October 17th - 23rd is Safer Gambling Week in the UK

Safer Gambling Week is a special cross-industry initiative headed by Safer Gambling UK. It invites players to talk about their gambling habits and to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools to take control and gamble more safely. 

Key Points of Safer Gambling Week

The campaign will focus on a number of key parameters to help players in the UK, and Northern Ireland enjoys online gambling responsibly. These include setting limits on spending, and they point out that over 400,000 players do this every month.

It's also made clear that gambling is not a way to make consistent money, Players may get lucky now and then, but that's just what it is - luck. No-one should gamble with money needed for essentials, such as food, rent, or bills. It's purely a fun pastime and players should only stake money that they can afford to lose.

The organisation also promotes the option to take a break. Anyone who feels they have an addiction to gambling can self-exclude from approved sites and give themselves time away from online gambling.

Clearly, friends and family should take preference over gambling. Part of the campaign is making players aware that they should enjoy their time away from sports betting, casinos, Poker, or Bingo. 

Know the Warning Signs

The Safer Gambling Week website carries a comprehensive list of warning signs. These include spending more than affordable on gambling, arguing with friends and family about it, having gambling always on your mind, and borrowing or selling possessions to fund the habit.

The UK online gambling market is well-regulated, and all licensed operators have links to gambling support services such as GamCare. Land-based operators will also have advice, leaflets, and helpful staff available.

Take Action

Players are guided towards helplines and other services. GamCare offers an online forum and chatrooms. Players can also self-help with a number of proven tools, such as setting gambling limits, blocking gambling sites, or blocking gambling payments with their banks.

The National Gambling Helpline is a free service, and players in the UK and Northern Ireland can get help 24/7 with a call to 0808 8020 133. In the Irish Republic, the Dunleway Substance Abuse Center offers an equivalent service on 1800 936 725 9am-11pm, 7 days a week. Other options include the Gambling Awareness Trust and Gambling Care.

The UK Safer Gambling Week starts on October 17th and is there to raise awareness of the signs of problem gambling and the help available.