Keeping It Fun: Responsible Gambling in the Spotlight

In many ways, the world of sports and betting go hand in hand, with millions of individuals in the UK enjoying a bet to enhance the excitement of the latest action. As with so many things in life - be it alcohol, fast food, or even online shopping - it is essential that gambling is enjoyed responsibly. For many, the ability to place a bet is one of lifes simple pleasures. The majority of bettors suffer no harm or ill-effects from their hobby. However, for a small minority of punters, gambling can - and does - become a problem - with potentially ruinous consequences.

It is estimated that close to 22.5 million UK adults place a bet every month. With the adult population of the UK sitting around the 40 million mark, that means over 56% of adults enjoy a bet - signifying just how widespread and popular the activity has become. Further estimates suggest that 0.40% of UK adults have a gambling problem. That's only a small percentage, but 0.40% of 40 million still equates to 160,000 individuals. Clearly, it is in the best interests of all, that the industry strives to decrease the number of problem gamblers and do everything it can to assist the minority who have a problem.

Recent years have witnessed a greatly increased focus on the issue, with almost all respected bookmakers doing their bit. Whilst a 24/7 year-round endeavour, November sees the issue thrust firmly into the spotlight via the industry-led Responsible Gambling Week.

Responsible Gambling Week

Now in its seventh edition, the 2023 Responsible Gambling Week took place between the 13th and 19th of November. Introduced by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) and the Bingo Association, the initiative has the full support of British Bookmakers and the backing of over 30 Parliamentarians, including Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew and Shadow Gambling Minister Stephanie Peacock, the CEO of the Gambling Commission Andrew Rhodes, and Premier League Football Clubs West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Aimed at highlighting the importance of responsible gambling, and preventing harm, the week saw a multi-channel approach encompassing campaigns on the Social Media giants of X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, whilst many leading bookmakers also ramped up their responsible gambling messaging across online and high-street platforms.

Data released by the BGC suggest that the week's activities were a success in increasing the focus upon and discussion surrounding the issue:

• Over 50 million impressions were registered across X, Facebook, and Instagram – representing a 70% increase from the 2022 figures. -
• Over 500,000 visits to the Safer Gambling Week Website, which signposts help and advice to those who are struggling -

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, summed up the results when stating, “The record numbers for both impressions and website visits show that 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. Thanks to Safer Gambling Week, we can be confident that millions of people are better informed about the ways they can enjoy their hobby even more safely and responsibly, that’s something the entire industry can be proud of.”

Further results released by the BGC also offered encouragement in the area of protecting the young and the vulnerable, with a survey published by the Commission showing that the number of 11-17-year-olds who had been exposed to gambling adverts offline and online in 2023 stood at 55% and 53% respectively - representing a drop from 66% and 63% in 2022.

Advertising Standards Tightened Up

Responsible Gambling Week comes hot on the heels of the September 2023 change to the UK Advertising Code, aimed at increasing Problem Gambling Awareness. Under the new guidelines, at least 20% of all gambling-related advertisements must focus on transmitting a safer gambling message, in addition to all advertisements being specifically aimed at those aged 25 and over. This had already been a required practice for TV and Radio advertising but has now extended to online and digital, including Social Media. All UK operators must demonstrate that a minimum of 20% of their digital advertising spend is dedicated to Responsible Gambling messaging.

Titled the Seventh Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (also known as the IGRG Code) and rubberstamped by the Gambling Commission, the code officially comes into effect on December 1 2023. It is hoped that the new code will help increase engagement with the Social Media platforms. Michael Dugher stated that “BGC Members have already taken significant steps to ensure adverts by our members only reach the right audiences. With more help from the platforms, we can do even more,” and, ”The new edition of the IGRG Code is further evidence of our determination to continue to ensure that standards are rising and are as high as they can possibly be”.

Responsible Gambling Tools and Resources

All of the above will hopefully reinforce the importance of keeping betting fun and gambling responsibly. But for those who do run into problems, various forms of self-help tools and gambling dedicated resources are available.

Self-Help Tools

In an effort to promote responsible gambling, most betting operators have the following tools available.

• Deposit Limits - Set Daily, Weekly, or Monthly limits on how much you can deposit into your betting account
• Time Reminders - Enable Alerts to keep you updated on how much time you have spent on a betting site
• Time Out - Take a Break from gambling for up to 42 Days – you will be unable to access your account during this period.
• Self Exclusion - For a longer break, Self Exclusion is an option. This will usually be for a period of 6 months to 5 years.
• Self Exclusion - Alternatively, most sites enable you to permanently close your account.

Resources

For those who are in need of help or know someone who is struggling with a gambling problem, the following services are dedicated to the cause:

• Gamcare - www.gamcare.org.uk
• National Gambling Helpline - 0808 8020 133
• Gamblers Anonymous - www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Better Change - www.better-change.org
• GambleAware - www.begambleaware.org

You might also be interested in:

Online Gambling Behaviour UK

UK Gambling Commission Partners with Twitter to Limit Gambling Content

Social and Economic Impact of Gambling