November 20th, 2023: As a cross-industry initiative, Safer Gambling Week is an annual event that promotes safer gambling in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. The initiative runs from November 13th, 2023, to November 19th, 2023. It seeks to stimulate conversations on safer gambling and provide awareness to players and operators. In this event, on-site venues and websites offer concerted efforts to facilitate nationwide conversations. This collaborative campaign aims to increase awareness and promote Responsible Gambling initiatives at all levels.
During the Safer Gambling Week, operators of casinos, betting sites, amusement arcades, and bingo clubs come together in cooperation with gambling charities and other interested organizations. Players who are experiencing gambling problems can receive advice, information, and support they need to gamble safely.
And, in this year’s observance of the Safer Gambling Week, we’re happy to share that most of the top operators and stakeholders have joined the activities and have implemented several initiatives to help raise awareness. Three of the top operators who were active throughout the week were 888, William Hill, and BetMGM, and they took the lead in promoting Responsible Gambling through their initiatives.
888 and William Hill with their Safer Gambling initiatives
A published 888 blog in collaboration with Marck McCaffrey, Head of Compliance Policy, Retail & Sportsbook at William Hill, highlights the differences offered through in-person safeguarding. 888 is also serious about supporting Safer Gambling Week. 888 works with BetKnowMore for its Cluster Operations Managers (COMSs) to develop a new training program.
William Hill has introduced a new system that will be used by casino staff in reporting changes in customer behaviour. Changes may include spending, frequency of visits, or time spent gambling. With the new system, staff can take note of customer interactions and decisions. This new system acts as an early warning mechanism to provide awareness to online operators.
William Hill also introduced the new affordability approach. It allows staff to initiate conversations with the customers to ensure that playing is done sustainably. The operator looks forward to providing a few more developments in 2024. First among these are new technology-driven solutions to strongly support staff decisions.
BetMGM invests in research to improve safer gambling
Besides William Hill and 888, BetMGM also highlights the importance of safer gambling. The operator has researched the financial perspectives of UK gamblers. The findings suggest that over half of UK gamblers perceive the money in their casino and bank accounts differently.
According to the results of the research, 92% of players in the UK aged 18 to 24 put monetary restrictions on gambling. 46% transfers their winnings from gambling into their savings, while 26% use winnings to place another bet. The research also finds that 19% of the players usually chase gambling losses, which can be harmful to them.
The Safer Gambling Week is just one of the ways to provide support to UK gamblers. The efforts of BetMGM, 888, and William Hill suggest its strong commitment to empowering its customers to manage gambling safely. Their industry initiatives and commitment are vital in achieving safer gambling in the UK. Overall, Safer Gambling Week encourages all operators to take part and be one of the driving forces towards safer gambling and reduce the risk of gambling-related problems.
