Industry heads unite behind Responsible Gambling Week

Placing social responsibility at the forefront of the industry, the first ever ‘Responsible Gambling Week’ (RG Week – 12-18 October) has been met with great enthusiasm by sector stakeholders.

Driven by the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG), every vertical of the UK gambling industry (arcades, bingo clubs, bookmakers, casinos and digital) will take initiative in driving the message of safe and responsible play.

The opening theme of RG Week is ‘let’s talk about responsible gambling’, which aims is to ensure consumers understand what tools are available to keep gambling safe, including knowing where to find help and support for those needing it.

Backing the industry-wide initiative Sarah Harrison, UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Chief Executive, stated: “Problem gambling can have a devastating impact not only on those who are gambling but also on their friends, family and communities.

“It is imperative that gambling operators meet their obligations and take every step to ensure gambling is safe so we’re pleased to see the industry coming together to raise awareness of responsible gambling.”

At a consumer level, participating industry stakeholders will raise awareness of ‘gambling protection tools’, which will include posters and leaflets with responsible RG Week information made available throughout betting shops and gambling venues.

The industry will further work with charities GamCare and GambleAware to establish dedicated information points around the UK that will be available to the general public throughout the week

Speaking on behalf of industry operators Malcolm George, Chief Executive of industry trade body The Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) said: “Betting shops together with gambling charities launched the gamble awareness weeks just three years ago and each year has seen an increasing level of awareness among the public. We are really pleased that for the first time ever the whole gambling industry in the UK are coming together this year to promote responsible gambling week.”

RG Week is the biggest ever social responsibility push undertaken by the industry, with a reported 10,000 gambling venues, multiple online sites and 121,000 employees set to take part in raising awareness of problem gambling and safe gambling behaviour.

Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, commented on the week ahead: “RG Week is a test for the industry’s commitment for putting customer welfare ahead of short-term profits. We look forward to seeing the results of the week’s impact, and hope the industry will build on this exercise as we continue to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and the advice available to customers.”

To find out more information on Responsible Gambling Week, please visit https://www.begambleaware.org/