Safer Gambling Week 2023 drives use of responsible betting tools

The number of British consumers using responsible gambling tools increased significantly during Safer Gambling Week 2023, according to research by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

Safer Gambling Week 2023, the seventh edition of the annual initiative, took place from 13-19 November. Jointly run by the BGC, British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta) and the Bingo Association, it encourages industry members to promote responsible betting.

Having praised last year’s edition as the most successful to date, the BGC has now released further data. This focuses on consumers’ use of responsible gambling tools during the week, with the BGC saying overall use “soared”. 

During Safer Gambling Week 2023, the number of deposit limits set increased 18% year-on-year. Players setting reality checks rocketed by more than 300%, while the use of maximum stake limits also jumped 300%. 

The BGC also noted that deposit limits were set by 83,242 unique account holders. This is up 12.5% from Safer Gambling Week in the previous year.

Looking at engagement, the BGC praised the impact of social media. In total, activity across X, formerly Twitter, Facebook and Instagram generated more than 50 million impressions. In addition, messaging was placed on major social media websites almost 30 million times, up 70%.

BGC targets further improvement in 2024

Reflecting on the data, BGC CEO and acting chair Michael Dugher praised the efforts of industry members during the initiative. Safer Gambling Week covers the online and land-based sector, with support from bookmakers, amusement arcades, bingo clubs, casinos and online gaming operators.

The annual event also regularly draws backing from other industry stakeholders, charities, MPs and peers and sports teams. Premier League football clubs West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion both championed the initiative in 2023.

Looking ahead to this year’s addition, Dugher is keen to repeat the success seen in 2023.

“These new figures show Safer Gambling Week continues to be a powerful advert for increasing use of safer gambling tools in the regulated industry,” Dugher said.

“Millions of customers now use safer gambling tools including deposit limits and time outs. This is a pillar of the regulated industry and is in marked contrast to the unsafe, unregulated and growing online gambling black market, which provides no safer gambling support, contributes zero tax and does not support sport.

“Our members promote these tools all year round. However, a single dedicated week, bringing together the whole sector alongside huge support from cross-party MPs, from the government and the independent regulator the Gambling Commission, really turbocharges that work – and these figures show it makes a real difference. 

“The record numbers for both impressions and use of safer gambling tools show the industry has never been more committed to ensuring the many millions who enjoy a regular flutter continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment.”

Safer Gambling Week 2024 takes place from 18-24 November.