The annual Responsible Gambling Week will take place between the 1st and 7th of November in the United Kingdom, as well as, for the first time this year, in Ireland. Corporate charitable involvement is up on the whole as well, with over 120 unique organisations now affiliated with the campaign in some way. This is on top of the more than 11,000 gambling venues, both brick & mortar and online, also involved.
The event is spearheaded and hosted by the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling, with a number of major gambling firms offering contributions. Clarion Gaming is running a concurrent Instagram campaign, several venues including William Hill and Aspers as well as Mecca and Cashino, are providing staff and venues, Genting is hosting several fundraising events, and JPJ Group has devoted advertising space in the London Underground.
Several major charities support the event, including GambleAware, the Young Gamblers’ Education Trust, and GamCare, and it’s also backed by the UK Gambling Commission themselves. More information can be obtained at www.responsiblegamblingweek.org.
The week’s slogan is “Let’s Talk About Safer Gaming,” and its emphasis is on furthering open communication and offering practical advice.
Ireland had previously held its own responsible gambling weeks, but this is the first year that the countries will celebrate the event jointly. Over 800 Irish bookmakers’ shops and offices have signed up to support the campaign, as well as the Arcade Association, the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland, and a number of the country’s horse racing industry representatives.
John Hagan, Chairman of the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling, said in a recent statement that “… it is heartening to see the support of leading operators for Responsible Gambling Week. Our aim is to make the event bigger and better than last year, and we are using the collective networks, venues and staff of all gambling sectors, and our digital channels, to reach a wider audience and raise awareness”.
