Safer Gambling Week prompts rise in use of safer gambling tools; 18% increase in number of deposit limits in 2023

New figures show a significant increase in the use of safer gambling tools during Safer Gambling Week. Analysis of last year's campaign revealed the number of deposit limits set during SG Week increased by 18% compared to the same month in 2022. Meanwhile, 54% of players setting deposit limits did so for the first time.

Furthermore, the number of players actively setting a reality check during SGW rose by over 300% for the second year in a row, with the use of maximum stake limits also increasing by over 300% during SG Week 2023. Deposit limits were set by 83,242 unique account holders, an increase of 12.5% from the previous year. 

Safer Gambling Week 2023 also achieved a new social media record, generating over 50 million impressions across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Data released following last year’s campaign, which ran from November 13 to 19, revealed a 70% increase from 2022, when Safer Gambling Week messaging was displayed on major social media sites nearly 30 million times.

Safer Gambling Week is an annual cross-sector initiative bringing together the UK and Irish regulated betting and gaming industry, including bookmakers, amusement arcades, bingo clubs, casinos, and online gaming operators with charities and stakeholders to encourage safe and responsible play.

The initiative was backed by a large number of cross-party senior MPs, including Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew, and several shadow ministers including Shadow Gambling Minister Stephanie Peacock. This event also had the full support of the independent regulator, the Gambling Commission, and its Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes.

Michael Dugher

Michael Dugher, BGC CEO and Acting Chair, said: "These new figures show Safer Gambling Week continues to be a powerful advert for increasing use of safer gambling tools in the regulated industry. Millions of customers now use safer gambling tools including deposit limits and timeouts. This is a pillar of the regulated industry and is in marked contrast to the unsafe, unregulated, and growing online gambling black market, which provides no safer gambling support, contributes zero tax, and does not support sport." 

"Our members promote these tools all year round, but a single dedicated week, bringing together the whole sector alongside huge support from cross-party MPs, from the Government and the independent regulator the Gambling Commission, really turbocharges that work - and these figures show it makes a real difference. The record numbers for both impressions and use of safer gambling tools show the industry has never been more committed to ensuring the many millions who enjoy a regular flutter continue to do so in a safe and responsible environment," he concluded.

The initiative, which ran for its seventh year, also received half a million visits to the Safer Gambling Week website which signposts help and advice for those who may be struggling as well as offering advice on safer gambling tools like deposit limits and time outs.

Among the well-known football clubs to support Safer Gambling Week 2023 were Premier League sides West Ham United and Brighton as well as EFL sides Southampton, Middlesborough and Blackpool, with the latter displaying the Safer Gambling Week logo on their shirt for their League One clash with Shrewsbury Town.

According to the Betting and Gaming Council, Safer Gambling Week aims to kickstart a national conversation between staff, customers, and their friends and family, about safer gambling, as well as highlight the range of tools that are available to help people stay in control of their betting.

This year's Safer Gambling Week 2024 will take place from November 18-24.