was first introduced, I was working as a betting shop manager, I have since worked as a treatment provider for those most severely affected by gambling addiction and I currently work as a consultant to the gambling industry promoting safer gambling through positive play. It is also worth noting that I am also a gambler and I like to play a range of games including sports betting, casino, slots and of course bingo.
I use weekly and monthly deposit limits on the sites that I play on. My limits vary depending on the site and the form of gambling they provide.
A top tip I have is that if you use multiple sites it is important you consider this when setting your limits. If you feel you can afford to lose £100 a week but you have a £100 deposit limit on three sites you could lose up to £300 a week.
Does Anyone Care?
To answer the original question, does anyone actually care? Well, yes, they really do! Lots of people across the gambling industry will be working hard during Safer Gambling Week as they do every week to help people play safely and have fun.
Have a great Safer Gambling Week and play positively!
Reader comments