Safer Gambling Week

Safer Gambling Week, set to run from 13th to 19th November 2023, is a cross-industry initiative in the United Kingdom and Ireland, now in its seventh year. The event, organized by the Betting and Gaming Council, Bacta, the Lotteries Council, and the Bingo Association, aims to spotlight responsible gambling and the tools available to help gamblers stay in control​​​​​​.

The significance of Safer Gambling Week cannot be overstated. It represents a concerted effort by the UK gambling industry to advocate for responsible gaming practices for all UK gambling websites. It focuses on showcasing tools that empower customers to stay in control and provide assistance to those seeking help and advice. The UK Gambling Minister, Stuart Andrew, has emphasized the collaborative efforts of the government, industry, and regulators in preventing harm, underscoring the importance of safety in all gambling activities​.

The previous year’s event was marked by notable achievements, such as over 200,000 accounts setting deposit limits and a significant increase in the use of reality check alerts and monitoring of play duration. Social media engagement also saw a substantial rise, indicating the growing awareness of safer gambling practices.

Safe Gambling Practises

Safer Gambling Week promotes initiatives such as encouraging deposit limits and time-outs and directing customers to various self-exclusion services, highlighting the significance of these tools in promoting responsible gambling​​.

For gamblers, it’s crucial to understand and adopt safer gambling practices. Here are some key tips:

  • Avoid Gambling Under Stress: Don’t gamble when you’re upset or stressed.
  • Moderate Substance Intake: Limit your alcohol and/or cannabis intake while gambling.
  • Understand the Games: Know how the games work before you wager.
  • Set Budget and Time Limits: Utilize tools on gambling sites to monitor your play.
  • Take Breaks: Step away frequently to refresh yourself.
  • Use Your Funds Wisely: Only gamble with the money you have and avoid using funds needed for essentials.
  • Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t try to win back what you’ve lost.
  • Remember, gambling Isn’t a Revenue Source: It’s not a way to make money.
  • Stick to Your Budget: Leave credit and debit cards at home.
  • Balance Activities: Combine gambling with other recreational activities.
  • Stop if It’s Not Fun Anymore: If you’re no longer enjoying it, stop.
  • Ignore “Good Luck” Strategies: They don’t increase your chances of winning​​.

For online gambling, it’s important to:

  • Choose Sites Wisely: Gamble only on websites with pre-commitment tools for setting limits.
  • Use Site Blocker Apps: Restrict or limit your access to gambling sites.
  • Beware of Hidden Fees: Be cautious of costs when using your credit card.
  • Block Unwanted Sites: Use software like Bet Blocker and GamBan to set time limits and block sites​​.

Safer Gambling Week is not just about a week-long effort but a continuous commitment to safer gambling practices. As a gambling-focused website, we feel it’s vital to promote these values and ensure a safer gambling environment for everyone.

For more information about safe gambling practices, take a look at our dedicated page on responsible gambling. If you feel like gambling has become an issue for you, please seek help immediately.

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Kate WebbEditor in Chief

With over ten years of experience working with gambling and writing about casinos, Kate brings a lot of knowledge to CasinoTop3.com. Kate oversees all the content written on CasinoTop3.com to ensure it contains factual information with value to you as a player.