Safer Gambling Week 2021 Begins...

As we all know gambling can quite quickly turn from a fun past time to an addiction or a very costly expense. Safer gambling week now in its third year has set out to action three key points during its run this year from the 1st to the 7th of November and drive awareness to these points;

• To show people how to gamble more safely;

• The tools that are available to help people gamble safely all year round

• Provide sources of more advice and support.

Once again, this year’s event will see a blitz of safer gambling messages both online and in land-based venues casinos and bingo halls, sparking a nationwide conversation on how to bet responsibly. The campaign and the Gambling Commission is calling on all affiliates to use there influence and audience reach as "For some customers, affiliates are their first point of contact with gambling operators. So, if affiliates are to continue to have a significant role in the industry, they must develop clear policies in relation to social responsibility and safer gambling" John Hagan, Chairman for Safer Gambling Week told us. With last years campaign being seen by 19 million gamblers across social media a 19% rise we are more than happy and responsible enough to use our platform to demonstrate their action points this year.

How To Gamble Safely

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose

• Set a limit for the amount of time you will play for

• Remember gambling should never be seen as a way to make money

• Don't let gambling interfere with your personal relationships

• Try not to replicate bet sizes seen by some affiliates or marketers

The Tools Available

• https://taketimetothink.co.uk/ Can help you create deposit limits, time limits and set cool down periods

• https://www.gamcare.org.uk/news-and-blog/blog/what-do-we-mean-by-affordability/ Can help you understand your personal affordability for gambling

• https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/i-want-to-know-how-to-block-gambling-transactions Will stop gambling transactions through your bank directly

• https://gamban.com/ Self exclusion to stop yourself gambling entirely

Sources of more advice and support

• If you or somebody you know is struggling with gambling you can reach out By telephone - FREE on 0808 8020 133

• Via online chat with GamCare https://www.gamcare.org.uk/

• Visit the National Gambling Treatment Service at https://www.begambleaware.org/

Rates of problem gambling have been steadily dropping throughout the years and being knowledgeable and understanding the tools available if gambling is negatively impacting your life, will help reduce the stigma attached to problem gambling and make it an easier conversation to have. Safer Gambling week runs until the 07/11/2021 this year and hopefully achieves all its goals in spreading awareness of safer gambling not just this week but year round.