Safer Gambling Week to run from 18th-24th November

Key Takeaways 💬

• Safer Gambling Week runs this year from November 18-24
• It seeks to help combat the stigma around gambling problems and aims to help educate and raise awareness
• During the week, online courses, seminars and workshops will take place

Safer Gambling Week (SGW) is helpful for those who may be suffering with gambling addictions or reckless spending behaviours, related to either in-person or online gambling. A key goal is encouraging open conversations and breaking down taboos of asking for help. This is the first step to overcoming problematic behaviour.

Setting Essential Limits to Problem Gambling

The event focuses on encouraging gamblers to set limits to their gaming and their spending habits, as well as promoting gambling self-exclusion schemes. This encourages problem gamblers to be aware of their own harmful habits and voluntarily ban themselves from being able to take part for a set period of time. Self-exclusion schemes can apply to both in-person and online gambling, and typically works by creating those necessary barriers to completely stop all kinds of gambling (often considered the ‘cold turkey’ approach). When a person self-excludes, they are usually given information about support services, such as counselling or helplines to aid in managing their gambling behaviours.

SGW doesn’t just focus on the struggling individual themselves but seeks to involve friends and family in the recovery process. Those who face serious gambling addictions and related issues can often feel a strain on personal relationships during these periods, and having the ability to openly talk and share with those closest to them really can make a substantial.

The Betting and Gaming Council are the governing bodies that first put together SGW 7 years ago with the initiative to combat multiple issues relating to gambling. Along with personal problems related to addiction, other key safety elements are also promoted and highlighted during this week. For example, there are seminars and workshops that deal with online safety issues and fraud prevention. These are extremely relevant issues when it comes to any online activity in the modern age – including online gambling.

Crucial Protection for Casino Players

Ultimately the week-long event seeks to remind that as online gambling continues to expand, so does the associated risks alongside it. Gambling can be an enjoyable and sociable activity and pastime – it’s one of the oldest hobbies in the world. But it’s essential to keep it under control and not to become reliant.

The Safer Gambling Week has become a necessary and reactive event in which education and compassion go hand in hand to help all those who need it.