Responsible Gambling Week 2018 - Let's Talk About Responsible Gambling

Pavlos Sideris
by Pavlos Sideris Last updated:

Responsible Gambling Week 2018

Responsible Gambling Week is upon us in the UK and Ireland, going by the motto ‘Let’s talk about responsible gambling’.

It’s supported by well-known casino operators, like Tombola, Betfair, PartyCasino, Grosvenor Casino, King Jack Casino and Trada Casino, plus providers, like NetEnt, Microgaming and IGT.

Responsible Gambling Week is only in its second year in the UK, so it’s an early opportunity to educate players and those in the gambling industry, on all we can do to promote healthy, safe and moral practices.

About Responsible Gaming Week

The ultimate objective of Responsible Gambling Week is to raise awareness amongst customers and the general public alike of:-

  • How to gamble responsibly
  • The tools that are available to help individuals gamble responsibly
  • Where to find more information, help and support for those who need it

Gambling is an activity that is meant to be fun, and is indeed enjoyed by many responsibly. However, due to the fact it offers a chance to win money and often substantial amounts, there is a clear distinction between gambling and other forms of gaming or entertainment. This difference arguably makes it more fun, but it also makes it risky.

Responsible Gambling Week aims to raise awareness amongst players, parents, friends and family members that, if they choose to gamble, they should understand the risks involved and treat it as a form of paid entertainment where no profitable outcome is guaranteed. Different games have different odds, but the odds of all games and bets are in favour of the house or bookmaker (that's how they make their money). Players should understand the odds and rules of every game they play, to be sure they are making an informed decision rather than a spontaneous, or in some cases, reckless decision. Players should have limits and stick to them both in terms of time and money spent playing. Gambling is not an investment, nor is it a way to make money. Chasing losses, or putting gambling before yourself and others are signs of problem gambling. Don't chase losses - accept that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose - it's about the entertainment, winning is just a bonus that sometimes comes with it.

For more advice about gambling responsibly visit the BeGambleAware.org website. If you need help, would like to talk to someone or learn more about the signs of problem gambling, get in touch with GamCare who also have a self-assessment tool for those who aren't ready to talk. You can also call the National Gambling Helpline for free on 0808 8020 133.

BeGambleAware offer counselling, so if you feel your gambling is spiralling out of control or you’re suffering similar problems, you can discuss your concerns confidentially with a non-judgemental professional.

The Event

Ireland gets on board

It’s an extra special event this year, because it’s the first time Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be involved, joining England, Scotland and Wales.

Ireland has held a responsible gambling week before but this is the first time its authorities have joined forces with the UK.

Sharon Boyne, Chairperson of the Irish Bookmakers Association, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling and joining their Responsible Gambling Week. Merging both campaigns can only help to increase the impact and reach of the campaign and ensure maximum coverage for the week.”

Insights from experts

During the week – from 1st to 7th November  – various topics will be discussed and explained, such as tools to facilitate responsible gambling, where you can find more information on the subject, places for advice and insights from industry experts.

There will also be cooperation from gambling venues, who will promote the event with posters, leaflets and banners, at physical locations and online.

There’s all sorts going on

It’s amazing how well-supported this annual initiative is becoming – this time, even professional football clubs, like Crystal Palace, Exeter City and Middlesbrough are taking part.

English Premier League club Crystal Palace and GambleAware have enjoyed a partnership since April 2018 and the Eagles showed their commitment to the cause in their recent match versus Arsenal.

Palace’s kits are sponsored by betting site Manbetx. The club’s chairman, Steve Parish, said: “As a Premier League club, we recognise our responsibility of helping promote safe and responsible gambling.

“I’m pleased that Crystal Palace are the first [Premier League] club to form a partnership with GambleAware, and I hope we can play a part in raising awareness about their service and help those individuals who need support.”

Big operators are joining in

GVC Holdings, owners of PartyCasino, Coral, Ladbrokes and many more, recently announced their commitment to responsible gambling initiatives, such as a pre-watershed ban of gambling advertising around live sports. Plus, PartyCasino’s website is displaying the Responsible Gambling Week banner to promote the event.

Moreover, this October, Paddy Power launched its own gambling initiative in Romania. The mischievous gambling company is working with Cluj tech event Techsylvania and investors Risky Business on a start-up accelerator programme, called Alpha Hub, to tackle responsible gambling challenges.

“The responsible gambling concept is one of our key priorities,” said Rob Smith, head of Alpha Hub at Paddy Power Betfair.

Follow what's happening

You can follow the goings-on at Responsible Gambling Week on Facebook and Twitter @RGWeek18 and using #RGWeek18.

At NoWagering.com, we’re proud to get involved with Responsible Gambling Week and play a part in making the gambling industry, including bonuses and wagering requirements, more transparent and fair, so there’s a more level playing surface between operators and players, and players receive the service and support they expect and deserve.

We hope you enjoy RGWeek18 and please remember to always gamble responsibly.

Pavlos Sideris
by Pavlos Sideris Last updated:

Pavlos has enjoyed playing casino games since he was tall enough to stand at a fruit machine. With over 10 years’ experience in the industry he’s been around long enough to remember when flash games and downloadable casinos were as good as it gets!