European Safer Gambling Week sets records for safer gambling promotion across Europe
24.11.2023
The 2023 edition of the annual European Safer Gambling Week saw a record 8 million safer gambling messages shared on social media platforms across 20 European countries.
Brussels, 24 November 2023 – The annual European Safer Gambling Week, which took place from 13-19 November, brought together a record number of participants, and led to record levels of safer gambling promotion across many European countries, according to an analysis by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).
Various stakeholders from across Europe supported this year’s initiative to raise awareness about safer gambling and provide practical advice to players and the wider public. This third edition saw a series of engaging events across Europe, alongside a dedicated social media campaign, which covered major platforms[1] and saw unprecedented levels of participation and engagement.
More than 160 different partners actively participated, including many operators, trade associations,[2] harm-prevention organisations, and national gambling authorities, signifying a notable increase in participation compared to the previous year. The campaign spanned 20 different countries,[3] more than ever before, and delivered a record 8 million safer gambling messages[4] to social media audiences, marking a massive 430% increase from 2022. These messages helped to signpost practical resources, such as safety tools and tips, to players and the wider public, and were translated into over 20 national languages to improve their accessibility.
The initiative also saw the successful coordination of 18 local safer gambling-themed events throughout Europe. These events providing a valuable platform for meaningful discussions and insights into the latest safer gambling practices, regulation, and research. Speakers included industry experts, academics, harm-prevention organisations, experts by experience, and representatives from various national gambling authorities.
“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, organisations came together throughout the week with the common purpose of raising awareness about safer gambling. We’re encouraged by the increased participation and support from a range of stakeholders this year and we believe this reflects a growing recognition of the importance of safer gambling across Europe. At EGBA, we’re committed to promoting a strong culture of safer gambling, and the discussions we had during the week will help set our agenda for the next year. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum in 2024.” – Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA.
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[1] Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).
[2] AFJEL – L’Association Française du Jeu en Ligne (France); AOJND – Asociația Organizatorilor de Jocuri de Noroc la Distanță (Romania); APAJO – Associação Portuguesa de Apostas e Jogos Online (Portugal); BAGO – Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (Belgium); BGAA – Bulgarian Gambling Association (Bulgaria); BGC – Betting and Gaming Council (UK); BOS – Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (Sweden); EGBA – European Gaming and Betting Association (Europe); DOCV – Deutsche Online Casinoverband (Germany); GBGA – Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (Gibraltar); IBA – Irish Bookmakers Association (Ireland); IBIA – International Betting Integrity Association (International); iGEN – iGaming Executives Network (Malta); JDigital – Asociación Española de Juego Digital (Spain); LiAB – Latvian Interactive Gambling Association (Latvia); NBO – Norsk Bransjeforening for Onlinespill (Norway); NOGA – the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (Netherlands); Rahapeliala – Rahapeliala Ry (Finland); Spillebranchen (Denmark).
[3] The 20 countries were: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden.
[4] Based on social media impressions.
About EGBA
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is the Brussels-based trade association representing the leading online gambling operators established, licensed, and regulated within the EU, including bet365, Betsson Group, Entain, Flutter, Kindred Group, and 888 William Hill, while Aircash is an associate member. EGBA works together with national and EU authorities and other stakeholders towards a well-regulated and well-channelled online gambling market which provides a high level of consumer protection and takes account of the realities of the internet and online consumer demand. EGBA member companies meet rigorous regulatory standards and collectively hold 267 online gambling licenses, serving 31.2 million customers across 22 different European countries. They represent approximately one-third of Europe’s online gambling gross gaming revenue (GGR).