Member Article

BRITISH AND IRISH INDUSTRIES UNITE TO SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING WEEK 2018

The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) has announced that Responsible Gambling Week 2018 will take place from 1st - 7th November and that, for the first time, organisations and businesses from Ireland and Northern Ireland will join those from Great Britain in supporting the event.

The IGRG brings together every sector of the gambling industry through its member trade associations, covering online, amusement arcades, bingo clubs, bookmakers and casinos: all with the common objective of raising awareness of responsible gambling behaviours and encouraging staff, customers and the wider public to discuss what it means to gamble responsibly.

The headline theme of the Week will be Let’s Talk About Responsible Gambling. By coming together with one voice, the industry is able extend its reach and ensure that the message of responsible gambling connects with the widest possible audience.

Encouraged by the success of the inaugural Responsible Gambling Week, held in 2017, which encompassed more than 10,000 gambling venues and online sites, 120,000 employees across Great Britain and created more than 10 million impressions on social media, the IGRG is seeking to build on the excellent results and take the campaign further in 2018. In Ireland, the initiative will be supported by more than 800 bookmakers shops and head offices, involving around 5,500 staff, and by the Arcades Association, the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland and both the Irish Greyhound and Horse Racing Tote.

A new website has been created and contains information about the Week, its supporters, responsible gambling and where to find further help and information. The website provides a central resource and information point for customers, the general public, staff and supporting organisations, in addition to providing information and material for the media. Social channels for Responsible Gambling Week 2018 are also active on Facebook and Twitter: RGWeek18

Operators promote responsible gambling 365 days of the year, but Responsible Gambling Week creates the opportunity for businesses to start a conversation about how to keep gambling fun and safe, not only with their customers, but also with their friends and families.

John Hagan, Chairman of the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling, said: “Social responsibility is fundamental to the gambling industry’s approach, and we are all dedicated, year-round, to promoting responsible gambling. But what makes Responsible Gambling Week special is that the whole industry is united and engaged, and we are pleased that this hugely positive collaboration extends to working with the Irish industry this year too.

Responsible Gambling Week 2018 seeks once again to call upon and harness the collective networks, venues and staff of all gambling sectors. For 2018, we will be seeking to broaden the Week’s base of supporters and make use of communication networks, both traditional and digital, to have a conversation with a wider audience and raise awareness, continuing the “Let’s talk” theme of 2017.”

Sharon Byrne, Chairperson of the Irish Bookmakers Association, said:

“We are delighted to be partnering with the IGRG and joining their Responsible Gambling Week in November. Following our very successful Responsible Gambling Week here in Ireland last February, it is a logical and progressive step to join forces with the UK campaign.”

“The week is all about having that conversation, raising awareness on gambling responsibly, and on how to access help or support for those who need it. Merging both campaigns can only help to increase the impact and reach of the campaign and ensure maximum coverage for the week”.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by James Oliver .