The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has reported an increase in the use of safer gambling tools during Safer Gambling Week.
Taken place in October 2022, Safer Gambling Week saw 200,000 sports betting accounts set up deposit limits, an increase of 13% compared to Safer Gambling Week in the year prior, according to BGC data.
In addition, 61% of players who set a deposit limit during Safer Gambling Week did so for the first time, while the number of players using reality checks – on-screen alters showing the length of gaming time – rose by 300% during this time.
Furthermore, the BGC says Safer Gambling Week 2022 broke its previous social media records, with 30 million impressions generated on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – a 21% increase year-on-year.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC, said: “These new figures show Safer Gambling Week has made a huge impact and continues to be an increasingly vital platform to successfully encourage the use of safer gambling tools in the regulated industry.
“Millions of customers now use safer gambling tools including deposit limits and time outs. This is a pillar of the regulated betting and gaming industry and is in marked contrast to the unsafe, unregulated and growing online gambling black market, which has none of the safeguards strictly employed by BGC members.
“Safer Gambling Week is further evidence of the regulated industry’s determination to keep raising standards.”
Supporters of Safer Gambling Week include retired football manager Harry Redknapp and ex-Celtic striker John Hartson – it is also backed by the UK Government. Peers in Government supporting the campaign include DCMS Minister Damian Collins and Shadow DCMS Secretary Lucy Powell.
