Get In On The Action with Safer Gambling Week 2020

Great Britain has been one of the leading countries in ratifying and regulating the online gambling industry.

The work done in the UK to show the world that it is a viable revenue source for the government, an incredible local job creator and a safe form of entertainment has been invaluable in normalising the pastime.

“Safer Gambling Week is a cross-industry initiative to promote safer gambling in the United Kingdom and Ireland”

However, as with any activity that offers a potential reward, both emotionally and financially, there are those who may need assistance in not letting it rule their lives and this is where initiatives like Safer Gambling Week come into play.

 Get Involved with Safer Gambling Week 2020

Safer Gambling Week 2020 is live now, the forum runs from 19-25 November 2020, participating websites and local venues will do a deep dive into the tools, systems, support vehicles and best practices that will assist gamblers, their families and staff members of gambling-related companies to recognise and respond to compulsive gambling behaviours.

The key areas it aims to create awareness around are:

• How to gamble safely both on and offline
• The tools which are available to help you gamble safely all year
• Trusted sources of information and support

It is important to note that when it comes to addressing gambling it is not online land-based and online casinos which are involved in Safer Gambling Week 2020 but also amusement arcades, bingo halls and local bookmakers.

Anywhere you can gamble, regardless of the payout potential or size of the stake, is a place where gambling can translate from fun into addiction and therefore, they are all involved in creating a safer gambling environment for you.

What Can You Expect During Safer Gambling Week?

The team at SG 2020 have taken a multi-pronged approach to address the issue of responsible gambling and creating awareness of the need many players face through the following activations:

• Key venues are undertaking special events during SG Week 2020
• Participating online gambling websites are promoting SG Week 2020 with banner ads and pop-ups
• Land and online organisations will be promoting the week on social media
• Supporting organisations, such as Facebook, are promoting key messages and awareness materials key support organisations like the National Gambling Helpline, GamCare and YGAM are running training sessions and have increased support teams to handle increased support volumes

The organisers of the outreach program have also designed and distributed an array of promotional materials which cut to the core of the issue Safer Gambling Week is trying to combat.

This includes highlight such talking points as:

1. How and what to ask about gambling behaviours
2. Five key behaviours of safer gambling
3. Details of where and how to obtain the information and help you need

The hope is that by creating open and honest dialogue around these conversation points it will lead to the recognition of potentially harmful behaviours and the ability to take the steps needed to get help.

 Do Your Part to Promote Healthy Gambling Habits

In addition to providing expert workshops and training opportunities in conjunction with safe gambling organisations such as GamCare and YGAM, Safer Gambling Week also aims to encourage individuals on the ground to share the message of the program with those in their sphere of influence.

They have made it incredibly easy to get involved with very little effort through the creation of a number of ready to use infographics such for posting on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Below are a few examples of what they have on offer:

With their insight into the power of video on social media they have also created a number of shareable video clips which you can share on your preferred platform. They have uploaded files that meet the required dimensions and file size for Twitter, Facebook and Instagram… but that can be used on other platforms such as TikTok or even shared via email.

 UK Safer Gambling Support Resources

Understanding the urgency and immediacy of the support problem gamblers require the Safer Gambling Website offers three telephone numbers for you to call any time of the day or night:

• In Great Britain call 0808 8020 133 (free call)
• In Ireland call 1800 936 725 (Freephone)
• In Northern Ireland call 08000 886 725 (Freephone)

If you are not a resident of the UK and find yourself in need of someone to speak to about your gambling needs, please visit our Problem Gambling page for more options and information.