Safer Gambling Week is a cross-industry initiative that takes place across the UK and Ireland from Monday November 18 to Sunday November 24, 2024.
For those seven days, bookmakers place an increased emphasis on the Safer Gambling tools they offer to help customers bet responsibly throughout the year.
Safer Gambling Week
This is the seventh annual Safer Gambling Week, when bookies and betting sites send messages about responsible gambling online and in betting shops.
The objective is to create an environment in which bettors can be open about gambling and those who may no longer be punting responsibly can receive the necessary assistance.
Gambling responsibly
Betting and gaming operators actively promote Safer Gambling throughout the year, not just during this week.
They use various tools – including deposit limits, timeouts and self-exclusion from services – to assist individuals in managing their gambling responsibly.
This week presents the opportunity for bookmakers to showcase their available Safer Gambling tools, as well as provide additional support to those who may be struggling with gambling-related problems.
The ultimate goal is to facilitate open conversations about gambling and encourage people from all walks of life to seek help and support when they need it.
Signs of responsible gambling
It is important to understand and be able to identify the various forms of problem gambling because it is an addiction that can manifest in different ways.
Setting time and monetary limits before engaging in gambling is advisable for maintaining control and preventing the urge to chase losses.
It is important to refrain from gambling when feeling upset, angry or disappointed. In such situations, people are encouraged to reach out for support through the National Gambling Helpline, whose contact information is provided below.
Responsible gambling tools
Bookmakers have various Safer Gambling tools that can help you control your habits. These include time and deposit limits that help you to manage how much money you deposit with gambling sites.
You also have the option to self-exclude from bookmakers as well as block gambling websites from your browser so they are inaccessible.
A further step is the option to limit the gambling content you see on other parts of the web as well as contacting your bank to block you from making payments to gambling sites.
What can you do if you are concerned about your gambling?
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 802 0133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites (Northern Ireland, call 0800 088 6725; Ireland, call 1800 936 725).