The core principle of any good casino night out is safety, and thankfully there are a number of safer gambling initiatives available to UK residents to help them gamble sensibly. We’ve selected four of the best safer gambling initiatives to enhance your betting experience online and in casinos:
Safer Gambling Week
Safer Gambling Week is an initiative aimed at enhancing awareness of and advocating for responsible gambling practices. Spearheaded by the Betting and Gaming Council, Bacta, the Lotteries Council, and the Bingo Association, this event underscores the protective measures implemented by the regulated industry, standing in stark contrast to the unlicensed black market.
Throughout the week, a barrage of safer gambling messages will inundate online platforms and brick-and-mortar establishments, igniting a nationwide dialogue on responsible gambling.
The newly launched Safer Gambling Week website encourages individuals to engage in discussions and adopt responsible betting behaviors. It presents a series of prompts to contemplate and promotes the use of safer gambling tools such as setting time and deposit constraints, along with procedures for self-exclusion from gambling activities.
The core message of the campaign emphasises:
- Setting personal limits is beneficial.
- Gambling should not be viewed as a means of financial gain.
- Taking breaks is advantageous.
- Prioritising relationships with friends and family over gambling activities is crucial.
Additionally, the week promotes the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, which offers round-the-clock assistance at no charge, every day of the week.
Responsible Advertising
Embracing a socially responsible approach to advertising and marketing is critical for ensuring that gambling is as safe as possible. There has been a robust crackdown aimed at preventing individuals under the age of 18 from accessing betting ads online. The revised Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising mandates that members of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) must target all social media ads exclusively at consumers aged 25 and above, unless they can demonstrate precise targeting capabilities for individuals over 18. Ads for betting on search engines must explicitly indicate that they are intended for those over 18, accompanied by safer gambling messages. Moreover, only YouTube users logged into age-verified accounts will encounter betting ads, and BGC members are required to frequently share responsible gambling messages on their Twitter accounts.
Lastly, stringent new regulations have been implemented to address concerns regarding the use of VIP schemes by betting operators. In collaboration with the Gambling Commission, the Betting and Gaming Council has devised a stringent new code of conduct aimed at tightening the operational protocols of these schemes. Under the updated guidelines, customers must undergo thorough scrutiny before enrollment, with continuous monitoring of their betting behavior. Senior management must oversee these programs, ensuring full transparency in their operation. Access to VIP schemes will be restricted for individuals under the age of 25, and operators are prohibited from incentivising customers based on losses.
Self-Exclusion Schemes
Self-exclusion involves requesting one or more gambling companies to prohibit you from engaging in gambling activities with them for a specified duration, typically ranging from 6 months to 5 years. This entails being unable to gamble at their physical locations, websites, or apps. By law, gambling companies are obligated to provide the option for self-exclusion.
Many individuals perceive self-exclusion from gambling as a constructive measure in regaining control over their gambling habits. It often results in reduced time and money spent on gambling, along with mitigated negative emotions associated with it.
For bricks-and-mortar casinos, SENSE facilitates self-exclusion from all land-based UK Casinos. You can initiate the process in person at any participating casino, where a manager will assist you in completing a digital application form. Alternatively, you can submit an application form via email to: info@sensescheme.com.
MOSES streamlines the self-exclusion process for multiple betting shops through a single call to 0800 294 2060. It is advisable to select venues in proximity to your residence, workplace, or other frequented locations.
In the realm of online gambling, GAMSTOP offers a complimentary application that bars you from logging into or establishing accounts with operators licensed in Great Britain. Registration options include 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years, catering exclusively to residents of the UK and Northern Ireland.
For Bingo Halls, the BISES scheme enables self-exclusion from licensed land-based bingo premises across the UK, with the quickest method being at your local bingo club. If you desire to self-exclude from arcades, simply approach the venue and request assistance. They possess the capability to exclude you from their premises as well as those within a 1km radius. To extend the exclusion to other venues, contact the BACTA scheme at 020 3930 9769.
Gambling Blocking Software
Blocking software refers to downloadable applications for smartphones, tablets, or computers that restrict access to websites or online services. There are two main categories of such software: specialised software tailored to block only gambling websites, and generic software intended to block a variety of websites, allowing users to set permissions or parental controls.
Additionally, some devices and internet service providers offer built-in restriction settings, eliminating the need for separate software downloads. For further information on these options, individuals can reach out to their retailer or service provider directly.
Various tools like gamban.com, gamblock.com, betfilter.com, betblocker.org, and netnanny.com are available to limit exposure to gambling services. However, it’s worth noting that some of these services may require payment for usage.
Gamble Safely With Shaftesbury Casino
Gambling should be fun, safe, and experienced in moderation – with these safer gambling initiatives, all gamblers can ensure that both online and in bricks-and-mortar locations such as Shaftesbury Casino Dudley and West Bromwich, they think twice before placing their bets. For more information on how to practice safer gambling, explore our Safer Gambling hub to access our advice and resources.
