From 1st to 7th November, Safer Gambling Week is an industry initiative to raise awareness and promote discussion with customers, staff and the wider public about safer gambling.
Gambling is a unique form of entertainment that’s widely enjoyed by many. However, due to the nature of the product being offered, gambling can be harmful and people should be fully informed of the potential dangers associated with playing games of chance for money.
Responsible gambling is about being aware of the risks and making sure you are safeguarding yourself, family and friends from gambling harm. The Safer Gambling Week specifically aims to increase knowledge around:
- How to gamble more safely.
- Use the tools that are available to help people gamble safely all year round.
- Offer professional sources of helpful advice and support.
Whatever your choice of gambling pastime, a responsible gambling system should include setting and sticking to financial limits to avoid overstretching your disposable income. A number of tools should be readily available at your chosen platform to prevent your enjoyment from turning into one of worry, regret or financial hardship.
Online casinos licenced by the UKGC are legislated to provide customisable daily, weekly and monthly deposit limits, timely reminders and, ultimately, facilities to curb addiction by placing a block on your account and self-exclude from gambling for a set period of time.
Free services such as GAMSTOP are helpful tools for restricting online gambling activities. Users are prevented from using apps and websites run by companies licenced in Great Britain for a selected period of time. Safer Gambling Week is supported by the new message from the UK Gambling Industry, ‘Take Time To Think’ and will help increase the public consciousness of programs in place to offer help and support.
If you or anyone you know enjoys gambling, make them aware of some of the charitable organisations and support methods on hand. After all, prevention is always better than cure.
If in the United Kingdom:
- Contact the National Gambling Treatment Service by visiting: www.BeGambleAware.org
- Visit www.gamcare.org.uk
- Or Freephone: National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
If in Ireland:
- Visit Dunlewy Substance Advice Centre: www.GamblingCare.ie
- Or Freephone: Ireland 1800 936 725 or Northern Ireland 08000 886 725
Take Time To Think & Gamble Responsibly
Team GMBLRS