Safer Gambling Week: What It Means for You

Safer Gambling Week is back from 18th to 24th November 2024, giving us all a timely nudge to keep our gaming experience on the safe side. With plenty of tools to try and tips to learn, it's a perfect opportunity to check our habits and ensure we enjoy a safe and fun game. 

So, grab your cuppa, and let's dive into the history of this campaign, what it means for you, and the handy tools we offer to keep things light and balanced.

What's Safer Gambling Week all about?

Started back in 2017, Safer Gambling Week brings together gambling operators, charities, and organisations across the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of responsible gambling. The goal? To help players enjoy gaming safely and sensibly.  

You know the saying, "Better safe than sorry". This initiative promotes just that by offering support, insights, and resources to keep gambling light-hearted and in control. 

This year's campaign is all about knowledge and empowerment — giving players the tools to stay in charge of their game.

A quick look at the history

Safer Gambling Week, originally known as Responsible Gambling Week, was first launched by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) in 2017 to promote responsible gambling awareness. Initially, the campaign focused on educating players and setting the foundation for safe practices, mainly within the industry. 

Over time, it's grown into a broader initiative, encouraging everyone – operators, organisations, and players – to get involved. 

Now in its seventh year, Safer Gambling Week not only highlights responsible gaming but also provides practical tips and tools to help players make well-informed choices. It's a collaborative effort to keep things fair and enjoyable across the board, whether you're betting on the horses or playing bingo online.

Why Responsible Gambling matters

For many of us, a cheeky bingo game or the excitement of a quick slot spin is just a bit of fun. But when it comes to any form of gaming, moderation is key. Responsible gambling is all about staying within your limits and keeping things light-hearted. It means setting boundaries, understanding your limits, and knowing when it's time to call it a day. 

Safer gambling is also about mental well-being. Gambling should be something you enjoy and walk away from with a smile, not a source of stress. Safer Gambling Week aims to keep things balanced, so the fun always comes first.

Useful tools for Safer Gambling

This week isn't just about raising awareness; it's about providing tools you can use! At Jackpotjoy, we offer a great range of responsible gambling tools designed to make keeping track a piece of cake: 

• Deposit Limits – Fancy setting a daily, weekly, or monthly budget? Deposit limits help you keep an eye on your spending so that you can relax and enjoy your games without going overboard. Log in and get started. 
• Session Reminders – It's all too easy to lose track of time in the joy, so these friendly reminders pop up to keep you aware of your session length and remind you to enjoy some fresh air outside or take your doggy for a quick walk. 
•  Session Limits: Want to keep track of your playtime? With our session limits you can set a maximum time for your gaming sessions. Once the time runs out, your session will automatically end, and you won't be able to play again until it resets. Keep in mind, you can't increase your limit during an active period, and our Customer Support Team won't be able to override it. 
• Account Cool-off & Self-Exclusion: If you ever feel you need a longer break, our self-exclusion and account cool-off options let you pause your account for a set period. Think of it as taking a breather – step back and come back when you're ready. 
• Access to Support Organisations – Jackpotjoy also connects you with external organisations, such as GamCare and GambleAware, making it simple to reach out if you ever need a bit of extra support. 

And remember, our friendly chat hosts are always on hand to provide support too. Trained in responsible gambling, they're available to help answer questions, offer guidance, or simply have a friendly chat to keep your gaming experience light-hearted and safe. Don't be shy; our chat hosts are just a message away if you need a helping hand!

Making the most of Safer Gambling Week

Whether you're a casual or a seasoned player, Safer Gambling Week is a great time to review your habits. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement, but a few quick checks can help keep everything balanced. Here are a few ways to join in this year: 

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It 

Just as you would with a day out or a bit of shopping, decide how much you're comfortable spending and stick to it. When you've hit that number, call it a day – there’s always next time! 

2. Take Advantage of Jackpotjoy's RG Tools 

Don't be shy about using the RG tools we offer – they're here to help keep you on the right track, with gentle reminders and flexible settings to suit you. 

3. Know When to Call It a Day 

If it's all feeling a bit too much, take a break. Whether you're up, down, or somewhere in between, a short time-out can be the best way to keep things in perspective. 

4. Keep a Sense of Balance 

Remember that gambling is meant to be a bit of lighthearted fun. It's all about the balance, so keep things in proportion – win or lose, it's all part of the game. 

5. Start a Conversation  

Gambling can sometimes feel like a bit of a hush-hush topic, but Safer Gambling Week encourages openness. Chatting openly with friends or family about your habits can help keep things safe and accountable, and you might even learn some new things.

Safer Gambling Week is all about creating a healthier, safer space for gaming, ensuring it’s an activity you can enjoy without worry. Our responsible gambling tools can help you keep things as fun and carefree as they should be, and we're always a click away if you need a bit of extra support.  

So, as Safer Gambling Week rolls around, take a moment to reflect on your gaming habits, try out a new tool or two, and see how they fit. Knowing you're in control means you can relax and enjoy the excitement of the game. 

Here's to happy and safe gaming! 

Don't forget to explore our latest blogs to stay up to date with Jackpotjoy news, releases, and handy tips about your favourite games.