European Safer Gambling Week 2023 Breaks Records in Promoting Safer Gambling Across Europe
November 27, 2023
The recently concluded European Safer Gambling Week, held from November 13 to 19, witnessed an unprecedented surge in engagement and participation, setting new records for safer gambling promotion across 20 European countries. According to an analysis by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), the third edition of this annual event reached new heights, with over 8 million safer gambling messages flooding social media platforms.
A diverse array of stakeholders from various sectors across Europe collaborated to make this year’s initiative a success. The primary goal was to raise awareness about safer gambling practices and offer practical advice to both players and the general public. The event featured a series of engaging activities and a dedicated social media campaign that spanned major platforms, resulting in remarkable levels of participation.
In comparison to previous years, the 2023 campaign saw an impressive increase in engagement, with more than 160 different partners actively involved. These partners included operators, trade associations, harm-prevention organizations, and national gambling authorities. The participation of such a diverse range of entities signals a growing recognition of the significance of promoting safer gambling practices across the continent.
The campaign reached a wider audience than ever before, spanning 20 different countries, and delivered an astounding 8 million safer gambling messages on social media platforms. This marked a substantial 430% increase from the previous year, emphasizing the growing impact and reach of the European Safer Gambling Week.
The messages shared during the campaign aimed to guide players and the public toward practical resources, including safety tools and tips. To enhance accessibility, the messages were translated into over 20 national languages.
In addition to the online campaign, the initiative successfully coordinated 18 local safer gambling-themed events throughout Europe. These events served as valuable platforms for meaningful discussions, providing insights into the latest safer gambling practices, regulations, and research. Industry experts, academics, harm-prevention organizations, experts by experience, and representatives from various national gambling authorities were among the speakers, contributing to a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the week, stating, “We’re pleased to report that this year’s European Safer Gambling Week was a resounding success, setting new records for participation and engagement across Europe. From Spain to Latvia, organizations came together throughout the week with the common purpose of raising awareness about safer gambling.”
Haijer emphasized the increased support and participation from a wide range of stakeholders, attributing it to a growing recognition of the importance of safer gambling practices across Europe. He concluded by affirming EGBA’s commitment to promoting a strong culture of safer gambling and expressed anticipation for building on this momentum in 2024.
