Responsible Gambling Week 2019 is just around the corner; a public campaign that aims to open up conversation around gambling and what it means to be ‘responsible’.
Held during the first week of November, this initiative will work hard to promote gambling tactics and tools to ensure gambling is just two things; safe and fun.
The headline theme of the week will be ‘Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling’, inviting businesses and individuals from every corner of the gambling industry to pass comment and contribute.
Created by The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG), the organisation has formed links with various associations and trade bodies for their cross-industry campaign. These include the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB); British Amusement Machine Association (BACTA); The Bingo Association (BA); National Casino Forum (NCF); and Remote Gambling Association (RGA).
All sharing the same objective of raising awareness, this year’s Week has seen the support of various sports clubs, betting sites, casino brands and corporate enterprises; illustrating just how important eradicating problem gambling is.
Middlesbrough
Championship club, Middlesbrough, has this week thrown its support behind 2019’s Responsible Gambling Week, donating advertising space in match-day programmes, on screens and various social channels throughout the week. Reinforcing the message of the campaign, Middlesbrough will be telling fans the following:
Only spend what you can afford.
Set your limits for time and money.
Gambling is not the answer to any problem.
Gambling when angry or upset is not a good idea.
Gambling shouldn’t interfere with your personal relationships
John Hagan, chairman of the IGRG, commented:
“We are delighted that Boro will be supporting Responsible Gambling Week. We want to take the message about safer gambling even further this year, and are confident this will be our biggest campaign yet.
“The continued engagement and support of football clubs is enormously helpful in highlighting the week, and triggering a national conversation about what it means to gamble responsibly throughout the year.”
The Racecourse Association (RCA)
Another organisation pledging their allegiance to the campaign is The Racecourse Association (RCA).
Ensuring the ethos of the campaign is promoted to the widest possible audience, The Racecourse Association will be promoting positive gambling messages on race days, showcasing advice, assistance and support to its visitors and customers.
Paul Swain, the RCA’s Brand & Experience Manager, commented:
“The RCA is once again proud to be a supporter of Responsible Gambling Week.
“Almost six million racegoers attended a British Racecourse in the last year which demonstrates the scale of the sport’s outreach. Placing a bet is an integral part of the race-day experience for many patrons—the Responsible Gambling Week campaign allows us to signpost important messaging about doing this responsibly and spark national conversation around the topic.”
Administration of Gambling on Tracks (AGT)
The AGT will also be backing what is expected to be the most successful Responsible Gambling Week to date.
The AGT is responsible for the administration of racecourse bookmakers and the conduct of on-course betting.
Wanting to trigger a national conversation through its communication platforms, they are proud to put their name to this national campaign, receiving a great deal of kudos from the racing community for doing so.
This should go a long way in promoting the benefits of responsible gambling amongst horse racing fans and betting organisations alike.
Take a Break Bingo
As a corner of the industry that has been criticised heavily for encouraging irresponsible gambling, it is great to see bingo brands joining in with Responsible Gambling Week 2019.
One bingo business eager to be associated with the campaign is Take a Break Bingo.
“We’re proudly supporting Responsible Gambling Week between 1st and 7th November to raise awareness around Responsible Gambling, promote the tools that we have available to keep gambling safe and fun and to guide people to help and support that need it” the bingo brand comments.
According to Take a Break Bingo, they will be focusing on the promotion of their responsible gambling tools, encouraging bingo players to explore their deposit limit, self-exclusion, reality check and cool off period features.
And, they are not the only bingo brand showing their support, with SkyBet Bingo expected to play a prominent role in this year’s activities.
The Dunlewey Centre
The Dunlewey Centre, a gambling addiction service, will be illustrating its support for Responsible Gambling Week, running a variety of workshops to aid problem gamblers back to health. These include.
1st November 2018: GlenRoyal Hotel, Maynooth, 7pm
2nd November 2018: Clayton Hotel, Steamboat Quay, Limerick, 7pm
5th November 2018: The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-On-Shannon, Leitrim, 7pm
Betaid and responsible Gambling
Here at Betaid, we are fully supportive of this year’s Responsible Gambling Week, excited to see what impact this year’s campaign will have on both the gambling industry as we as gamblers themselves.
If you are struggling with a gambling issue or are seeking advice for someone who is, take a look at our various blog posts and safe gambling guides.
Alternatively, compare the gambling support networks, charities and initiatives on offer in the UK via our homepage.
