Reflecting on the development and achievements of European Safer Gambling Week fills us with pride. Introduced in 2021, this annual initiative has gone from strength to strength, reaching new heights in its efforts to promote safer gambling across Europe. Last year marked its third edition, and the overwhelming support and engagement it received were significant milestones in EGBA’s ongoing efforts to foster a strong culture of safer gambling in Europe.

Last year’s campaign, supported by over 160 partners including operators, trade associations, harm-prevention organisations, and national gambling authorities, saw a remarkable increase in participation. What began as a localised initiative has now evolved into a truly pan-European movement, with activities spanning 20 countries, underscoring the increasing recognition of the importance of safer gambling across the sector.

A standout achievement from the last edition was the sharing of a record 8 million messages across social media platforms to promote safer play, representing a 430% increase from the previous year. These messages not only raised awareness about safer gambling but also provided invaluable resources and practical advice to players and the public. Translations in over 20 languages enhanced the accessibility of these messages, ensuring broader reach and impact across Europe’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes.

Additionally, the initiative facilitated 18 local events dedicated to enhancing discussions on safer gambling. These gatherings served as vital platforms for industry experts, academics, harm-prevention advocates, and regulatory bodies to exchange insights and best practices. They covered the latest developments in safer gambling research, regulatory initiatives, and effective player protection strategies, emphasising the multi-faceted nature of the initiative.

European Safer Gambling Week is more than just a week-long event – it reinforces a strong culture of safer gambling that resonates throughout the year. By equipping players with knowledge and tools, it enables players to make informed choices and encourages operators to think critically about their player protection strategies. The initiative also fosters ongoing discussions about research gaps and the role of regulatory frameworks in player protection. While it serves as a crucial platform to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders for these crucial discussions once a year, these discussions continue long after the week is over.

Looking ahead, the fourth edition is scheduled for November 18-24, 2024, and we invite all sector stakeholders to join us in advancing the shared responsibility of promoting safer gambling. This year, we aim to build on its successes by surpassing last year’s record for safer messages shared, expanding its reach to cover even more countries, and engaging a greater number of participants than ever before. We encourage stakeholders to participate by organising local events, conducting new research initiatives, or joining our social media campaign to raise awareness about safer play.

At EGBA, we are inspired by the progress made so far and by the dedication of our partners, particularly our members, to the success of this initiative. Without cooperation across the sector, none of this would be possible.

For more information on how to get involved in the 2024 European Safer Gambling Week and help us foster an even stronger culture of safer gambling in Europe, please reach out to us. Join us in our efforts to drive positive change and foster a sustainable future for the sector and its players.

By Barry Magee, Senior Communications Manager, EGBA.