The Betting and Gaming Council has heaped praise on the raised awareness and reach achieved during Safer Gambling Week 2021, which took place earlier this month (November 1-7).
The industry body cites data released in the wake of the campaign, which it says shows that SGW generated nearly 25 million social media impressions, which comes in at a 19 per cent increase year-on-year versus a little under 21 million.
The aim of the campaign was to kickstart a national conversation on the vital subject between staff, customers and their friends and family, as well as highlight the range of tools that are available to help people stay in control of their betting.
Among the well-known sporting figures to support Safer Gambling Week 2021 by filming social media videos were former England striker Michael Owen, heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, top jockey Rachael Blackmore and horseracing legend AP McCoy.
Latest figures released by the Gambling Commission suggest the rate of problem gambling fell from 0.6 per cent to 0.3 per cent in the past year, while the rate of those deemed at ‘moderate risk’ of harm has also come down from 1.2 per cent to 0.7 per cent.
Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive, explained: “It is now an established annual event creating a national conversation on the importance of safer gambling, the tools that are available and the help that’s out there.
“Once again, this shows the regulated betting and gaming industry’s commitment to continuing to raise standards. But our commitment to safer gambling is not just for one week of the year. Safer gambling is our mission for every week of the year.
“Millions of people enjoy a bet safely and responsibly, and the fall in problem gambling rates suggests that the work we have done at the BGC to promote safer gambling is starting to have an impact. But we are not complacent and will continue our efforts to raise standards even higher.”
However, the week did see Conor Grant, CEO of Flutter Entertainment UK&I, apologise to “all of those who have been affected by the recent issue at Sky Vegas,” stating that the group recognised that “on this occasion we have let many people down”.
These comments came in response to promotional emails being sent to self-excluded customers during the week, as confirmed by the UK Gambling Commission which stated that its own investigation had subsequently commenced.
