Safer Gambling Week 2023 has exceeded 2022 records with a 70% increase in impressions. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Resounding success

This year’s Safer Gambling Week in the UK has exceeded previous records with a 70% increase in impressions from 2022, according to the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

The Safer Gambling Week website received 500,000 visits

Running November 13 to 19 for its seventh year, the 2023 campaign had more than 50 million impressions across X, Facebook, and Instagram. The Safer Gambling Week website received 500,000 visits, pinpointing visitors to help and advice.

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said: “This year’s Safer Gambling Week campaign has proved another huge success,” adding that new records have been achieved when promoting tools to help those who may be struggling with gambling.

Full support

This year’s initiative had the backing of the UK’s Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew, the UK Gambling Commission, and its Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes.

Soccer clubs that came out in support of Safer Gambling Week 2023 included English Premier League sides West Ham United and Brighton as well as English Football League sides Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Blackpool.

the aim of its initiative is to raise awareness about gambling and the issues it presents

According to the BGC, the aim of its initiative is to raise awareness about gambling and the issues it presents and to start a conversation about safer gambling and the tools available to those who may need them.

Dugher continued by saying that the number of impressions and website visits indicates that the industry is even more committed to ensuring that people can continue to gamble in a “safe and responsible environment.”

NHS guidance

Another method of talking about gambling is through your doctor.

In October, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) issued guidance urging doctors to ask patients about problem gambling.

In the same way that patients are asked about alcohol, drugs, and smoking, they should be asked about problem gambling, the guidance explains. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), people who use the NHS in England for anxiety, depression, or thoughts about self-harm or suicide have a greater risk of gambling-related harm.

doctors should ask patients about their gambling habits to determine how they are coping

In the new guidelines, NICE suggests doctors should ask patients about their gambling habits to determine how they are coping. Patients should also be encouraged to assess their gambling by answering a questionnaire on the NHS website.

It’s hoped that by doing so more people will get the help they need sooner.