UK’s Safer Gambling Week in to Start on October 17

The Betting and Gaming Council, Bacta, Lotteries Council and the Bingo Association have confirmed that the Safer Gambling Week will start on October 17 and will last until October 23. In a joint statement, the 4 betting and gaming associations in the UK said that they are planning to build on the success in 2021.

Safer Gambling Week 2022 Will Feature Safer Gambling Messages

As a way to stimulate nationwide conversation on responsible betting, the 4 associations will display numerous safer gambling messages in both land-based and online betting verticals. BGC’s CEO, Michael Dugher, commented on the event and noted that Safer Gambling Week has become an “established annual event.”

He also added that problem gambling levels are dropping and that is a good thing. However, Safer Gambling Week will make sure that the standards in this section of the industry are constantly lifted. Bacta’s CEO, John White, also shared a few words about this year’s event. He said that Safer Gambling Week allows the industry to present its dedication to safer gambling.

White added that this event also sheds light on all of the available tools if “gambling is becoming problematic.” He concluded by saying that the tools themselves are growing and evolving and thanks to them, the industry is able to learn more about safer gambling.

Finally, Bingo Association’s CEO, Miles Baron, stated that as a business that is venue-based, Safer Gambling Week is an important part of the commitment of the industry to social responsibility.

The 4 organizations also touched on problem gambling in the UK and shed light on the surveys that found that problem gambling in the UK in March has dropped to 0.2%, which is 0.1% lower than the month before and 0.2% lower than 2021.

The Safer Game Design Code Was Also Launched by 3 of the 4 Organizations

Just recently, BGC, the Bingo Association and Bacta partnered up in announcing the Safer Game Design Code for land-based games. This code was composed during the pandemic and Mat Ingran, the CPO of Reflex Gaming, took responsibilities as a chairman.

Its development came as a result of UKGC’s call for greater action against risky designs. Thanks to this initiative, machines won’t use any effects in celebrating wins lower than the staked amount.

Wes Himes, BGC’s executive director, stated that the company welcomes the Safer Game Design Code as a way to lift the standards in the industry and noted that BGC will continue introducing measures “to prevent harm.”

Baron from Bingo Association also shared a few thoughts on the project. He said that the Bingo Association supports the code and is happy to work beside Bacta and BGC in strengthening safer gaming protocols.